Items filtered by date: May 2022

A number of conditions can cause your feet to itch. The first and probably most common cause is athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that is annoying but treatable. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, redness, flaking skin between the toes or on the bottom of the feet. Another cause of itching feet is eczema, a type of skin condition that may resemble athlete’s foot but is not caused by a fungus. Instead it is thought to be caused by dry skin that is more vulnerable to irritation and allergens. Sometimes itchy and scaly skin can be caused by contact dermatitis, generally from an allergen or other irritant. Itchy feet may also be the result of psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to regenerate too quickly. Hives, also known as urticaria, may cause itching, along with welts, burning or stinging. Food, medication, or a viral infection may set it off. Neuropathy, numbness caused by damaged nerves, also may result in itchiness as the body produces cytokines that can irritate the skin. If itchy feet become a serious or an ongoing problem, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an examination and diagnosis. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

There are several reasons why people can break their foot. These can include enduring an injury, falling off a curb, or having something heavy drop on the foot. Common symptoms that many patients can experience include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Additionally, some people experience numbness in their toes and there may be cracking sounds when the foot is moved. A proper diagnosis consists of having an X-ray performed, and this is generally accurate in determining the severity of the fracture. The average foot fracture is treated by wearing a boot or a cast. A cast can be helpful in providing the stability that is needed during the healing process. A severely broken foot can be deformed and surgery may be a necessary option for permanent relief. If you have fractured your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can choose the correct form of treatment for you.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are many people who have busy schedules which can make it difficult to practice adequate warm up and cool down stretches before running. It is important to make time to properly stretch before and after running, as this may help to prevent running injuries. Beneficial changes that can help to avoid injuries consist of improving form by maintaining good posture, and practicing correct training procedures. Research has shown it helps to gradually increase mileage and speed, and it is important to stay hydrated and to eat enough protein. Additionally, when one day per week is taken off from running, it can help to give the body adequate time to rest. If you have questions about how running injuries can affect the feet and how to avoid them, please consult with a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Heel spurs, also referred to as calcaneal spurs or osteophytes, are calcium deposits that develop on the heel bone over time. They typically form in response to chronic strain or tears to the plantar fascia tissue that connects the heel with the toes, or to damage to the heel bone membrane. Other factors that may contribute to heel spurs developing include obesity, wearing improper shoes, age, trauma, training on hard surfaces, or having plantar fasciitis (damage to the plantar fascia) or certain medical conditions. Heel spurs develop on the part of the heel that is closest to the arch, and they point towards the middle of the foot. Heel spurs can be up to a half inch long and are usually only detectable with an X-ray. Heel spurs are usually not painful. When they are, a podiatrist can treat them with rest, ice, orthotic devices and/or shoes, anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, or even surgery if necessary (to remove the spurs). 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Heel pain in children and young teenagers can indicate the existence of a condition that is known as Sever’s disease. It is defined as an inflammation of the growth plate that is located in the heel. It can happen as a result of repetitive stress on the heel during a growth spurt, and can be common among male children who participate in sporting and jumping activities. Patients who develop Sever’s disease may find their heel pain can make it difficult to walk. Relief can be found when the activity that caused the condition is temporarily stopped, and stretching exercises are performed. Research has shown there may be preexisting conditions that can lead to Sever’s disease, including weak ankles, and poor shock absorption. If your child is limping, and you notice he has heel pain, it is strongly advised that you confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can recommend correct treatment options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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