Ankle pain is troublesome, uncomfortable, and annoying. However, it can also be severe and debilitating for some individuals. But you shouldn’t let ankle pain keep you from going about your daily life and impact your mobility. To do this, the first step is to find out what’s causing you pain.

You can do this by consulting with your podiatrist here at Foot Doctor of the East Bay, Dr. Michael Stein, Dr. Phillip Milgram, or Dr. Zeindelin Ahmad. They have three distinct locations in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos CA.

In the meantime, here are possible causes of your ankle pain:

• Ankle Sprain: This results in injury to ligaments surrounding your ankle. It causes swelling and pain, as well as joint weakness.
• Damaged Cartilage: Your ankle joint’s cartilage is vulnerable to further injury if you leave ankle injuries like fractures or sprains untreated.
• Tendonitis: You may have tendonitis when your tendons become inflamed and irritated, resulting in significant discomfort and pain. Left unaddressed, it could progress to posterior tibial tendonitis that, in turn, could cause pain on the ankle joint’s inside portion and walking issues.
• Ankle Fracture: Ankle fractures come in various types and treatment varies for each type. Although some ankle fractures could be treated with therapies for ankle sprains, some might need surgical intervention.
• Achilles Tendonitis: This causes pain at the heel’s back portion and is the most common tendonitis type that affects the ankle joint.
• Arthritis: Although arthritis isn’t a common ankle pain cause, it could occasionally result in ankle pain. When it does happen, it’s common in people who have rheumatoid arthritis or those who’ve had previous ankle injuries.

Ankle Pain Relief

Your podiatrist San Leandro CA office will develop a treatment plan that will be most effective to combat what’s causing your pain. If you’re uncertain of the cause of your pain or how severe it is, seek help from your podiatrist first before starting any kind of treatment. Generally speaking, the following are common ways to manage ankle pain:

• Resting the affected ankle
• Heat and ice application
• Stretching exercises
• Orthotics or footwear modifications
• Physical therapy
• OTC medications and/or steroid injections

Take note that surgery isn’t commonly recommended for ankle pain that your podiatrist in San Leandro CA considers acute. Usually, those who require surgery are those who’ve had persistent or recurrent ankle pain due to previous ankle injuries that weren’t treated properly.

For Ankle Pain Relief, Speak to Us

Schedule a meeting with you’re your podiatrist here at Foot Doctor of the East Bay in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos CA, Dr. Michael Stein, Dr. Phillip Milgram, or Dr. Zeindelin Ahmad. For our San Leandro office, call (510) 483-3390. For our Pleasanton office, call (925) 425-9684. For the Los Gatos office, call (408) 356-6767.

If you suffer from diabetes, taking care of your feet is incredibly important. After all, even a small injury can have serious repercussions on your health. Here at Foot Doctor of The East Bay in San Leandro, CA, Dr. Michael Stein provides diabetic foot care to keep patients in top podiatric health. Read on to learn more on the topic.

FAQs about Diabetic Foot Care

What complications can diabetes cause for my feet?

You may notice a reduction in feeling in your feet. This means if you have even a small injury, it could develop into a more serious health issue. For example, you may have a small stone in your shoe but not notice it. This can lead to a blister or ulcer. If left untreated, it could become infected and ultimately require amputation.

What is a diabetic ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is a small wound that typically appears on the sole of the foot. Diabetic ulcers can be caused by nerve damage, poor circulation, or injury.

How can I protect my feet from diabetic ulcers?

You can protect your feet from diabetic ulcers in the following ways:

• Wash your feet daily
• Dry your feet carefully after washing
• Inspect your feet for cuts or ulcers every day
• Always wear clean, dry socks
• Don’t walk around barefoot

There are also special types of socks, shoes and orthotic devices that are designed specifically for those with diabetes. You can find out more about these from your podiatrist.

Can I use a moisturizer on my feet if I have diabetes?

You can use a moisturizing cream to prevent the skin on your feet from drying and cracking, but you should not moisturize between your toes.

What types of shoes can I wear with diabetes?

You should wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Avoid high heels and shoes with open toes. Shoes with Velcro or laces that can be easily adjusted will provide you with added comfort.

Call Foot Doctor of The East Bay in San Leandro, CA

If you live in San Leandro and you suffer from diabetes, call Dr. Stein at (510) 483-3390 today to learn more about diabetic foot care.

If you have ever suffered from heel pain, you already know how much it can impact your day-to-day life. Heel pain can keep you from running, walking for an extended period of time, in severe cases, from even being able to put weight on your feet. Fortunately, there are effective treatments for heel pain that can get you up and enjoying life again!

Here at Foot Doctor of the East Bay in San Leandro, CA, your podiatrists, Dr. Michael Stein and Dr. Zeineldin Ahmad, offer a wide range of footcare services, including treatments for heel pain, to help you feel better—read on to learn more!

Heel Pain and How We Can Help

There are several reasons why you might be suffering from heel pain. The most common cause of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. It occurs when the large band of tissue running across your heel, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed.

• Plantar fasciitis can be caused by overpronating, or rolling your feet when you walk. You can also get plantar fasciitis from standing or walking on hard surfaces for long periods of time. You are also at increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis if you are flat-footed or carry excess weight.
• You may also suffer from heel pain due to a heel bruise, an injury caused by stepping on sharp objects.
• A heel spur is another cause of heel pain. Heel spurs are caused by excess calcium deposits in your heel.

You can do a lot to prevent heel pain. Remember to always wear protective, supportive shoes and avoid going barefoot. If you are active and participating in a sport, always wear the appropriate footwear for the activity you are doing. You can also try:

• Placing wedges or heel inserts inside your shoes
• Icing your heel several times during the day
• Elevating your feet and resting to take the stress off of your feet

For stubborn cases of heel pain, it’s best to visit your podiatrist. Professional treatments for heel pain include:

• Custom-made orthotics
• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy and stretching exercises
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT)

Need Relief? Give Us a Call

You don’t have to let heel pain disrupt your life. Get relief today by calling Dr. Michael Stein and Dr. Zeineldin Ahmad of Foot Doctor of the East Bay in San Leandro, CA, by dialing (510) 483-3390.

According to the National Diabetes Foot Care Audit (NDFA), a recent national audit presented findings that diabetic patients who had expert assessments done by a foot care specialist were found to be ulcer-free about 12 weeks after their initial visit. Those who did not seek professional advice after two or more weeks were found to be “significantly less likely to be ulcer-free 12 weeks.” Statistics published by the NDFA show that “10 percent of people with diabetes will have a diabetic foot ulcer at some point at their lives,” so it’s especially important to have your feet checked regularly if you’re a diabetic patient.

Diabetics must pay special attention to their feet to help prevent any complications. If you believe you are having problems with your diabetic feet,consult with one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including 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 because 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 contact our offices located in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

The first generic version of Oxistat cream, medical treatment for athlete’s foot, has been approved by the FDA. The generic version helps treat many different fungal infections in addition to athlete’s foot, including jock itch, ringworm, and tinea versicolor. The FDA has listed guidelines for Oxistat cream and patients should be aware of any possible side effects such as pruritus, burning, irritation, dermatitis, rash, stinging, and other symptoms. See a doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 to 4 weeks of using the cream.

For more information about how to treat and prevent Athlete’s foot, talk to one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.  

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speaking to your podiatrist will give you a better understanding of the different causes of athlete’s foot, as well as helping you figure out which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices located in San Leandro, Pleasanton, and Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Athlete’s Foot