In some cases, foot issues can be corrected through a number of treatment methods. However, if pain and discomfort when you run, stand or walk is consistent, then foot surgery is necessary. Foot surgery can correct your feet’s physical deformities and, therefore, alleviate any of the discomfort and pain that you are feeling. Here’s a list of common foot issues and deformities that require surgical removal to relieve pain.

Bunions

Bunions are a common foot deformity that is characterized by an enlargement of the bones and tissue around the big toe. Like most foot deformities bunions are hereditary. This enlarged area is prone to becoming swollen, inflamed and makes walking incredibly painful and difficult. When conservative care failed to alleviate these issues, it may be best to have them surgically corrected. Your foot care professional will be able to instruct you as to which surgical procedure will be best for you after running some tests and taking x-rays.

Hammertoes

Hammertoes are characterized by a curvature of the big toe, which often affects the tendons and nerves around it as well. Because of the buckling of the toes, footwear can cause an immense amount of pain and discomfort. I is not uncommon for those who suffer from hammertoes to also have a large number of corns and calluses on the affected area due to their deformity rubbing against their footwear. A surgical procedure can realign your toe bones and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with hammertoes.

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are overgrowths of bones that results in trauma and pressure to the tendons and ligaments. Pain and discomfort can also be associated with bone spurs depending upon where they are located. For example, if the bone spurs are located under your toenail this may cause a toenail deformity and making it difficult to walk and painful to wear shoes. What surgical procedure is needed to correct bone spurs depend on their size and location, so be sure to consult your Foot Care Professionals to decide which procedure is best for you.

Bunionette or Tailor’s Bunion

A Bunionette is protuberance of bone on the outside of the foot behind firth or smallest toe. Many factors can cause this issues such as heredity, the way you walk and trauma to name a few. They can become inflamed and swollen, particularly if they rub against your footwear. Much like bunions, if conservative care does not alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this deformity, it may be best to have them surgically corrected.

Neuroma

Irritation of the nerves may cause them to become swollen and inflamed and result in an enlargement of a nerve segments, this is called Neuroma. This nerve segment is often found between the third and fourth toe and can be quite painful particularly when walking. People came develop Neuroma for a number of reasons to include wearing high heel shoes and having an abnormal bone structure. This deformity can cause pain and burning for particularly after walking for a long time. If this deformity has greatly impeded your quality of life, it’s best to speakers foot care professional about a surgical solution.

Now that you know a few examples of when foot surgery is absolutely necessary hopefully it helps you decide if surgery is the right choice for you. Remember foot pain is not normal and having healthy, pain-free feet are essential for living a well-rounded life. Our expert team would be happy to discuss any questions you may have about the procedure. To schedule a consultation visit doctorvikki.com.

The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program began as an effort to enhance the sports experience at the event, and improve well-being for every athlete. The Fit Feet initiative became a part of this endeavor in 2003. We here at the Superior Foot and Ankle Care Center are proud to take part in the screenings for the Special Olympics to ensure that the athletes have the proper socks, shoes, and the special equipment they need to compete to the best of their abilities and stay healthy.

Here is a glimpse at some of the advice that we give to the Special Olympians. Even if you’re not an athlete, proper foot care is important for your overall health and comfort. Make sure that you understand the steps you need to take for optimal foot health.

General Care

Inspect your feet regularly, checking for calluses, blisters, bunions, discolored nails, and any other potential problems.

Always wear shoes or sandals to protect your feet. Don’t settle for any shoes: make sure that they are appropriate for the activity at hand. For example, wear running shoes and moisture-wicking socks for running, basketball shoes for basketball, and sandals for the beach. Make sure that your shoes are clean inside and fit well. Buy new shoes when the cushioning has run out, and check that you can wiggle your toes in the new pair. Runners should replace their shoes every 250-500 miles, at which point the shoes begin to lose shock absorption.

Skin Care

Take care to wash your feet with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly thereafter. If your feet retain too much moisture from sweat or from the shower, painful blisters may develop. Always wear clean socks to prevent foot odor.

Foot powder is an excellent way to protect your feet from damage and discomfort. Foot powder absorbs excess moisture, provides itch relief, soothes irritated skin, and fights odor-causing bacteria. To prevent skin cracking and calluses, moisturize with lotion regularly.
If you develop a blister, never pop it. Wash the affected area, apply antiseptic, then use a bandage to prevent infection.

If you experience soreness, soak your feet in Epsom salts. These salts are also an effective way to soothe muscle aches, sun burns, and even relieve stress.

Nail Care

Nails should be trimmed weekly to keep them healthy and strong. Long nails may break and attract harmful bacteria. Always cut nails straight across using either scissors or clippers. Be careful not to cut too short, or you may develop an ingrown nail. Nails are designed to protect from trauma: cut your nails too short, and you will experience a lot of discomfort, and possibly even injury. Do not pick at your toenails with your fingers, as this may damage them.
Check your feet for discolored or thick nails. If you suspect a problem, schedule an appointment right away.

