Items filtered by date: May 2021

It is well known that diabetes affects blood sugar and one’s overall health, but did you know that it can affect your feet too? Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage in the feet that can lead to a loss of sensation. Diabetes also affects blood flow throughout the body and often leads to poor blood flow to the feet. Neuropathy can make it difficult to detect foot injuries, such as sores, scrapes, or wounds, and poor circulation can make these injuries slow to heal and prone to infection. When left untreated serious complications may occur. Signs that diabetes is affecting your feet include foot swelling, discoloration, burning or tingling sensations, numbness, and loss of hair on the toes and legs. If you have diabetes or notice any of these symptoms in your feet, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage proper foot health. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the lower limbs. This can cause symptoms such as leg cramps, pain, fatigue, numbness, skin discoloration, and foot wounds. There are two types of PAD. Occlusive PAD occurs when the blood vessels are blocked. This can be caused by the arteries thickening and hardening over time (atherosclerosis), an excess buildup of lymph fluid (lymphedema), blood clots forming in the veins of the leg muscles (deep vein thrombosis), or narrowed carotid arteries (carotid artery stenosis). Functional PAD occurs when the blood vessels are not blocked, but rather malfunctioning due to spasms. This can be seen in cases of varicose veins, Raynaud’s disease, and chronic venous insufficiency. Functional PAD is typically made worse or triggered by environmental or lifestyle factors, such as exposure to cold, excessive stress, and smoking. If you are experiencing any symptoms of PAD, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Leonora Fihman, DPM of California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

An ankle sprain is a common form of foot pain. Many people have endured ankle sprains at some point in their lives, and this type of injury can cause severe pain and discomfort. An ankle sprain is the result of ligaments that have been overstretched, and it may be difficult to walk and complete daily activities. It can happen when the ankle rolls outward, and the foot turns inward. People who enjoy running, and participating in jumping activities may be prone to ankle sprains. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment can include immediate swelling, bruising, and the affected area is often tender. After a proper diagnosis is made, which generally involves having an X-ray taken, the correct treatment can begin. Mild relief may be found when the foot is wrapped in an elastic bandage, and this is helpful in providing adequate support as the healing process occurs. If you have sprained your ankle, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

If you find yourself with dry, cracked heels, home treatment is often enough to manage this problem and find relief. Moisturizing the feet regularly is important for maintaining smooth, hydrated skin. Following a bath or shower, coat your feet and heels with a moisturizing cream or lotion. Then, put on a pair of clean, dry socks to lock in the added moisture. You can also exfoliate your feet in the shower using a pumice stone to help remove dead, dry skin. If home remedies do not relieve your cracked heels, or if the cracks are deep, painful, or show signs of infection, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.