3885 S. Decatur Blvd Suite #1080
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Bunions are a particularly painful type of foot condition that form on the side of the feet. If you are experiencing foot pain, there are a few steps you can take in order to determine if a bunion is the cause of the discomfort. You may begin by examining your feet to look for a bony lump, or protrusion on the side of your big toe. Next, you’ll want to determine if your big toe is pointing, or leaning towards the rest of your toes. Lastly, you’ll want to check if the skin on the lump is hard, red or swollen. If you notice that all of the above are true to your case, it is very likely that you have a bunion. To relieve the pain of a bunion, it is recommended that you wear shoes wider than normal, ice the affected area on and off, look into wearing bunion pads to prevent further friction with your footwear, and try to keep the weight off of the affected area. Bunions are likely to worsen overtime, which is why we recommend you speak with a podiatrist for professional guidance and a suggested treatment plan.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
When the feet are cared for properly and on a regular basis, uncomfortable foot conditions may be prevented. There are routines that are easy to follow which can help assure the feet stay in optimum condition. These can include washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by using a good moisturizer. Additionally, when the toenails are trimmed, it is best to cut the nails straight across instead of at an angle. This may be helpful in preventing ingrown toenails from developing. Despite the fact that many people like to wear high heels, research has indicated it is beneficial to wear them for limited times, in addition to alternating them with shoes that have a lower heel. Athlete’s foot may be avoided when appropriate shoes are worn in public shower rooms, and surrounding areas. If you would like more information about how to properly care for your feet on an everyday basis, please consult with a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Having a hammertoe can make simple activities such as walking or wearing shoes feel like agony. The discomfort and pain that comes with having a hammertoe is due to the curling affect it has on the joints of the affected toe or toes, pushing them downward. The development of other foot-related conditions, such as corns and calluses, are common among those who have hammertoes. Hammertoes tend to be more common as you age, as well as for those with arthritis. To help ease the pain and discomfort of having a hammertoe, it’s recommended you refrain from wearing tightly-fitting shoes. For further guidance and a professional treatment plan, we recommend you speak with a podiatrist.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
A common reason why many patients experience severe heel pain may be linked to plantar fasciitis. It occurs when the tissue that is located on the sole of the foot becomes inflamed. This portion of tissue is referred to as the plantar fascia, and it connects the heel to the toes. It helps to maintain support in the arch, and is instrumental in walking and running. There are several reasons why this uncomfortable ailment may develop. These can consist of genetic factors, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or standing on hard or uneven surfaces for long periods of time. Additionally, it may develop as a result of extra weight that is carried, or from an increase in activity levels. A common symptom many patients notice can include severe pain and discomfort in the heel and surrounding area, which is often felt after the first steps are taken in the morning. If you have a strong pain or a dull ache in your heel, it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can guide your toward the correct treatment.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
How Can It Be Treated?
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Many diabetic patients are aware of the necessity of checking their feet on a daily basis. This is helpful in noticing if there are any cuts or scrapes so treatment can begin as quickly as possible. Research has indicated that a large percentage of diabetic patients suffer from neuropathy, which is also known as nerve damage. This is a result of elevated glucose levels in the bloodstream, which can cause a loss of feeling in the feet. To keep your feet as healthy as possible, it is important to maintain normal glucose levels, wear shoes that fit correctly, and trim your toenails properly. If you have diabetes, it is strongly encouraged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can remove existing corns and calluses in addition to guiding you toward managing your diabetes.
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 Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. 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
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 our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If your feet sweat profusely, you may have a condition that is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. It is considered to be a rare medical ailment that typically affects approximately three percent of the population. Many patients who have this condition are aware of how their quality of life is affected. Common side effects of feet that sweat excessively can consist of soggy shoes and socks, and the feet may feel cold the majority of the time. Research has indicated this condition is generally caused by hyperactive sweat glands. The circumstances that may trigger sweating can include increased temperatures or stressful situations. If you are suffering from plantar hyperhidrosis, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat this condition.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
People who have experienced foot pain are aware of the general discomfort that may be felt in the overall body. This may be a result of the weight the feet endure for the majority of the day. Additionally, patients who have chronic foot pain may be familiar with depression, the fear of falling, and it may be difficult to perform daily activities. Many patients have pain in the arch and heel area. This can be indicative of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. The holiday season may bring with it the possibility of developing a stress fracture. This can be a result of walking or standing for extended periods of time, dancing at parties while wearing high heels, or rushing through stores. Mild relief may be found from general foot pain when the feet are gently massaged. If you have any type of foot pain, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat foot conditions.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
