Foot and ankle pain can affect anyone at any time. Whether it is the result of an injury, such as a broken ankle, or a chronic condition, like bunions or hammertoes, our podiatrists can help you find relief.
Our office uses a variety of non surgical treatment options for the foot and ankle in the North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, CA area including platelet rich plasma, amniotic tissue/injections, and focal shockwave therapy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s the largest tendon in your body and it helps you walk, run and jump. Over time, repetitive activities or sports that require sudden acceleration can cause it to tear. The injury is usually accompanied by a “popping” sound and severe pain in the back of your leg and foot.
If you suspect you’ve ruptured your Achilles tendon, you can expect to be seen in the emergency room and evaluated with a physical examination and imaging tests. Treatment options include nonsurgical or surgical repair and immobilization with a cast.
During surgery, the surgeon will stitch the torn ends of the Achilles together. If the damage is severe, a tendon graft may be required to reinforce the repaired area. Depending on the severity of your injury, you will likely need to remain in a cast for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
A broken bone is an injury that occurs when a force exerted against the bone is stronger than it can structurally withstand. Most fractures are the result of some sort of impact or accident, but some can be caused by disease like osteoporosis.
Within hours of a fracture, the first wave of pain hits. This is acute pain, the kind that makes you think, “oh my god something is really wrong.” It’s followed by healthy swelling, as your body sends in cells to act like trash collectors, get rid of dead bone pieces, and grow new blood vessels.
Then, over the next few weeks, a soft callus forms around the break to replace the blood clot and hold the bone in place as it heals. We may recommend a splint or cast to limit movement of the ankle while it heals. Pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are usually prescribed to reduce discomfort. At regular intervals, we’ll take X-rays to monitor the bone’s healing progress.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain in the bottom of your heel or arch. It is caused by strain or damage to the ligament-like band of tissue called the plantar fascia, which runs from your heel bone to the base of your toes. Symptoms of the condition include pain and stiffness that is worst when you take your first steps on awakening or after long periods of rest. It may also be worse after exercising or using your feet for work. Other risk factors for the condition include obesity, occupations that require walking or standing on hard surfaces and wearing shoes with thin soles and little arch support.
Plantar fasciitis is usually easy to treat with simple home treatments such as icing and using foot braces. Your doctor can also inject a corticosteroid into the damaged area to decrease inflammation. If the pain persists, surgery may be needed. X-rays and an ultrasound can help rule out other problems that could be causing the pain.
When you are diabetic, it’s important to know that your feet are always protected. Our podiatrists can help with your foot care and make sure you have the best quality of life possible.
Our team of board certified podiatrists can treat a variety of conditions and injuries. Foot and ankle Pain Doctors in Los Angeles and can perform a variety of surgical procedures including complex deformity reconstruction, total ankle joint replacement and diabetic limb salvage.
It’s crucial to check your feet on a daily basis to ensure there are no cuts, blisters, or other problems that could cause infections or serious issues. You should also always wear comfortable shoes and moisturize your feet daily with lukewarm water. These habits will help to prevent many diabetic foot and ankle complications. Getting proper treatment can help you to enjoy your life again without worrying about your foot and ankle health. Call us today for a consultation.