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3885 S. Decatur Blvd Suite #1080
Las Vegas, NV 89103

August 2022

Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00

Foot Warts in Children

Plantar, or foot warts, are common in children. These warts are lumps that have hardened skin, are typically gray or brown in color, and have irregular surfaces. They are usually located on the heel or sole of the foot – areas that bear most body weight. Plantar warts are not always serious, but they can affect life quality. Foot warts in kids are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are aesthetically displeasing. Not all children with HPV will get plantar warts. They can occur from walking barefoot on floors containing the virus. Warm, wet areas, like public swimming pools, bathrooms, and changing rooms, are ideal breeding grounds for the virus. Oftentimes, there is a small wound on the foot, which provides an entrance for the foot wart. Plantar warts develop very slowly and may take up to a year to become visible. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the wart. They may hurt when walking and can get infected. If your child has a plantar wart, visit a podiatrist who can offer options for treatment.



 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

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Tuesday, 23 August 2022 00:00

How to Care For Arthritic Feet

Arthritis can cause a lot of pain and discomfort in your feet. Walking and standing might be uncomfortable due to problems with your heels, ball of foot, ankle, or toes. There are various things you can do to attempt to lessen your pain. Feet need circulation, especially if you have arthritis. This requires that you keep blood moving through them – by walking, taking warm foot baths, getting foot massages, and raising your feet when reclining. Examine your feet for bumps, sores, or discolored areas and monitor any changes in how your feet feel. Avoid bad habits, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes, sitting too long without stretching, smoking, and exposing your feet to cold temperatures. Wear warm socks and comfortable padded shoes in colder months. Do not ignore problems with your feet as you could be putting them at risk of more injury. If you have arthritis and notice problems with your feet, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and provide treatment options for you.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00

Changes to the Work Area May Help the Feet

Many people have professions that require standing for the majority of the day. This can produce a variety of foot conditions, including swollen feet and varicose veins, in addition to overall body aches. The feet carry the weight of the body, and it is beneficial to elevate them as often as possible during the work day. When people work on their feet, there are less body positions to choose from. These restrictions limit the freedom to move around. Stretching frequently is suggested, which may be beneficial in improving flexibility. Limited range of motion in the body can reduce the blood supply to the muscles, often resulting in fatigue and muscle pain. There may be positive changes that can be made in the work space. These can consist of adjusting the height of the work table and benches, which may help to improve posture. Relief may be found when there is ample room to move freely, and the position of the body is changed, thus improving blood supply to the muscles. If you have questions about how the feet are affected by standing all day, please confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage your work area. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

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Wednesday, 10 August 2022 00:00

Two Tips For Elderly Foot Care

If you are a senior citizen you may have noticed changes in your feet as you have aged. For example, you might have noticed that your feet could have lost cushioning or padding that can provide much-needed support and stability. You might have also noticed that your toenails have changed, growing potentially more brittle and dry. Therefore, foot care becomes more and more of a necessity as one ages. One tip for senior foot care is to increase blood flow and circulation to and throughout your feet. This can be achieved by avoiding wearing tight socks or shoes, engaging in physical activity throughout the day, and stretching periodically. Good circulation is important in senior citizens because poor circulation can impair foot sore healing. Additionally, another tip for senior foot care is wearing the right kind of footwear. High heels, for instance, can be problematic for seniors because they can decrease stability and mobility. Ill-fitting shoes that are too tight can also make a senior more susceptible to developing several foot conditions such as corns and bunions. If you are a senior citizen, consider reaching out to a podiatrist who can help your feet age with grace.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

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Tuesday, 09 August 2022 00:00

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!

Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00

Why Your Feet May Ache at Night

About 20 percent of people complain about foot pain at night, especially women, people over 50, and those who are overweight. Among the many possible causes are wearing high heels, standing for long periods at work, and nerve damage. Cramps and spasms may be the result of muscle fatigue, sitting for long periods, or wearing tight shoes. Chemical changes in the body during pregnancy can also cause cramping. A number of foot-related conditions may also result in nighttime foot pain. Among them are Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, and peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes can also be a major source of foot pain, as reduced blood circulation can cause muscle pain in the feet. The first and easiest remedy for recurring foot pain is to check your footwear. Find shoes that cushion the feet and offer ample room for the toes. There are a number of exercises, as well as certain medications, that can help reduce foot pain. If your nighttime foot pain worsens, please consult a podiatrist as soon as possible. They can conduct a complete exam to determine the cause and offer the appropriate treatment plan.

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:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

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.

Read more about Foot Pain
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