- Warts
- ArthritisCommon causes of hallux rigidus are faulty function (biomechanics) and structural abnormalities of the foot that can lead to osteoarthritis in the big toe joint. This type of arthritis—the kind that results from wear and tear—often develops in people who have defects that change the way their foot and big toe functions. For example, those with fallen arches or excessive pronation (rolling in) of the ankles are susceptible to developing hallux rigidus. In some people, hallux rigidus runs in the family and is a result of inheriting a foot type that is prone to developing this condition. In other cases, it is associated with overuse, especially among people engaged in activities or jobs that increase the stress on the big toe, such as workers who often must stoop or squat. Hallux rigidus can also result from an injury, such as stubbing your toe. Or it may be caused by inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Your foot and ankle surgeon can determine the cause of your hallux rigidus and recommend the best treatment.
- Plantar Fasciitis
- CryotherapyThe doctor may use topical or oral treatments, laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), acid treatments or surgery to remove the wart.
- Primary CareThe symptoms of gout and the inflammatory process usually resolve in three to ten days with treatment. If gout symptoms continue despite the initial treatment, or if repeated attacks occur, see your primary care physician for maintenance treatment that may involve daily medication. In cases of repeated episodes, the underlying problem must be addressed, as the buildup of uric acid over time can cause arthritic damage to the joint.
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Diabetes Care
- UltrasoundTo arrive at a diagnosis, the doctor will obtain your medical history and examine your foot. X-rays are typically ordered to rule out any broken bones. Other advanced imaging such as MRI, Fluoroscopy, or Sonography (Ultrasound) studies may also be helpful for proper diagnosis.
- MRISometimes the surgeon will inject the joint with a local anesthetic (pain-relieving medication) to see if the pain goes away for a while, indicating that the pain is coming from inside the joint. X-rays are taken, and often an MRI or other advanced imaging tests are ordered to further evaluate the lesion and extent of the injury.
- X-Rays
- Computed TomographyTo diagnose the cause of the child’s heel pain and rule out other more serious conditions, your doctor will obtain a thorough medical history and asks questions about recent activities. Your doctor will also examine the child’s foot and lower leg. X-rays are often used to evaluate this condition. In some cases, advanced imaging studies such as MRI, Ultrasound, CT scans, and laboratory tests may also be ordered.
- ChemotherapyThe tendency to accumulate uric acid is often inherited. Other factors that put a person at risk for developing gout include: high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, surgery, chemotherapy, stress and certain medications and vitamins. For example, the body’s ability to remove uric acid can be negatively affected by taking aspirin, some diuretic medications (“water pills”) and the vitamin niacin (also called nicotinic acid). While gout is more common in men aged 40 to 60 years, it can occur in younger men as well as in women.
- ArthroscopyDr. Leaming joined the practice in 2017. He received his surgical training during a 3 year residency in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at Yale New Haven University Hospital where he served as chief resident. Dr. Leaming is an associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Board Qualified with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Leaming has published many research articles. He is well versed in the treatment of complex ankle deformities and has a special interest in ankle arthroscopy and foot and ankle trauma.
- Wound Care
- Minimally Invasive Surgery“California Foot & Ankle Institute performed an arthroscopy and found that the cartilage in my ankle had been severely damaged and, with minimally invasive surgery, my ankle was repaired. The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis in an ambulatory surgery center. Had I not had the surgery, I would still be suffering from the problem with a diagnosis of a bad sprain.”
- Ankle SurgeryDr. Robert H. Leaming is an exceptionally well-trained foot and ankle surgeon with extensive experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive foot and ankle procedures. He received his bachelor’s degree at The University of Maryland and his doctorate at Temple University. He went on to do a three year residency in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at Yale New Haven University Hospital where he served as Chief Resident and earned the Yale School of Medicine academic achievement award.
- BunionsBunions are a progressive condition. They begin with a leaning of the big toe, gradually changing the angle of the bones over the years and slowly producing the characteristic bump, which becomes increasingly prominent. The foot will widen and make it difficult to wear closed shoes. Symptoms usually appear at later stages, although some people never have any symptoms.
- Arthroscopy
- Ingrown ToenailsImproper trimming. The most common cause of ingrown toenails is cutting your nails too short. This encourages the skin next to the nail to fold over the nail.
