Items filtered by date: September 2022

Tuesday, 27 September 2022 00:00

How Do Blisters Develop?

Blisters are generally caused by excess friction that can come from wearing socks and shoes that do not fit correctly. The tissues and blood vessels can become damaged, and may result in a blister. It is defined as a small area that is filled with protective liquid, and forms over the damaged skin. It is the body’s natural healing process that allows new skin to form underneath the blister. It is a common ailment among runners, and a protective covering may have to be worn over it while running. When the skin has formed, the blister will gradually drain, as it is not needed any longer. A red spot where the blister forms often appears first, and this can be a warning sign to take proper precautions to protect the feet. Blisters may develop for other reasons, including having an allergic reaction, or possibly from a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. If you frequently get blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options, and discuss preventive methods with you.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

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Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00

Gout and How It Affects the Feet

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause severe pain in and around affected joints, often in the big toe. Gout is most common in older men. Symptoms include swelling, redness, tenderness, and severe pain in the affected joint. This condition, left untreated, can worsen. Gout attacks usually occur on the joint at the base of the big toe, but can affect every other joint in the foot. Many joints can be affected at once. Attacks happen quickly and can become worse. They may subside after a week or take longer to to heal. The primary cause of gout is an accumulation of uric acid in the body. This happens because of the breakdown of chemicals in the body known as purines. Usually, uric acid is secreted through the kidneys and urine, but when it is not, the substance begins to form crystals, which settle around joints, under skin, and even in internal organs. Eventually they find their way into spaces between bones that form a joint and begin to rub against joint linings, causing pain and inflammation. If you feel pain in your big toe, please see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose gout and provide appropriate treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

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Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00

Balance Exercises for Seniors

Exercises to improve your balance as you age can also contribute to a healthier life in general. In addition to improving posture, stability, and coordination, balance exercises can lower the risk of being injured through falls. Studies find that after six weeks of balance exercises, seniors also improved their coordination, leg strength, and ankle mobility. Experts recommend that seniors perform two or three sets of exercises a week, but it is always wise to check in with a medical professional beforehand. Here are two simple balance exercises you can try. Weight shift: Stand with legs hip-width apart, shift the weight to one foot, and then lift the other foot. Hold for 30 seconds. You may wish to keep a chair nearby, or lightly touch the wall if needed. Repeat on the other foot. Do this three times. Even if you need a walker, there are some exercises you can do. Marching: Stand with hands on the walker and lift one knee, then lower and lift the other knee. Repeat 20 times. For more information on how to improve your balance and lower the risk of falling, please consult a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

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There are various reasons one can have ankle pain. It can range from suddenly enduring an ankle injury, or it may gradually happen from having arthritis. There are several bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in each ankle, and ankle pain can develop for many reasons. Tendonitis can occur when the tendons become inflamed, and this can happen to people who run frequently on uneven surfaces. It may feel worse while standing or walking, and will start to feel better with adequate rest. Achilles tendonitis is felt in the back of the ankle, and that part of the foot may feel tight in the morning after rising.  An ankle fracture can cause severe pain and discomfort, and the symptoms that generally accompany this type of ankle pain are bruising, swelling, and difficult walking. Additionally, the ankle may look deformed, and it will not be possible to bend the ankle. If you have ankle pain for any reason, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this type of pain.

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.

 

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Published in Blog
Monday, 05 September 2022 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

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