Items filtered by date: May 2021

Metatarsus adductus (MTA) is a congenital foot deformity in which the front part of the foot is curved inward. This condition is fairly common and painless and can affect one or both of a baby’s feet. MTA often goes away without intervention within the first three years of life. In rare cases, MTA does not go away on its own and requires treatment. Treatments for this condition include stretching therapy or wearing a cast to move the foot into the correct position. In very rare cases, surgery may be needed. To learn more about foot and ankle development in babies and toddlers, and how you can best support your child’s foot health, please consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Edwin Oghoorian, DPM of Pacific Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

The Achilles tendon is located on the back of the ankle and connects the heel to the calf muscles. The two most common injuries that affect the Achilles tendon are Achilles tendinopathy and an Achilles tendon tear or rupture. Achilles tendinopathy symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and pain that is more noticeable in the morning. An Achilles tendon tear or rupture is often the result of forceful jumping and pivoting and sudden accelerations that result in overstretching and the eventual tearing of the tendon. A complete rupture can cause severe pain and a loss of strength and movement. Because of the seriousness of an Achilles tendon injury, patients who are experiencing pain and swelling in this tendon should consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to help provide preventative measures to avoid a rupture, as well as guide you in healing the injury.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Edwin Oghoorian, DPM of Pacific Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in San Dimas, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

While the feet have a variety of functions, issues with the feet can also indicate issues in a variety of other parts of the body. Because of this, podiatrists can often be the first doctors to notice an issue. For example, feet that are too cold, or are blue in color, can indicate circulation problems in the rest of the body. Swollen feet can sometimes indicate heart disease or high blood pressure. The toenails can also indicate a variety of issues. Changes in toenail color can be signs of issues in the lungs, heart, kidneys, or liver, and it can even be a sign of diabetes or an infection. If you are noticing any abnormalities in the feet, consult with a podiatrist to make sure there aren’t any underlying issues.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Edwin Oghoorian, DPM from Pacific Foot & Ankle Associates . Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.