Diabetic patients are often at a higher risk of developing the condition known as peripheral neuropathy. This condition affects the peripheral nerves, which are the longest nerves in the body, and may develop when these nerves become damaged. Peripheral neuropathy is known to target the feet, which can cause  a great deal of discomfort. Common symptoms may include pain, as well as numbness and tingling in the feet. Since patients who are diabetic are more likely to develop this condition, typical forms of prevention may include regularly exercising and monitoring your overall diet. For more advice on how to find relief from the symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you seek the professional advice of a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Matthew McQuaid, DPM from Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Hammertoes, as its name suggests, are toes that bend in a downward fashion, resembling a hammer. This condition is considered to be a deformity of the toe joints. The second, third, and fourth toes are more likely to be affected, causing them to take an abnormal shape. Toes affected by this condition will often have trouble straightening, and will need professional help to treat the hammertoe. Overuse, or damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the foot and toes may cause a hammertoe to develop. Other risk factors may include arthritis, trauma, and ill-fitting footwear. In severe cases, a hammertoe may require surgery to be permanently fixed. For a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Matthew McQuaid, DPM of Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

There are many patients who experience the painful condition that is known as gout. It is a form of arthritis, and in severe cases, this ailment can cause the inability to walk. It develops as a result of elevated uric acid levels in the blood, and can occur because of genetic factors. Additionally, eating specific foods can contribute to developing gout. These can consist of shellfish, red meat, and drinks that have a high sugar content. The symptoms that are experienced with gout include redness and swelling in the joints of the big toe, and the pain may be noticed more often in the morning. If you have gout, it is advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist, who can recommend correct treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Matthew McQuaid, DPM from Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Heel pain may be a common ailment among active children. It can be indicative of a condition that is known as Sever’s disease, which impacts the growth plate in the heel. You may notice that your child is limping, and this is a normal symptom of this condition. A proper diagnosis can consist of performing what is referred to as a squeeze test, and additional tests may be needed to confirm the results. Relief may be felt when the foot is elevated, which may reduce a portion of the swelling that can accompany this condition. As the foot gains strength, stretches and specific exercises can be performed that can increase the range of motion. If you think your child may have Sever’s disease, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this ailment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Matthew McQuaid, DPM from Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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