June 2022

The foot withstands considerable force placed on it by all the activities we do, including walking. There are 26 bones in the foot that are connected by joints and supported by ligaments to absorb the impact of movement. Also, muscles and tendons in the foot allow for flexing and extending the foot. Bones in the foot can break from direct blows, injuries, falls, overuse, or stress. Symptoms of a broken foot include pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to put weight on the foot. If a bone is sticking out from the foot after a fracture, it is more serious and could become a deformity. Most foot fractures are treated with a compression dressing, a stiff soled shoe or boot, and weight bearing as tolerated. Complications can arise from a foot fracture if the bones do not heal properly, if arthritis is involved, one has peripheral neuropathy, or if the skin is broken and an infection develops. Healing time depends on the type of break and the bones involved. A podiatrist should be consulted to confirm a break, access its severity, and for a proper treatment regimen.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Robert Binder from Robert P. Binder, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Plantar fasciitis develops as a result of an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes and runs along the bottom of the foot. The fascia can become irritated for several reasons. These include obesity, standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Research has indicated that cases of plantar fasciitis have increased during the pandemic. This may be a result of more people walking or running outside on uneven surfaces when the gym was closed. Additionally, it is a possibility that flip-flops were worn most of the day while working remotely. These types of shoes have little or no arch support, which may be a contributing factor in developing plantar fasciitis. This condition can produce uncomfortable heel pain, and mild relief may be found by stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. Many patients have found it helps to wear shoes that offer good support. If you have this ailment, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Robert Binder  from Robert P. Binder, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

An ingrown toenail can be painful. They can be common among babies and typically affect the big toe. This typically happens as a result of the nail growing into the surrounding skin and may be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight. Babies have soft nails that naturally curl at the edges, and if not frequently trimmed, may develop into an ingrown toenail. Common symptoms that often accompany this condition can include pain when the nail and surrounding area are touched, and the nail may look red or swollen. Mild relief may be felt when the affected foot is soaked in warm water, followed by gently massaging the toe. An effective prevention method may consist of trimming the toenails to the proper length, in addition to refraining from rounding off the corners. If your baby has developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist who can give you expert advice about prevention methods. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Robert Binder of Robert P. Binder, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

If blood circulation is healthy, blood flows from the legs to the heart. Prolonged sitting or standing can lead to swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. This is edema, or the buildup of fluid in the legs and feet. This is often a benign condition but can indicate a serious medical condition. Some of the more severe causes of edema in legs and feet are failure of the heart, liver, or kidneys. Those with the medical conditions above, pregnant woman, older people, and those undergoing long recovery periods from surgery are more at risk for edema in their lower extremities. Treatment for swelling, regardless of cause, is compression, elevation, exercise, weight loss, and a reduction of salt in the diet. If the swelling in your feet and ankles is persistent, the cause is not known, or you start having pain as a result, consult with a podiatrist to find out what might be going on and to discuss a treatment plan.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Robert Binder of Robert P. Binder, DPM. 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 office located in Reseda, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.