Items filtered by date: February 2025

Ankle arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage in the joint wears away, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. If nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief, ankle surgery may help to restore movement and reduce pain. Several procedures address different levels of joint damage. Ankle debridement and removal of extra bone growths and damaged tissue can improve mobility in mild cases. Ankle fusion, also called arthrodesis, permanently joins bones to stop painful friction, although it limits flexibility. Cartilage repair methods, such as microfracture or grafting, aim to regrow lost cartilage and preserve movement. In severe cases, ankle replacement, or arthroplasty, removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial parts to restore function. This option helps to maintain flexibility but requires careful long-term management. A podiatrist can assess your symptoms, recommend the best procedure, and provide guidance for recovery. If you have ankle pain that interferes with daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

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 Podiatry Services . 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 tendonitis
• 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 office located in Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blood blisters and regular blisters both form in response to friction, but they differ in appearance and severity. A regular blister is filled with clear fluid and typically forms when skin rubs against something repeatedly, causing the outer layer of skin to separate. Blood blisters, on the other hand, occur when a blood vessel beneath the skin breaks, causing the blister to fill with blood rather than fluid. This can also indicate that the blister is infected. Blood blisters can feel more painful, as they put pressure on the surrounding tissue. Both types of blisters can cause discomfort, swelling, and redness. It is important to keep both clean and covered to avoid further friction. Do not pop the blister as that can increase the risk of further infection. If a blood blister does not heal, a podiatrist can safely drain it, provide wound care, and advise on prevention strategies. For persistent or painful blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure proper care.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Services . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Tarsal tunnel syndrome happens when the tibial nerve is compressed inside the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space in the ankle. It causes tingling, burning, numbness, or sharp pain in the foot, often worsening with activity. People with flat feet, diabetes, arthritis, or previous ankle injuries are more likely to develop it. Doctors diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome with a physical exam, nerve conduction tests, and sometimes imaging like an MRI scan. When conservative treatments like rest, orthotics, and targeted exercises do not help, surgery may be an option. Tarsal tunnel release surgery involves cutting the ligament over the nerve to relieve pressure. This can reduce pain and prevent further nerve damage. Recovery and satisfaction with the surgery varies, but exercises may help restore strength and movement. If you have persistent foot pain or numbness, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Services . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

A toenail falling off due to a fungal infection, known as onychomycosis, occurs when fungi invade the nail bed. This causes the nail to thicken, discolor, and eventually separate from the nail bed. This condition often starts with mild symptoms like discoloration, white or yellow streaks, and a brittle texture. As the infection worsens, the nail may become painful, thickened, and eventually detach. Treatment for a fungal toenail infection typically involves antifungal medications, which can be topical, applied directly to the nail, or oral, prescribed by a doctor. In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend laser treatment to target and eliminate the fungus. If the nail has already fallen off, additional treatments may be needed to protect the underlying nail bed and promote healthy regrowth. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, offer tailored treatment plans, and monitor progress. If you have had a toenail come off or are experiencing a toenail fungal infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper treatment and care.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Services . 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 office located in Murrieta, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.