Items filtered by date: April 2024

Pinched nerves in the foot, beyond tarsal tunnel syndrome, stem from diverse conditions, necessitating accurate diagnosis for effective treatment. Morton's neuroma, characterized by nerve thickening between toes, and hammertoes, involving abnormal toe bending, can both compress nerves. Additionally, bunion formation at the big toe base can crowd and irritate nearby nerves. Nerve entrapment, resulting from injury or structural abnormalities, and peripheral neuropathy, often associated with diabetes, can also contribute to nerve compression. Symptoms may encompass tingling, numbness, or burning sensations, affecting mobility and comfort. Precise diagnosis by a podiatrist is important for targeted intervention. Treatment may involve a combination of conservative measures such as rest and orthotic devices. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgical procedures may be necessary for relief. If you have the symptoms described above, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

A broken foot often results from a sudden or traumatic injury and requires early recognition for appropriate treatment. While symptoms may overlap with less severe injuries like sprains, specific signs of a broken foot indicate a more serious issue needing immediate medical attention. Sensations of bones out of place or grinding within the foot may signal a break, warranting minimal movement to prevent further damage. Swelling, often accompanied by extreme pain, is common with a broken foot, persisting longer and more pronounced than a sprain. Bruising near the fracture site, spreading over time, indicates a broken foot, and requires evaluation from a podiatrist if persistent or worsening. Difficulty bearing weight on the foot, in addition to restricted movement and intense pain, suggests a broken bone. Immediate medical attention aids in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Seeking prompt evaluation from a podiatrist is imperative, and X-rays are essential for confirmation. Treatment typically involves immobilization with a splint or cast to support proper healing. If you suspect a broken bone in your foot, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

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.

Foot pain among older adults is a common issue, often caused by wearing improper footwear and physical changes in the feet as a result of aging. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, such as those that are too small, narrow, or high-heeled, can lead to discomfort and an increased risk of falls. Over time, the natural cushioning under the heel and ball of the foot decreases and arches become flatter, all of which can contribute to foot pain. Furthermore, as the joints in the feet stiffen and skin becomes drier, vulnerability to foot infections increases. Many underlying health conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, neuropathy, poor circulation, and obesity can add to foot problems in older adults. A podiatrist can help to determine the cause or causes of foot pain in seniors, and is followed by a suggested program of treatment. Options may include wearing proper footwear, prescribing foot exercises, and creating custom orthotic devices to reduce the foot pain. If you are experiencing foot problems associated with aging, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Foot stress fractures are a common injury for athletes and especially runners who engage in repetitive physical activity. Stress fractures are microscopic cracks in the bones, commonly affecting the lower leg, ankle, and foot. They result from persistent pounding of the feet, particularly in high-impact sports like basketball and soccer. Among the risk factors are anatomical abnormalities, osteoporosis, and inadequate nutrition. Pain during activity, swelling, and tenderness are typical signs of stress fractures, yet they are difficult to detect. Diagnosis by a podiatrist typically involves a physical examination and digital imaging tests. At first, rest, immobilization, and pain management techniques may be prescribed. However, orthotic devices or supportive footwear may also be recommended to reduce strain. Ignoring a hairline fracture can lead to more severe complications. If you are suffering from foot pain that may be caused by your physical activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if you have developed stress fractures. 

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

In-toeing, commonly known as being pigeon-toed, is a condition seen in children where the feet turn inward. During infancy, this might be due to metatarsus adductus, a common foot deformity noted at birth that causes the front half of the foot, or forefoot, to turn inward. This condition often resolves before the first birthday. In later childhood, internal twisting of the shinbone, tibia, thighbone, or femur, could be the cause of in-toeing. These, too, often self-correct over time. While most cases of in-toeing require no treatment, severe instances may need casting or splinting. It is important to avoid non-prescribed treatments as they may interfere with natural development. Though surgery is rare, it may be considered in severe cases. If your child’s in-toeing persists or significantly affects walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.