April 2023

Patients may feel stiffness in the middle of their feet. This may be indicative of midfoot arthritis and can be caused by degeneration. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often fall into this category and may cause extreme pain and discomfort. It may occur from a previous foot fracture, or possibly from an abnormal foot structure. The pain can be chronic, and lifestyle changes may be made that may help to provide temporary relief. Some people opt to have midfoot fusion surgery performed, with the goal of having improved function and decreased pain. This type of surgery can be successful in restoring normal walking and may be helpful in providing stability to the arch. The majority of people who suffer from midfoot arthritis may be eligible to have a midfoot fusion operation. However, there may be existing medical conditions, such as an active infection or overall poor health, that prevent people from undergoing this type of surgery. If you have midfoot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is the right decision for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Robert Binder of Robert P. Binder, DPM. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

While skateboarding can be a fun activity, it can also be hard on the feet and cause foot pain. Among other things, reasons for this might include that shoes are too tight, flat feet that can cause arch and heel pain, or jumping, landing, or doing skateboarding tricks can cause foot or ankle fractures. Ways to prevent foot pain while skateboarding start with wearing skate shoes that are properly fitted and supportive footwear.  Wearing protective gear that pads joints, stretching and warming up muscles before beginning the activity, and improving technique are also ways to prevent foot pain. If you would like more information about protecting your feet and ankles while skateboarding, or if you have injured yourself in this activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for advice or treatment. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Robert Binder from Robert P. Binder, DPM. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Toenail fungus is a common foot condition. It is unsightly and contagious and is caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. Places such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors are examples of where this type of fungus can live. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas, in addition to refraining from sharing socks, shoes, and towels. One of the first signs toenail fungus is developing is often a white spot on the nail. If prompt treatment is not received, the nail can become thick and brittle and may crumble and fall off. This condition often begins with the big toenail, and can gradually spread to the other nails. It may also spread to the skin on the feet, possibly indicating athlete's foot may have started. If you see the beginning signs of toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you the correct treatment options, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

If an individual does not take proper care of the bones in the feet, then they could be subject to many different conditions. For example, bones may break or fracture. They could even be subject to a stress fracture. In particular, the bones in the feet might also be dislocated. A dislocation can form when the bones in the joint are completely separate. As a result, the bones can move out of their natural position. This dislocation phenomenon can occur in the bones of the toes. If there is a case of a dislocated toe, then a medical professional might treat this in several different ways. For example, the dislocated toe might be addressed by wearing a splint or cast. The affected toe may also be addressed by buddy-taping it to another toe. If you are someone that is concerned about dislocated toes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who will be able to help you with the correct treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.