Can a Foot Specialist Help with Chronic Foot Problems?

At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, our specialists provide comprehensive care for a wide range of chronic foot and ankle conditions that can significantly impact quality of life. One of the most common issues we treat is plantar fasciitis, which causes persistent pain and inflammation along the bottom of the foot, particularly near the heel. This condition often results from repetitive strain, improper footwear, or structural abnormalities. We treat it with personalized plans that include orthotics, physical therapy, and other targeted interventions to relieve pain and restore mobility.

Another significant concern we address is diabetic foot disease, including diabetic neuropathy and foot ulcers. Diabetes can lead to nerve damage, resulting in loss of protective sensation, which increases the risk of injury and complicates wound healing. Untreated diabetic ulcers can escalate into severe infections that may require surgical intervention. We emphasize prevention through routine evaluations, patient education, and timely treatments to safeguard foot health.

Bunions, or hallux valgus, are another condition that we regularly manage. These painful deformities at the base of the big toe can make walking difficult and finding shoes uncomfortable. We begin treatment with conservative methods such as customized orthotics, shoe modifications, and rehabilitation exercises. When necessary, we offer advanced surgical procedures to correct the deformity and help patients return to pain-free activity.

Our specialists also manage structural conditions like flat feet (pes planus) and high arches (pes cavus), which can alter gait patterns and lead to chronic pain and instability. Treatment plans for these conditions include orthotic management, physical therapy, and, if necessary, surgical correction.

In addition, we frequently treat chronic toenail fungal infections, which can cause thickened, discolored, and painful nails. We offer advanced treatments such as topical and oral medications, as well as state-of-the-art laser therapies to restore healthy nails.

Chronic conditions like arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, are also within our expertise. These conditions cause inflammation, stiffness, and progressive joint damage. Our approach involves a combination of medication management, custom orthotics, therapeutic exercises, and surgical options to improve mobility and alleviate pain.

We also specialize in managing other chronic conditions such as hammertoes, corns, calluses, Achilles tendinopathy, peripheral vascular disease, and chronic instability of the foot and ankle. Our comprehensive approach combines conservative therapies, targeted rehabilitation programs, orthotic solutions, and surgical interventions when necessary, improving comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

We begin by thoroughly reviewing your medical history and taking time to understand your unique symptoms, daily activities, footwear choices, and lifestyle factors. Our specialists then perform an extensive physical examination, carefully inspecting and palpating your feet and ankles for signs of swelling, deformities, tenderness, stiffness, or changes in skin color and temperature. We also closely evaluate your gait and foot alignment in order to identify any biomechanical abnormalities or issues impacting your walking patterns.

To further pinpoint the source of your discomfort, Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates is equipped to provide advanced diagnostic imaging technologies onsite. Our practice utilizes digital X-rays to detect bone-related problems, such as fractures, arthritis, or structural deformities. Additionally, we offer MRI, ultrasound, and CT scans to visualize soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, which can help diagnose conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, neuromas, ligament injuries, and more.

In cases where an underlying medical condition may be contributing to chronic foot pain, our podiatrists may recommend laboratory testing to screen for arthritis, diabetes, gout, or infections.

After carefully evaluating all diagnostic results, our specialists will thoroughly discuss the findings with you. Together, we will develop an individualized treatment plan tailored specifically to your condition and lifestyle needs. Treatment options at our practice often include physical therapy, custom orthotics, footwear modifications, medications, therapeutic injections, and, when indicated, minimally invasive or advanced surgical intervention.

Recurring heel pain can significantly impact your daily activities and overall quality of life. Our experienced podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of heel discomfort, providing personalized care to help you regain comfort and mobility.

If you’ve been experiencing heel pain lasting more than two to three weeks even after resting, applying ice, or using over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s important to schedule a consultation with one of our foot specialists. Additionally, if your pain intensifies, becomes chronic, or interferes with your normal walking patterns, our team can perform a thorough evaluation and develop a targeted treatment plan tailored to your needs.

You should also seek immediate medical attention from our specialists if your heel pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, numbness, tingling sensations, or warmth in the affected area, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition. Furthermore, patients with a history of diabetes, arthritis, or other health conditions affecting circulation or nerve function should consult our podiatrists promptly to prevent potential complications.

Custom orthotics are designed specifically to relieve chronic foot and ankle discomfort by addressing underlying biomechanical issues. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and personalized assessments, we tailor orthotic inserts uniquely to each patient’s individual foot structure, gait patterns, and specific medical conditions.

When expertly fabricated and precisely fitted by our specialists, custom orthotics help redistribute pressure evenly across your feet, reduce strain on sensitive areas, and correct alignment abnormalities. By ensuring proper alignment, our orthotics not only alleviate discomfort in your feet but can also significantly reduce stress on your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back, ultimately enhancing your overall well-being.

Patients experiencing conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, flat feet, or chronic heel pain often find significant relief through our customized orthotic solutions. With consistent use, our custom orthotics can improve your posture, stability, and balance, further diminishing discomfort and enhancing mobility. At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we’re dedicated to helping you move comfortably again with personalized care and effective orthotic treatments. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Walnut Creek CA, and Brentwood CA. We serve patients from Walnut Creek CA, Brentwood CA, Concord CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Pittsburg CA, Antioch CA, Alamo CA, Danville CA, and Oakley CA.