One common cause and factor of foot injuries is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the heel of the foot becomes inflamed and irritated. Plantar fasciitis tends to flare up during the mornings, and can be caused by a variety of factors. Ill-fitting footwear, extensive physical activity on the feet, and foot injuries can all lead to plantar fasciitis. Treatment options for the condition include icing your heel, resting your feet, changing footwear, and physical therapy.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. For assistance, talk to one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.  

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 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.

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Morton’s neuroma is a condition that occurs when the nerve between your 2nd and 3rd toes is irritated. The condition affects people who are on their feet often, especially those who do a lot of physical activity, like runners. Treatment for morton’s neuroma includes wearing shoe insoles specifically designed to treat the condition. Seeing a podiatrist is the best option for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma can be a difficult condition to contend with. If you are experiencing symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma, talk to one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.  

Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the third and fourth toe and the ball of the foot, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible to this condition. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.  Women are more likely than men to have an occurrence of this foot condition.

What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?
-Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot area.
-Jogging, running and any sports that involve constant impact to the foot area.
-Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformity may put you at a higher risk for developing Morton’s neuroma.

If you suspect that you may have this condition, you should visit your podiatrist. A podiatrist will first conduct a thorough physical examination to check for palpable masses between the bones of the foot.

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.

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If not taken care of properly, diabetes can lead to life-threatening problems. Diabetics can lose sensation due to poor circulation, especially in their feet, which can result in further complications. A smart mat device invented by four engineering students from Jackson State University aims to identify diabetic foot issues, such as ulcers, before they completely develop. The device works to sense any temperature changes in diabetic feet, with lower temperatures indicating poor blood circulation. Poor blood circulation can lead to foot ulcers as well as neuropathy, a loss of sensation in the feet.

Diabetics must pay special attention to their feet to help prevent any complications. If you believe you are having problems with your diabetic feet, talk to one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors can treat 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.

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Foot care is critical to the overall health and well-being of a diabetic. Due to high blood glucose levels, compromised circulation in the extremities and to damage to nerves (diabetic neuropathy), diabetic patients must be extra vigilant in examining and looking after the skin, nails and overall condition of their feet. Dr. Michael Stein, Foot Doctor of the East Bay area in Los Gatos, Pleasanton and San Leandro, CA, recommends regular foot examinations--at least once a year--to help preserve the health and function of your feet.

What to do at Home

Just as you brush your teeth and comb your hair every day, be sure to walk through a daily diabetic foot care regimen. Simple self-care disciplines ward off long-term complications such as ulcerating wounds and amputations.

The American Diabetic Association recommends these foot hygiene practices:

1. Wash your feet each day with warm water and mild soap. Avoid hot water as diabetics have difficulty sensing temperature. Examine toes, nail, tops and bottoms of feet for signs of blisters, redness, dry patches, swelling or any other changes.
2. Apply moisturizer to avoid rough spots and cracks that could harbor bacteria and lead to infection.
3. Put on clean socks, and wear well-fitting shoes--even around the house. Well-constructed footwear protects feet from bumps, bruises and scratches diabetics may not notice because of compromised nerve function.
4. If you do get a cut or blister, don't ignore it, but treat it right away. If you are concerned about how well a wound is healing, contact your Los Gatos, Pleasanton and San Leandro podiatrist for immediate diabetic foot care.
5. Keep toenails neatly trimmed straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. If you have difficulty cutting your own nails, Dr. Stein can cut them for you.
6. Exercise and be active to keep blood circulating in your feet and legs.
7. Stop smoking. This not only benefits your peripheral nerves and circulation, but improves heart and lung function and dental health, too.
8. See Dr.Stein about corns and calluses. Do not treat them yourself. Also, if you think you are developing bone deformities such as bunions or hammertoes, see your podiatrist as these conditions frequently compromise the health and function of the diabetic foot.

Visit Your Los Gatos, Pleasanton and San Leandro Podiatrist

The American Podiatric Medical Association asserts that millions of American adults ignore much needed foot care. Don't neglect this important aspect of your health care, particularly if you have diabetes. Call (510) 483-3390 to book an appointment for a foot examination at one of Dr. Stein's Foot Doctor of the East Bay's three convenient locations in Los Gatos, Pleasanton and San Leandro, CA today!

Jared Allen, defensive end for the Carolina Panthers, may be needing surgery for his foot injury against the Seattle Seahawks. The surgery will probably mark the end of Allen’s season, suggesting that Allen will be missing the Panthers’ playoff and possibly the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl. Allen will be having an x-ray to determine the status of his condition.  

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary. If you are struggling with a foot or ankle condition, talk to one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctor of the East Bay. Our doctors can treat 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 help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

• Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
• 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 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.

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