Remember that your feet need proper hygiene and care, just like any other part of your body. Whether or not you’re an Olympian in training, your feet deserve the same level of treatment. Contact us today with any questions or concerns, and schedule an appointment for your best foot health.

Feet are often taken for granted, despite their critical role in the human body: they support our weight and keep us on the move, so that we can go about our busy daily lives. However, the anatomy of the foot is intricately complex, and the result of any structural complications can be very painful. This is the case with fallen arches.

What Are Fallen Arches?

The arches of the foot play an integral part in weight-bearing, absorbing pressure, and aiding in movement and stability. If the tendons and muscles in the foot weaken, the arches can collapse.

The weakening of the tendons that causes fallen arches can occur due to factors such as aging, genetics, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, or injuries to the feet. Other contributing factors include obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and involvement in high-impact sports.

Fallen arches are an adult flatfoot condition, where the soles of the feet almost touch the ground completely while standing. Another visible indication of fallen arches is that the feet become turned outward. This condition is often painful and uncomfortable. If your arches have fallen, you may also experience symptoms such as:

• Ankle pain
• Heel pain
• Pain in your hips or knees
• Swelling around the ankle
• Pain or fatigue when walking or standing up

Treatment Options

Thankfully, there are many different methods to treating fallen arches and relieving the pain that they cause. In some cases, conservative treatment options are the right fit; in more severe situations, surgery may be needed. It really comes down to consulting with a podiatrist to best ensure that your individual needs are met, and that your flatfoot condition is diagnosed and treated properly.

For less severe cases, the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) may be used to ease the discomfort and reduce the inflammation. Even the simplest changes such as wearing orthotics or more supportive shoes have been known to provide pain relief.

Stretching exercises which strengthen the muscles are another approach to fallen arches treatment. Your foot doctor or physical therapist may recommend exercises that include actions such as lifting small objects with your toes in order to contract the arch.

Boots, braces, and casts are other common approaches to treatment. Inflammatory medications are also prescribed to provide pain relief.

Finding a Podiatrist Who Cares

Unfortunately, fallen arches are not taken as seriously as they should be. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, our expert podiatrists view surgery as a last resort and support instilling patient education, preventive methods, and proper foot health as the primary course of action. The care we offer is rooted in extensive podiatric knowledge, as well as our dedicated and sincere concern for our patients.

Fallen arches may have gotten your arches down, but we will help you take a step in the right direction to achieving happier, healthier feet. Contact us today for an appointment at our Long Beach office.

If you have sustained a sprain or a fracture to your ankle, it is important to let it heal properly in order to avoid permanent damage. Ankle sprains are incredibly common: over 25,000 people suffer them every day. A sprain occurs when one or more ligaments on the outside of your ankle are pulled or torn. As it is hard to differentiate a sprain from a fracture, it is imperative to seek medical attention so that your ankle can be x-rayed. Once your injury has been diagnosed, you’ll be able to give it the care it needs in order for it to heal properly. Here are some tips for properly caring for your ankle injury to ensure that it heals correctly:

For a Sprain

Depending upon how serious the sprain is, the sprain can be classified as grade 1, 2, or 3. The best way to treat a sprain is to utilize the R.I.C.E. method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. For a grade 1 sprain, you should rest your ankle by not walking on it as much as possible, only putting minimal weight on it. In many cases, an ankle brace will be given in order to help reduce the swelling and discomfort of a sprain, which may make it easier to put some weight on it if need be. However, if it is too difficult to bear weight, you may be given crutches. You can apply ice to help relieve the pain and swelling. When you ice your ankle, make sure that there is a barrier between the ice and your skin, such as a pillowcase or a towel. You shouldn’t ice your ankle for more than 20 minutes in order to avoid frostbite. Compression can help control the swelling, as well as provide your ankle with some support. Finally, you should elevate your ankle as much as possible by reclining and propping it up. It’s best to elevate your ankle either above your waist or your heart for optimal recovery.

With a grade 2 sprain, you would follow the same steps. While the grade 1 may take a week to heal, a grade 2 may take up to a month. Grade 3 sprains are rare and may require casting or surgery.

For a Fracture

If you fracture your ankle, your treatment will involve casting, taping, wrapping, or booting, depending upon the type and severity of the fracture. Much like a sprain, it is important to rest and elevate a fractured ankle. A fracture usually takes 4 to 8 weeks to heal. Once the cast comes off, you may have to follow the R.I.C.E. method until you regain strength in your ankle.

Rehabilitating Your Ankle

If you have a sprained or fractured ankle, you need to properly rehabilitate it in order to regain your full strength and flexibility. The first phase of rehabilitation is the R.I.C.E. method. The second phase is helping your ankle regain flexibility, strength, and range of motion by walking and putting weight on it. The last phase is exercising your ankle in order to strengthen the muscles and ligaments further.

Be sure to follow these steps to help your ankle heal properly. If you have any questions or concerns about your ankle injury, contact us today to schedule an appointment.