General Practitioners

• Warts
• Arthritis
  Surgery on the remaining metatarsal bones is performed infrequently. When surgery is performed on the second, third, or fourth metatarsal bones, it is generally for the treatment of painful callouses on the bottom of the foot or for the treatment of non-healing ulcerations on the ball of the foot. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis may require surgery of the metatarsals, which is discussed in another section. Also surgery of the metatarsals may be necessary in instances of trauma of the foot where the metatarsal bones may have been fractured. This article will discuss elective metatarsal surgery.
• Plantar Fasciitis

Psychiatrists

• Anxiety

Endocrinologist

• Diabetes Care

Radiologist

• Ultrasound
  Our doctors will carefully examine your feet and ankles and take a complete medical history. They may alos order tests, including an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, to determine the extent of your injury. If you have a fracture that's clearly visible on X-ray, you may not need additional testing. Ultrasounds and MRIs are useful for finding soft issue injuries (including torn ligaments) and stress fractures.
• MRI
  The diagnosis of Neuromas is made by a physical exam and a thorough history of the patient's complaint. Conditions that mimic the pain associated with Neuromas are stress fracture of the metatarsals, inflammation of the tendons in the bottom of the toes, arthritis of the joint between the metatarsal bone and the toe, or nerve compression or nerve damage further up in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back. X-rays are generally taken to rule out a possible stress fracture or arthritis. Because nerve tissue is not seen on an x-ray, the x-ray will not show the neuroma. A skilled foot specialist will be able to actually feel the neuroma on his exam of the foot. Special studies such as MRI, CT Scan, and nerve conduction studies have little value in the diagnosis of a neuroma. Additionally, these studies can be very expensive and generally the results do not alter the doctor's treatment plan. If the doctor on his exam cannot feel the neuroma, and if the patient's symptoms are not what is commonly seen, then nerve compression at another level should be suspected. In this instance, one area to be examined is the ankle.
• X-Rays
• Computed Tomography
  MRIs are particularly useful for spotting stress fractures and soft tissue injuries such as ankle ligament sprains. If a patient has an ankle or foot fracture, the doctor might also order computed tomography (CT) scans, which offer a comprehensive view of the bones and joints.
• Chemotherapy
  The 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.

Surgeons

• Wound Care
  Ulcers are treated by removing the unhealthy tissue and performing local wound care to assist in healing. Special shoes or padding may be used to remove excess pressure on the area. If infection is present, antibiotics will be necessary. In severe cases that involve extensive infection or are slow to heal, surgery or other advanced wound care treatments may be necessary.
• Ankle Surgery
  We specialize in performing reconstructive procedures on the foot and ankle. Dr. Abdoo is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
• Bunion Surgery
  The postoperative course and rehabilitation following bunion surgery depends on the procedure and can vary amongst podiatric surgeons. Patients have varying levels of postoperative pain but quite often the pain is significantly less than what the patient anticipates. A period of total non-weight bearing with crutches may be recommended in the first 3 to 5 days. In many instances, the surgeon may allow the patient to bear full weight in a postoperative surgical shoe. In all cases patients are instructed to limit their activities and to elevate their feet above their heart during the first 3 to 5 days. After this, a resumption of gradual weight bearing with a special surgical shoe is begun. Walking without the postoperative shoe is strictly prohibited. In cases where a pin is used, return to full weight bearing with a stiff soled walking shoe is allowed after the pin has been removed, generally in 3 to 4 weeks following the bunion surgery. Screws provide increased stability when used to fixate bone cuts and most patients can return to full weight bearing and regular shoes in 3-4 weeks following the surgery. The postoperative and rehabilitative course is improved by the use of ice and elevation of the extremity as much as possible. One of the most important aspects of the postoperative treatment is early motion of the joint to prevent joint stiffness. In most cases, range of motion exercises are begun almost immediately following surgery. No matter what the form of bone fixation is used, pins or screws; bone healing will take 6 to 8 weeks or longer. During this period of time it is important that the patient not walk without shoes or in thin-soled shoes or sandals. Should the patient risk walking without an adequately supportive shoe, they risk re-fracturing the bone and increase the duration of healing.
• Metatarsal Surgery
  There are five metatarsal bones in each foot. These bones are the long bones behind each toe. The metatarsal bone behind the big toe is called the first metatarsal. The metatarsal bone behind the little toe is called the fifth metatarsal. The most common metatarsal surgery is preformed on the first metatarsal for the correction of bunion deformity. The second most common metatarsal surgery is on the fifth metatarsal for the correction of tailor's bunion deformity. This article will address metatarsal surgery of the other metatarsals.
• Bunions
  Even though bunions are a common foot deformity, there are misconceptions about them. Many people may unnecessarily suffer the pain of bunions for years before seeking treatment.
• Gangrene
  Treatment consists of surgical removal of the gangrene, surgery to improve the circulation (by-pass surgery), hyperbaric oxygen treatment and IV antibiotics.
• Ingrown Toenails
  Improperly sized footwear. Ingrown toenails can result from wearing socks and shoes that are tight or short.
• Reconstructive Surgery
  Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle, Post-Traumatic Foot and Ankle Surgery, Sports Medicine, Diabetic Limb Salvage and Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic Surgeons

