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January 2019

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects the heel and causes striking pain outward. This condition occurs when the connective tissue, plantar fascia, which runs along the underside of the foot, is injured or inflamed. It is most common in those who participate in activities like running that cause repetitive impact on the feet. Most of the time it can be treated with simple remedies that do not require surgery, but some severe cases require further action. Surgery is rare, but can be invasive, so many doctors are turning to alternative therapies. Shockwave therapy helps to trigger the repair and regrowth of the injured nerve. The plantar fascia is located in an area of the foot that does not receive much blood flow, which impedes on the its ability to heal itself. Shockwave therapy helps to pull blood to the plantar fascia to facilitate repairing the nerve. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is highly recommended to speak with a podiatrist about your treatment options.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Dr. Nahid Birjandi from Mission Viejo, CA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Mission Viejo, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Treating Heel Pain with Shockwave Therapy
Monday, 21 January 2019 00:00

Helping Your Child with Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is a common ailment that many younger children face. It affects open growth plates in the heel of the foot and usually strikes between the ages of 8 and 14, but the development can vary depending on the child. Some symptoms to look for are foot or heel pain and difficulty in walking. Some children only feel slight discomfort while others may develop a limp due to intense pain. Sports are one of the main causes for this disease, because frequent physical activity irritates the growth plate. Oftentimes, participating in sports year-round will trigger this discomfort, because the growing bones don’t have time to fully recover. Sometimes all the foot needs is a break from physical activity to heal itself. If you think your child may be suffering from Sever’s disease, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist in order to properly treat their pain.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Nahid Birjandi at Mission Viejo, CA. 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 asscoiatied 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 office located in Mission Viejo, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
Monday, 14 January 2019 00:00

Symptoms of Poor Circulation in the Feet

The circulatory system plays an important role in carrying nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, and poor circulation can be detrimental to a patient’s health. If you have this ailment, you may experience symptoms including a numbing sensation in your feet, memory loss, a tired feeling for most of the day, or a weakened immune system, which may be responsible for continued sickness. Additionally, some patients notice their skin and hair becoming brittle and dry, or dark circles may develop under the eyes. In severe cases where poor circulation has affected the patient for an extended period, the feet may become swollen, and this may be a result of nutrient imbalances. If you feel you have this condition, it is strongly suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer proper treatment guidance.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Nahid Birjandi of Mission Viejo, CA. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms:

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
  • Pain
  • Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Read more about Causes Symptoms and Treatment for Poor Circulation in the Feet
Monday, 07 January 2019 00:00

Different Types of Running Shoes

Choosing the correct running shoe is crucial in protecting the feet while pursuing an active hobby or sport. One of the first things to do is to determine what type of running style you intend to pursue, as this can aid in selecting the shoes that are most comfortable and supportive for you. There are shoes specifically designed for different types of running, and these can include jogging on hard surfaces, running on trails, which may have rocks and other obstacles, or running where balance is required. Research has shown that it may be beneficial to recognize any patterns in how the shoes are wearing. This may be helpful in determining which type of shoe is best for you. If you would like additional information on how to choose a running shoe that is right for your feet and needs, speak to a podiatrist who can properly guide you.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Nahid Birjandi from Mission Viejo, CA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Mission Viejo, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Wednesday, 02 January 2019 00:00

Heel Pain May Develop Gradually

Research has shown that heel pain is considered to be the most common form of pain in the feet. There may be several reasons why this type of pain may occur, including an injury that has happened to the Achilles tendon, a condition that is referred to as plantar fasciitis, in addition to heel spurs. If this type of pain is caused by an injury, the pain will most likely be sudden and severe. If an injury did not occur, heel pain may be experienced gradually, which may often lead to severe discomfort. A common reason why heel pain begins may be related to the type of shoes that are worn, which may lead to additional foot conditions developing. If you are experiencing any type of heel pain, it is strongly suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can determine the reason for this, and to discuss correct treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Nahid Birjandi of Mission Viejo, CA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Mission Viejo, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Heel Pain
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