Items filtered by date: July 2020

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a quick and non-invasive form of vascular testing that your podiatrist may perform during a routine visit. It is frequently used to assess the presence or severity of peripheral artery disease, a potentially dangerous condition that results in poor circulation to the lower limbs. The ankle-brachial index test is performed in several steps. Similarly to typical checkups at your physician’s office, first, the doctor will measure your blood pressure around your upper arm. Then, the doctor will measure your blood pressure around your ankle. The two numbers are compared to find the ankle-brachial index value, a number that is used to determine the presence or severity of peripheral artery disease. The lower the ABI value is, the greater the chance that you have arterial disease. If you suspect you have poor circulation to your lower limbs, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist, who can perform an ankle-brachial index test, as well as other vascular tests to assess blood flow to your feet and ankles. 

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains are generally the result of the ligaments in the ankle turning in or out. Falling is the most common cause of ankle sprains, or it may take place while stepping off of a curb unexpectedly. Research has indicated ankle sprains may be prevented when stretching exercises are frequently performed. This helps to maintain balance, flexibility, and strength. An effective ankle stretch consists of leaning against a wall and bending one leg while keeping the other leg straight. A gentle stretch can be felt in the back heel while bending forward, and then repeated after switching legs. Additionally, performing heel raises can have positive results on strengthening the ankles. If you would like more information about how to possibly prevent ankle sprains, please consult with a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain can vary in severity and type. Since the heel is the first part of the foot to make contact with the ground, it absorbs the full force of impact and bears the most weight while walking. One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This occurs when the ligament that attaches the heel to the ball of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes irritated. Heel spurs, which are bone growths at the bottom of the heel, can also cause heel pain. Other issues that can cause heel pain include repetitive stress or shock to the heel, standing for too long, or osteoarthritis.  If you are experiencing heel pain, it is important to consult with a podiatrist to help diagnose and treat the painful condition.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Arch pain is most commonly caused when the ligaments in the arch of the foot become strained or weakened. Arch pain may also occur after extended periods of walking or standing, or due to some muscles in the arch working harder than others. An example of this would be when one does not walk in a straight line. Wearing shoes with improper arch support, overusing the feet during sports, and being overweight can also lead to stress and eventual pain in the arches of the feet. If you are experiencing pain in the arches of your feet, it is important to maintain a proper weight and wear proper footwear.  If these issues persist, you may need to consult with a podiatrist to discuss what options could work to alleviate the pain.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. 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 offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.