Items filtered by date: September 2020

People who enjoy sporting activities are often aware of how a broken toe can slow or stop participation. A broken toe can occur as a result of dropping a heavy object on it, or from jamming it against a piece of furniture. Common signs of an existing broken toe can include severe pain, swelling, and bruising. In severe fractures, the bone may extend from the skin, and immediate medical attention is needed. Many doctors will use the buddy taping method, which consists of taping the broken toe to the toe next to it. This can be helpful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. Simple stretches can be performed which may be beneficial in keeping the toes strong. If you have broken your toe, please speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Ryan W. Wood from Desert Foot & Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Palm Springs and El Paseo, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

The fungal infection that is known as athlete’s foot often produces a rash that can burn and itch. It generally affects the skin on the bottom of the feet and between the toes. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include cracked and peeling skin, and in severe cases, small blisters may develop. The fungus that causes athlete's foot lives in warm and moist areas, including public swimming pools, locker rooms, and similar environments. It is considered to be a contagious skin infection, and it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas. Mild relief may be found when an antifungal powder is used, and this may ease some of  the itching. If you are afflicted with athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward the best treatment options for you.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Ryan W. Wood from Desert Foot & Ankle Surgeons.  Our doctor will 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. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Palm Springs and El Paseo, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

For most people, strengthening the feet and ankles is usually an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be! The feet and ankles support the rest of the body, so it is important to keep them strong, flexible, and mobile, especially if you are a runner. One way to maintain the health of your feet and ankles is by stretching them regularly. The big toe extension lunge can help stretch the big toe and the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. Stand inside a door frame and place your big toe against the wall, pointing upward towards the hips. Lunge forward so that your knee goes on one side of the door frame. You should feel a nice stretch under your big toe. For more information about the different stretches you can do to strengthen your feet, talk to a podiatrist today.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Ryan W. Wood from Desert Foot & Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

Turf toe is another name for a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal joint, the largest joint in the big toe. The most common symptoms of turf toe include swelling, pain, and tenderness in the ball of the foot or at the big toe joint. The severity of symptoms and pain vary and are classified by grades. A Grade 1 turf toe is characterized by mild swelling and tenderness, mild pain, and no discoloration of the toe. A Grade 2 turf toe is characterized by moderate tenderness and swelling, limited motion of the big toe, slight black or blue discoloration, a mild limp when walking, and symptoms that intensify over a 24 hour period. A Grade 3 turf toe is characterized by severe swelling, pain upon touch, limited motion of the big toe, significant discoloration, and an inability to put weight on the affected foot. If you suspect that you have turf toe, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Ryan W. Wood of Desert Foot & Ankle Surgeons. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Palm Springs and El Paseo, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.