Items filtered by date: May 2024

Bunions, a foot deformity characterized by a bony bump at the base of the big toe, can cause significant discomfort and hinder mobility. While surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases, incorporating targeted exercises into your routine can help alleviate bunion pain and improve foot function. Toe stretches, where you manually stretch your toes apart and hold for several seconds, can help relieve tension and improve flexibility in the toe joints. Additionally, toe curls using a towel or resistance band can strengthen the muscles that support the arch of the foot, providing better stability and reducing strain on the bunion. Furthermore, exercises, such as toe scrunches and marble pickups, that focus on strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles can help redistribute pressure away from the bunion and promote proper alignment. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Friction blisters on the feet can transform a pleasant stroll into a painful ordeal. These irritating nuisances arise from repeated rubbing against the skin, causing it to blister and fill with fluid. Typically occurring on pressure points or where shoes constantly rub, symptoms can include discomfort, swelling, and sometimes even pain. The duration varies. While some resolve within a few days, others can linger for weeks, hindering mobility and comfort. Treating friction blisters involves cleaning the area with mild soap and water, then applying a bandage to protect the skin and promote healing. However, for persistent or severe cases, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a podiatrist who can offer tailored solutions to address your specific situation.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot problems can have a profound impact on an individual's quality of life, affecting various aspects such as mobility, comfort, and overall well-being. Foot pathologies, including bunions, plantar fasciitis, and hammertoes, can cause chronic pain and discomfort, limiting one's ability to engage in daily activities and enjoy recreational pursuits. Moreover, these conditions often necessitate modifications in footwear choices, which can further restrict options and affect self-esteem. Foot alterations and deformities not only impair mobility but also have broader implications for general health and physical activity. Poor foot mechanics can lead to joint pain, muscle imbalances, and altered gait patterns, predisposing individuals to injuries and reducing participation in exercise and sports. Addressing foot problems through proper footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted interventions is essential for maintaining mobility, preserving independence, and improving overall quality of life. If you have foot problems, it is suggested that you seek help from a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat such issues, thereby helping you live a more active, fulfilling life.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The arch of the foot is essential for supporting weight and movement, but high arches can lead to various issues. Identifying high arches can be done through methods like the wet footprint test or medical evaluation by a podiatrist. Problems associated with high arches include plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, claw toes, and hammer toe. Foot and ankle instability, often stemming from altered walking patterns and increased pressure, may also be the result of high arches. Custom orthotic devices, and wearing specialized shoes can offer relief. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to enhance foot stability. A podiatrist can conduct a thorough examination and determine the appropriate treatment options. To correct foot problems brought on by high arches, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.