Understanding Different Types of Common Foot and Ankle Problems

Ingrown Toenails occur when one or both lateral edges of the nail penetrates the skin and cuts into the soft flesh of the toe. A reputed and well-known ingrown toenail doctor in Long Beach removes the offending portions of the toenail to reduce the inflammation and control the infection. Some of the other common foot and ankle problems are discussed below.

Hammer Toe

This is a condition in which the toe is bent in a downward position. Shortening of the tendons responsible for the control and movement of the affected toe or toes is one the most common causes of hammer toe in Long Beach.

Conservative Treatment:

Traditional or conservative treatment of hammer toe by experienced doctors in Long Beach include:

ü  Stretching exercises may be helpful in lengthening the excessively tight tendons

ü  Wearing proper footwear and stockings with plenty of room in the toe regions can provide treatment of hammertoe

Surgical Treatment:

Surgery may be recommended in advanced cases where conservative treatment is unsuccessful. The toe surgeon in Long beach locates the tendons that attach to the involved toes. Then they make an incision to free the connective tissues to the foot bones.

Achilles Tendonitis

It is inflammation, swelling, and irritation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the muscles of the calf to the heel. The gastrocnemius and soleus are two large muscles in the calf. The most common site of Achilles Tendonitis is at the heel to four inches above the heel. The diagnosis of this problem is made when the following signs are present:

ü  When you squeeze the tendon from side to side, there is pain in the Achilles tendon

ü  With up and down movement of the foot at the ankle, there is a pain in the Achilles tendon

You need to seek medical attention immediately from an experienced foot care doctor in Long Beach if symptoms return when you resume your regular activity.

Shin Splints

It is referred to as a painful condition in the shins and is often caused by running or jumping. The immediate treatment for shin splints is rest. In the case of possible chronic compartment syndrome, it is important to seek medical attention before continuing further stressful actions.

Which Podiatrist Should I Choose in Long Beach, California?

There are plenty of ways to discover which podiatrists service your area. You can ask your primary care provider for podiatrist recommendations. Your friends and family might have suggestions, and a simple Internet search such as "Foot Doctor Long Beach" will provide a list, too. However, this doesn't guarantee that the podiatrist is a good fit for you.

There are a few things to consider, namely whether the podiatrist is accepting new patients, if the location is convenient for you, whether the office is accessible if you have a handicap, and if the office hours are compatible with your schedule. Being able to schedule an appointment online might make.

You might find the perfect Long Beach podiatrist, only to realize they aren't accepting new patients. Another important question to ask is whether the office provides onsite X-rays or if you'll need to go to another facility to have those services done.

A doctor's recommendation may mean that the podiatrist works with the hospital or clinic where you usually go. However, it's worth checking which facilities a podiatrist works with should you need to go to the hospital or even have surgery.

Of course, all podiatrists should be bored qualified and certified, especially podiatric surgeon. To become board-certified, a Long Beach podiatrist must have enough experience, pass exams, and meet any other requirements of the board. If the podiatrist specializes in surgery, for example, they may become certified with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. However, your doctor may be certified by a different board. A typical podiatrist in Long Beach might hang these certificates in her office.

When you're choosing a surgeon, consider asking how often they've performed the surgery in the past and inquiring about their success rates. It may be possible to discuss the doctor with former patients. The foot doctor Long Beach patients praise for professionalism and effectiveness is a good place to start.

Whether you're comfortable with the podiatrist and office staff is also important. If you feel like your time isn't valued, or your questions were brushed aside during a consultation, you have a valid reason to look for a different podiatrist. It might be time to move on to a podiatrist in Long Beach with whom you can have a better relationship.

If you do your research, you can maximize the chances that you've chosen the right foot doctor.