Signs You Need to See a Foot Doctor Q&A

If you’ve been experiencing persistent or chronic foot pain, it’s crucial to seek professional medical attention. Foot pain lasting more than two weeks or becoming severe indicates that you should schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates.

Foot pain while walking or carrying out daily activities could stem from a variety of structural issues or conditions, such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, or bunions. If foot pain is hindering your ability to walk, run, or participate in daily activities, don’t wait. Our team can evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan to restore your mobility and overall well-being.

Infections, inflammatory conditions, or injuries that don’t seem to be healing are other reasons to get in touch with our practice. We can assess the redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from your foot and provide the necessary treatment.

Moreover, if you’re experiencing persistent or severe heel pain, possibly due to plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, our team can help. We’re experienced in dealing with these conditions, which can lead to chronic inflammation and mobility issues if not treated promptly.

Also, if you’re experiencing numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in your feet, it could be a sign of neuropathy, often linked to diabetes. If you have diabetes or other conditions affecting circulation or nerve function, we can provide regular foot checks to prevent complications.

Lastly, if over-the-counter treatments haven’t alleviated your foot pain, or if the pain worsens at night, it’s time to seek our professional expertise. At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we can provide a proper diagnosis and effective treatment plan to address foot pain and prevent potential complications. Don’t hesitate to get the help your feet need. Your mobility and overall health may depend on it.

At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we see many patients with stress fractures in the foot, which are tiny cracks that occur on the bone. These are typically a result of overuse, repetitive activity, or excessive force repeatedly applied to a weakened bone. Athletes, especially those engaged in high-impact sports such as running, jumping, or dancing, are particularly prone to these types of injuries.

Symptoms of a stress fracture can include persistent localized foot pain, mild swelling on the top of the foot or around the affected area, tenderness to touch, and some cases, bruising. As the fracture progresses, additional symptoms like difficulty walking due to pain and discomfort, limping, numbness or tingling, and muscle weakness may occur.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we urge you to consult with our foot and ankle specialists. Our team can conduct a thorough physical examination and order diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, to confirm the presence of a stress fracture. It’s crucial to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment, as these symptoms can also be associated with other foot injuries.

Diabetic foot care is paramount due to the significant problems diabetes can induce in your feet: peripheral vascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. Not paying attention to foot health can result in severe complications like infections, ulcers, and even amputations.

Peripheral vascular disease impairs blood flow, causing a delay in healing that can lead to ulcers and infections. Diabetic neuropathy can result in a loss of sensation in your feet, making it harder for you to notice an injury or infection. Our podiatrists can help manage these conditions and prevent serious complications.

Our foot doctors have specialized knowledge and skills to treat diabetic feet. They can provide comprehensive care, which includes regular check-ups, early detection of potential issues, and prompt treatment of foot problems.

Assessment and Diagnosis at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates: During regular check-ups at our clinics, our podiatrists conduct thorough foot examinations to detect early signs of nerve damage, poor circulation, or foot deformities. They also review your medical history, including blood sugar control and previous foot complications. Additionally, they also check for fungal infections, common in people with diabetes.

Preventive Measures: Our podiatrists provide guidance on daily foot care routines, including how to inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or redness, how to wash and moisturize them properly, and how to trim your nails correctly. They also recommend suitable footwear that fits well and offers support to prevent foot injuries.

Treatment Interventions at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates: Our podiatrists can identify problems such as ulcers, skin changes, foot deformities, or signs of infection before they develop into severe complications. When it comes to the treatment of foot issues, our podiatrists can provide wound care for foot ulcers, perform surgical procedures if necessary, prescribe medication for infections, manage foot pain and inflammation, and prescribe custom-made orthotics to improve foot mechanics. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to address extensive damage.

Regular Follow-Ups: Regular follow-up appointments with a foot doctor at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates are vital for ongoing diabetic foot care. These appointments allow our doctors to monitor foot health, adjust treatment plans as needed, and provide education and support.

At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for those suffering from arthritis affecting the feet and ankles. Arthritis is a common condition that can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking. Our team of experienced foot doctors, or podiatrists, are experts in diagnosing and treating this condition.

The journey to arthritis treatment begins with a thorough assessment and diagnosis. Our foot doctors take into account your symptoms, and medical history, and conduct a physical examination. We also use advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays or MRI scans to pinpoint the extent and location of your arthritis. This comprehensive approach allows us to make an accurate diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan for you.

We offer a wide range of treatment options for arthritis, tailored to the type and severity of your condition. Our treatments include medication, lifestyle adjustments, orthotics, and, in severe cases, surgery.

Whether it’s prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs, recommending lifestyle changes like weight loss or exercise, or designing custom-made shoe inserts, our foot doctors work closely with you to manage your arthritis. In cases of severe arthritis, our experienced surgeons are capable of performing procedures such as joint replacement or arthroscopy.

We believe in a personalized approach to care and work closely with each patient to develop individualized treatment plans. We also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as rheumatologists, to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Recognizing the importance of early intervention and ongoing monitoring, our foot doctors encourage patients to seek an evaluation at the first sign of arthritis symptoms. We also provide ongoing monitoring for patients with arthritis, adjusting their treatment plan as needed and providing support throughout the disease management process.

Prioritize your foot health with the trusted expertise of Dr. John W. Scivally, DPM, and Dr. Robin K. Lie, DPM. Visit one of our convenient locations for personalized care and let us help you get back on your feet pain-free. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Walnut Creek CA, Brentwood CA, Concord CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Pittsburg CA, Antioch CA, Alamo CA, Danville CA, Oakley CA, and surrounding areas.