- Reconstructive Surgery
- CornsThere are a number of treatment options for corns. When corns get hard enough to cause pain, a podiatrist will recommend the treatment option most appropriate for you. However, if the underlying cause of the corn is not treated or removed, the corn may return. It is important to avoid trying to remove a corn at home or using medicated corn pads, as serious infection may occur.
- Cyst
- CallusesA callus is a thickened area of skin on the foot caused by pressure and repeated rubbing, such as from a shoe or sock. The rubbing causes the skin to produce a layer of protective skin (a callus). Calluses vary in size and can become painful.
- FungusTreatment for nail fungus includes careful debridement (trimming) of the nails, thinning of the nail plate with a specialized “sanding” device, prescription topical antifungal medication, and in some cases, prescription oral medication. There are some doctors who prefer to simply, “remove the entire nail” -this is not part of our treatment philosophy. We are conservative in our approach and put patient safety and comfort first.
- LesionsIf nonsurgical treatment fails to relieve the symptoms of talar dome lesions, surgery may be necessary. Surgery may involve removal of the loose bone and cartilage fragments within the joint and establishing an environment for healing. A variety of surgical techniques is available to accomplish this. Your surgeon will select the best procedure based on the specific case.
- Sports Medicine
- Physical TherapyPhysical therapy. Range of motion and strengthening exercises are beneficial once the lesion is adequately healed. Physical therapy may also include techniques to reduce pain and swelling.
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Ankle SprainTendinitis is an inflammation of one or both tendons. The inflammation is caused by activities involving repetitive use of the tendon, overuse of the tendon or trauma (such as an ankle sprain). Symptoms of tendonitis include...
- Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy
- General PodiatryAt Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. He went on to complete his residency training in Los Angeles focusing on reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. In addition to his surgical training based in Los Angeles, he was intricately involved in the Baja Project for Crippled Children, a medical and surgical mission which served children and young adults in Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador. After completion of his residency, Dr. Goddard received additional surgical training in nerve decompression and microsurgery of peripheral nerves at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Additionally, he is trained in Lapiplasty, a revolutionary 3D bunion correction. Dr. Goddard has been in private practice for 20 years and he prides himself in making the extra effort to develop a strong doctor-patient relationship.
- Ankle InstabilityChronic ankle instability is a condition characterized by a recurring giving way of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle. This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains. Usually, the giving way occurs while walking or doing other activities, but it can also happen when you’re just standing. Many athletes, as well as others, suffer from chronic ankle instability.
- Ankle SprainIn evaluating and diagnosing your condition, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask you about any previous ankle injuries and instability. Then s/he will examine your ankle to check for tender areas, signs of swelling and instability of your ankle as shown in the illustration. X-rays or other imaging studies may be helpful in further evaluating the ankle.
- Bunions ProblemsTailor’s bunion, also called a bunionette, is a prominence of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe. The metatarsals are the five long bones of the foot. The prominence that characterizes a tailor’s bunion occurs at the metatarsal head, located at the far end of the bone where it meets the toe. Tailor’s bunions are not as common as bunions, which occur on the inside of the foot, but they are similar in symptoms and causes.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot CarePeople with diabetes need to take special care with their feet, since they are especially susceptible to foot problems. Poor circulation and nerve damage (known as peripheral neuropathy), are two aspects of the disease that can lead to serious complications. A lack of feeling may keep you from knowing there’s an issue, and even something as small as a scratch can quickly turn into a major concern. That’s why diabetic foot care is so important. At the California Foot and Ankle Institute, you’ll find the expert care you need, including not only diagnosis and treatment, but prevention tips, prescription shoes, and orthotics.
- Flat FeetA person with flat feet is at risk for developing tarsal tunnel syndrome, because the outward tilting of the heel that occurs with fallen arches can produce strain and compression on the nerve.
- HammertoesThe term “hammertoe” refers to a toe that has become bent, or buckled, in the joint. Over time, a hammertoe can become more deformed to the point of causing severe pain with regular daily activities. Oftentimes, a callus develops on the top of the buckled joint which contributes to the discomfort.
- Heel Pain
- Ingrown ToenailsTrauma. Sometimes an ingrown toenail is the result of trauma, such as stubbing your toe, having an object fall on your toe or engaging in activities that involve repeated pressure on the toes, such as kicking or running.
- Poor Circulation in Feet
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Podiatric DeformitiesPeople with foot deformities, such as hammertoes, often suffer from corns because the tops of the bent toes rub against the tops of shoes.