- Warts
- ArthritisA host of other problems can result in neuropathy (nerve damage). Alcoholism with its related poor eating habits may create vitamin deficiencies. Certain medications or cancer treatments as well as exposure to toxins can damage nerves. Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, tumors, infections, and hypothyroidism can be factors. Then there are inherited disorders, bone marrow problems, or certain infections like Lyme disease that can have this effect. Finally, injuries or even overuse can lead to nerve damage or entrapment.
- Plantar FasciitisPain under your heel isn’t always plantar fasciitis. It could also result from a thinning fat pad under the calcaneus, a stone bruise, a stress fracture, or other issues. The best way to determine what treatment is needed is to figure out exactly what is causing the discomfort in your heel, and that will probably mean a visit to our office.
- Primary CareFrom the moment you walk in our doors, we want you to feel you have come to the right place. Check in will be efficient and wait times short. We will get you into the exam room and ready for your evaluation while making sure you are comfortable. Our Hawthorne podiatrists are recognized leaders in the region and are the referral choice for most Primary Care Physicians in our area. That says a lot about the quality of care you can expect from us.
- Diabetic Foot CareDiabetes has reached almost epidemic proportions in the USA, so most people are aware of things like insulin, blood sugar control, and watching what you eat. You may be less aware of complications from this disease, and how they can affect your foot health. We want to explain how crucial diabetic foot care is when dealing with the condition.
- Diabetes Care
- Hypothyroidism
- ThyroidIt’s important to be aware that skin dryness might be a symptom in itself of another medical issue, like athlete’s foot, thyroid disease, or diabetes.
- X-Rays
- Wound CareDiabetes can have negative effects on many parts of the body, and the feet are no exception. The risks of diabetic complications in the feet can be especially high due to the tendency for issues to go unnoticed because of nerve damage. You may check your feet and find a sore, cut, or other injury that you never knew was there. Left unnoticed and unaddressed, small wounds such as these can quickly worsen and even become seriously infected. Such dangers make early injury detection and professional diabetic wound care very important parts of a proper diabetes management plan.
- Bunion SurgeryIt’s a big step—deciding whether or not to have surgery to correct a foot problem. There may come a point when you are ready to take that step, though, just to get rid of the pain and inability to function that has been bothering you for too long. When you need bunion surgery to correct your big toe joint, come to the caring doctors at Far West Podiatric Medical Group. From initial consultation to final recovery, we work to make each step as easy as ABC for you.
- BunionsYou may have seen pictures of Iman, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston and other celebrities sporting stylish, high-heeled sandals—and a large, not-so-stylish bump at the sides of their feet by the big toes. You’ve probably also seen friends and family members with the same problem. That’s not surprising, since about 90% of bunions occur on women’s feet, and they tend to run in families.
- GangreneYou may be more susceptible to infection, because you don’t notice a sore, wound, or blister and it gets worse, exposing underlying tissue to bacteria. An infection in a diabetic person can become a very serious issue leading to gangrene and possible amputation if it is not treated.
- Ingrown ToenailsHome treatment for ingrown toenails may help and can be tried as long as you do not have diabetes, a circulation or nerve issue, or an infection. These complications make home care unwise, as infection can easily spread and lead to serious complications.
- Plastic SurgeryI had suffered from a painful corn on my baby toe for many years. I had run out of shoes that I could wear for more than an hour at a time. The prospect of surgery scared me, and the idea of an ugly scar even more so. Dr. Wrubel’s gentle surgical treatment using plastic surgery technique has eliminated the corn. My friends could not believe I was back in regular shoes so soon, and with no scar! R.O.
- CornsCorns, calluses, warts. The first two are caused by pressure and friction, often from shoes, and the third by a virus that can be picked up from contact with an infected surface (damp floors, tubs and showers, even towels and socks). Extended use of open backed shoes (sandals and flip flops) can cause painful callused and cracked skin on your heels.
- CallusesThis enlargement of the nerve happens because it being compressed and irritated by surrounding bones, ligaments, tendons. In the same sort of way that your skin forms calluses at points of friction, your tissue can grow thicker at the spot where it is being pressured.
- EczemaIn order to ensure that a related condition is not present, it’s a smart idea to have one of our doctors physically examine your feet and, if necessary, perform tests to rule out the possibility of eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
- FungusIf fungal infections are a problem, be sure to use anti-fungal sprays or powders on your feet, and in your shoes, too. Wear socks and shoes that allow your feet to breathe—and allow extra moisture to escape. To avoid fungus, be sure to wear foot protection when you walk in public places.
