Gregory Loo, DPM Board Certified Podiatrist and Surgeon

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Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

The Cuboid Bone and Cuboid Syndrome

The cuboid bone is a small, cube-shaped bone on the outer side of the foot between the heel bone and the 4th and 5th metatarsal. It helps provide stability and supports weight during movement. Cuboid syndrome occurs when this bone becomes partially dislocated or misaligned, leading to pain and difficulty walking. Symptoms include aching on the outer foot, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Causes can involve overuse, ankle sprains, improper footwear, or repetitive strain. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, and participation in sports with sudden directional changes. A podiatrist can diagnose cuboid syndrome, realign the bone, provide supportive taping, and recommend a change in footwear or custom orthotics. If you have persistent outer foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what might be going on.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

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Recognizing and Treating Toenail Fungus Effectively

Toenail fungus is a common infection caused by fungi that grow in warm, moist environments and affect the nail bed. It can lead to thickened, discolored, brittle, or distorted nails and may produce an unpleasant odor. Risk factors include excessive sweating, poor foot hygiene, walking barefoot in damp areas, and a weakened immune system. Causes include fungal exposure in communal showers, gyms, or from tight footwear. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and provide treatments such as topical or oral medications, nail debridement, or advanced therapies. If you have signs of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication. 

For more information about treatment, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. Our doctor 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 contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Heel Pain in Children

Sever’s disease is  common of cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, as the result of inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It typically occurs during growth spurts when the heel bone grows faster than surrounding muscles and tendons. Risk factors include high-impact activities like running and jumping, tight calf muscles, and wearing unsupportive footwear. Beyond heel pain, symptoms include swelling, limping, or discomfort during physical activity. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend stretching exercises, and suggest activity modifications, supportive footwear, or orthotics to relieve pressure. If your active child experiences persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the condition.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Causes of Swollen Feet and When to Seek Help

Swelling in the feet and ankles can result from various conditions, including pitting edema, where pressure leaves a visible indentation, or lymphedema, caused by poor lymphatic drainage. Pregnancy can also lead to fluid retention due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on veins. These symptoms may signal underlying issues, including vein insufficiency, heart problems, or infections. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of swelling, provide supportive care, and recommend compression therapy, or footwear changes. If you notice persistent or painful swelling in your lower limbs, it is suggested that you seek help from a podiatrist to identify the cause and begin a treatment plan to improve your comfort, mobility, and overall foot health.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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