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Gregory Loo, DPM Board Certified Podiatrist and Surgeon

April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022 00:00

What Can Cause Sesamoiditis?

The group of bones that are under the bottom of the big toe include the sesamoid bones. They protect specific tendons in the foot, and absorb most of the weight on the inside of the foot. The condition that is known as sesamoiditis occurs when the sesamoid bones become inflamed. They can become injured as a result of enduring a stress fracture, or from an injury that comes from repetitive motion consisting of dancing. Many patients need to have a proper diagnosis performed, which includes having an X-ray taken that can rule out a fracture. Correct treatment techniques can possibly reduce painful symptoms, in addition to protecting the foot from further injury. These can consist of wearing orthotic insoles, taking anti-inflammatory medication, or possible surgery. If you feel you have injured your sesamoid bones, it is strongly urged that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition, in addition to offering you correct treatment solutions.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Sesamoiditis

Do your child's feet turn outward when they walk? Do they walk or run awkwardly, or tend to trip or fall? Have you noticed that the soles of their shoes wear unevenly? If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, they may be out-toeing. Some believe that out-toeing may be caused in utero, as the baby’s confined space in the womb sometimes causes their bones to twist. This may occur in the shin bones or thigh bones, or in rare cases, the hip bones. These bones usually return to a normal position on their own during the child’s first few years of life. However, this process may take longer for certain children, or may even require medical intervention if the condition worsens, causes limping or pain in the leg or hip, or if one foot turns out more than the other. If you believe your child is out-toeing, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can help monitor the child’s progress, or even treat it to help correct the condition.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet

Diabetes can reduce blood flow and decrease your body’s ability to heal. Both complications can lead to, and exacerbate, foot problems, which makes it vitally important for diabetics to take care of their feet. The following four measures are basic, yet very effective as part of a daily diabetic foot care regimen. 1) Perform a thorough daily inspection of your feet to check for any injuries that may have developed such as cuts, scrapes, blisters, bruises, swelling, changes in skin color, and more. If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment with your podiatrist right away. 2) Take care of the skin on your feet to avoid any infections or cracked skin. Wash and dry your feet every day and keep them moisturized—taking care to keep the area between your toes dry and free from lotion. 3) Your feet should always be covered when you are walking to keep them protected from injury. Wear slippers around the house, and your socks should never be tight. 4) Keep the blood flowing in your feet by elevating them whenever possible and wiggling them for a few minutes throughout the day. If you have diabetes, see your podiatrist for regular checkups. They can ensure that your feet are staying healthy and offer you professional foot care advice.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care
Monday, 11 April 2022 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 05 April 2022 00:00

What May Trigger Peripheral Neuropathy? 

If you are experiencing stabbing or burning nerve pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the feet, you may have peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a dysfunction of the body’s peripheral nervous system, which is outside of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by some sort of damage or illness to a nerve (or nerves)—anywhere along the pathway from the spine to the feet—or from spinal problems. It may also be associated with certain medical conditions such as arthritis, Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, Lyme disease, or shingles. Alcoholism or side effects from certain medications may even damage the peripheral nerves. Peripheral neuropathy should not be taken lightly, as it may lead to the formation of foot ulcers or circulatory disorders, as well as other complications. If you believe you may have peripheral neuropathy, make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible to have your condition diagnosed and treated properly.

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 Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Neuropathy
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