- Rashes
- Skin CareWhen you think about caring for your skin and nails, a smooth face and soft hands may come to mind, but please don’t ignore your feet! Proper skin and nail care for feet can head off some nasty problems and keep your feet and toes healthy and attractive at the same time. We’ll tell you some things that can go wrong, and then tell you what to do to avoid them.
- PsoriasisRashes and blisters. These can be anything from road rash or scrapes to those caused by exposure to toxins or diseases like eczema and psoriasis. Blisters happen when the skin shear separates the layers and fluid collects between them.
- Burns
- Sports MedicineIf you sit for hours at a desk, typing and staring at a computer screen, you can expect to develop certain problems like poor circulation, eye strain, improper posture, or nerve damage. So it’s better to be active, right? Right! Except—playing sports can come with its own difficulties. People who are physically active can expect to see an increase in certain common problems known as sports injuries—although you don’t need to be an athlete to experience many of them. Let’s look at a few ways you can hurt your feet and ankles.
- Physical TherapyAggressive physical therapy and step down bracing are often utilized as well. Any treatment provided is to allow the ligaments to heal in the correct position and at the correct length.
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Ankle SprainThe ankle ligaments most commonly injured in an ankle sprain are the three outer (or lateral) ligaments. One or more of the ligaments may be partially or even completely torn, depending on the severity of the injury. Fractures are not uncommon and should be ruled out.
- Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy
- General PodiatryOur Staff All our professions at Far West Podiatric Medical Group maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in podiatric medicine.
- Ankle InstabilityIt is critically important to begin treatment as soon as possible after an ankle sprain. Failing to appropriately immobilize the ankle often results in chronic ankle instability. A period of immobilization, anti-inflammatory medication and rest are usually recommended.
- Ankle SprainSwelling, bruising and pain are indications of an ankle sprain or ligament rupture. X-rays will be required to evaluate the condition. Advanced imaging may be required for more severe cases.
- Bunions ProblemsDoes it keep you from your normal activities? If you can’t bend the toe, your balance may be thrown off. If it is drifting so far that it pushes over or under the next toe, you may want to correct the bunion to avoid other painful issues. Bunions are progressive in most cases, and can affect other parts of your foot, making future surgery more complicated.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot CareFar West Podiatric Medical Group provides in-office vascular testing to determine if your circulation is adequate, along with a whole array of foot care services for diabetic feet, including medical nail trimming and treatment of foot ulcers. Call our office in Hawthorne, CA at (310) 675-0900 to find out how our friendly, professional staff can keep your feet healthy, strong, and free of problems. If you prefer, you can message us online to request an appointment.
- Flat Feet
- Fungus ToenailsInfections. Athlete’s foot is a common one, and the same microorganisms can cause toenail fungus as well. Any break in the skin surface can also open your body to bacterial infections such as staph or flesh-eating bacteria.
- HammertoesIt’s all too easy to take your small toes for granted—until a painful issue like hammertoes affects your feet. Hammertoes are a common deformity that can make wearing certain shoes very uncomfortable for you. Fortunately, with early treatment, you can take care of this deformity using minimally invasive methods.
- Heel Pain
- Foot Pain
- Ingrown ToenailsEven if you find what seems to be a small injury, such as a scrape or an ingrown toenail, you should seek treatment. If you do find anything that concerns you, contact us at Far West Podiatric Medical Group.
- MetatarsalgiaYour particular biomechanics can be a source of sports injuries as well. When bones in your forefoot move incorrectly during your gait, they can press against or entrap the nerves running between them. This can cause pain in the ball of your foot known as metatarsalgia, and tingling or numbness in the toes.
- Plantar FasciitisIt seems doctors have a name for everything—including a foot condition that results in morning heel pain. If you experience a sharp, stabbing pain under your heel or arch with you first steps after you get out of bed, you likely have what we call plantar fasciitis. The condition is a problem with the long, fan-shaped ligament band (fascia) that connects your heel bone to each of your toes.
- Podiatric DeformitiesEarly treatment of these gait disorders is often successful, and will help to prevent later foot deformities. Children will not “grow out†of flat feet. Lack of treatment can lead to formation of abnormal foot structure such as bunions and hammertoes, and arthritic changes in adulthood.