Items filtered by date: May 2022

Women can be affected by ankle pain more than men. Typically, the soft tissues are damaged in the foot and ankle often resulting in pain and discomfort. Some of the conditions linked to ankle pain can include Achilles tendonitis, an ankle sprain, or plantar fasciitis. Achilles tendonitis can cause pain in the back of the ankle as a result of overuse. An ankle can be sprained if it stretches beyond its normal range of motion. This can occur from stepping off of a curb and landing incorrectly. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is located on the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. This may cause tenderness in the ankle. Relief from ankle pain may be found by practicing specific exercises designed to strengthen the ankles. Additionally, wearing shoes that fit correctly and elevating the feet frequently may help to reduce existing pain and swelling. If you have ankle pain for any reason, please contact a podiatrist who can pinpoint the exact cause and offer correct treatment techniques.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus has noticeable symptoms consisting of a yellowing and thickening of the toenails. In severe cases, the nail may crumble and fall off. The infection is caused by a fungal microbe that can enter the body through the nail bed. There are different types of toenail fungus, and the most common is referred to as onychomycosis which can be associated with diabetic patients. Additionally, elderly people and patients with a compromised immune system can develop this type of fungal infection. Paronychia occurs when the tissue folds surrounding the nail become inflamed. Toenail fungus is contagious, and it thrives in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors. If you are in these areas, it is suggested that you wear appropriate shoes, and refrain from sharing towels, socks and shoes. A proper diagnosis consists of clipping a piece of the nail and observing it through a microscope. This will determine what type of fungus is present. If you have developed toenail fungus, please confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment solutions.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors 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 offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Many people take care of their body, but neglect proper foot care. This can lead to limited physical activity and possibly developing specific foot conditions. Everyday foot care starts with washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Trimming the toenails properly is essential in possibly preventing ingrown toenails. It is beneficial to soak the feet in warm water for approximately 15 minutes, which may have a positive effect on the overall body. Performing frequent foot stretches can help to strengthen the feet and make it easier to complete daily activities. Many patients enjoy getting foot massages and pedicures, adding to the feeling of general well being. It is important to wear shoes that fit properly, in addition to wearing appropriate foot coverings while in public swimming areas and locker rooms. If you would like more information about tips on everyday foot care, please confer with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors 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 offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetics are at risk for neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, which can create many foot problems including dry skin, cracks in the feet/heels, and foot ulcers. Since neuropathy involves loss of sensation in the feet, someone who is afflicted may not feel or notice problems developing on their feet. Foot ulcers can occur due to an increase in stress on the feet (stress from overuse or shoes that do not fit properly), impaired skin, limited joint mobility causing abnormal walking patterns, as well as injury to the foot. It is said that PAD can reduce blood flow to the skin, which may compromise its biomechanical properties, reduce its ability to heal wounds, damage its immune system, and possibly lead to severe infections. Foot sores that are left unnoticed can become infected, and in severe cases, this could lead to gangrene and amputation. It is important to see a podiatrist for regular foot care, especially if you notice sores on your feet or are diabetic. 

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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

Wounds on the feet can be a common occurrence for much of the population, and they can be a serious concern among the elderly. This can be a result of diminished blood flow in the feet and immediate medical attention may help to avoid potential problems. Effective wound prevention can include moisturizing the feet and drinking plenty of fresh water daily. Additionally, it may help to take a multivitamin that is designed to protect the skin. The skin color may turn when a wound is present, and a clean environment is needed for successful wound healing. This is followed by using a non-adherent dressing and placing a cushioned bandage over the wound. A pressure ulcer is a common type of wound that elderly people may develop. This often happens as a result of pressure that occurs over a bone. If you would like more information about types of foot wounds and how to treat them, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.