• Hammertoe Surgery
  Home treatment should be directed at reducing the pressure between the toes with cotton or a foam cushion and using an antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection. Over the counter corn removers should never be used in this area because of the risk of increased damage to the skin resulting in infection. Professional treatment consists of removing the irregular shaped bone that causes the development of the corn. Some patients prefer that the doctor simply trim down and pad the calloused areas. This is a common form of treatment in patients with diabetes. See correcting soft corns, removing bone spurs, and hammertoe surgery.

Dermatologists

• Corns
  There are a number of treatment options for corns. When corns get hard enough to cause pain, a foot and ankle surgeon 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
• Ulcer
  Ulcers, which are open sores in the skin, occur when the outer layers of the skin are iDEured and the deeper tissues become exposed. They can be caused by excess pressure due to ill-fitting shoes, long periods in bed or after an iDEury that breaks the skin. Ulcers are commonly seen in patients living with diabetes, neuropathy or vascular disease. Open wounds can put patients at increased risk of developing infection in the skin and bone.
• Calluses
  The most common area for the formation of calluses on the bottom of the foot is in the area of the ball of the foot. This is a weight bearing area where the long bones behind the toes called metatarsals, bear the greatest amount of weight and pressure. If one or more of these long bones (metatarsals) is out of alignment then excessive pressure is generated in the area producing a callous. The callused area can be very discreet and have a "core" or they can be more dispersed covering a larger area. These areas can become quite painful as the skin thickens. People who have diabetes are at risk of these areas breaking down producing sores or ulcerations that can become infected. People with diabetes should not try home remedies and should see a doctor for the treatment.
• Fungus
  A fungus is an organism that lives in warm moist areas. Fungus of the toenails is a common problem that can affect people of all ages, although it most commonly affects individuals who are older.
• Lesions
  Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection of the skin on the foot. The majority of these infections are caused by one of three fungal agents called dermatophytes. Athlete's foot is by far the most common fungal infection of the skin. The infection can be either acute or chronic. The recurrent form of the disease is often associated with fungal-infected toenails. The acute form of the infection most often presents with moist, scaling between the toes with occasional small blisters and/or fissures. As the blistering breaks, the infection spreads and can involve large areas of the skin on the foot. The burning and itching that accompany the blisters may cause great discomfort that can be relieved by opening and draining the blisters or applying cool water compresses. The infection can also occur as isolated circular lesions on the bottom or top of the foot. As the skin breaks down from the fungal infection, a secondary bacterial infection can ensue.
• Psoriasis
  Treatment should be directed at controlling the fungal infection and treating any secondary bacterial infection with oral antibiotics. Soaking the feet in Epsom salts and warm water is helpful. Wearing sandals to reduce moisture accumulation and heat generated by closed shoes will also help in the control and spread of the infection. Other conditions that mimic acute athlete's foot are contact dermatitis and pustular psoriasis.
• Burns

Physical Therapists

• Sports Medicine
  Podiatric Sports Medicine is a sub-specialty that focuses on the understanding, management, and prevention of lower extremity sports and fitness injuries. We strive to promote a healthy approach to fitness with our knowledge and expertise of biomechanics, functional analysis, and field experience. As athletes ourselves, we can empathize and create a game plan for a return to sports with safety and prevention of future injuries in mind. The foot is a complex structure that controls impact and pressures of the lower extremity. We work with orthotics, shoe modifications, and core form and strength to achieve excellent results.
• Physical Therapy
• Flatfoot Correction
• Heel Pain
• Ankle Sprain
  The feet and ankles work together to provide support and mobility to the body. A foot or ankle sprain is a soft tissue injury. Most often, a sprain occurs when an injury pulls, stretches, or tears the ligaments that connect bone to bone. A fracture is actually a break in the bone.
• Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy

Podiatrists

• General Podiatry
  Since being exposed to the field of podiatric medicine as a teenager by observing and working in my stepfather's podiatric medical practice, I knew this was the field of medicine I wanted to pursue. I was fascinated by the mechanics of human locomotion and the complexity of the foot and ankle. I realized that painful conditions of the lower extremities could have a significant, negative impact on an individual's lifestyle, affecting one's physical and mental heath, limiting family activities and decreasing productivity in the workplace. The opportunity to successfully treat these conditions has been very fulfilling, and continues to motivate me to learn the latest medical and surgical techniques in this ever-expanding field.
• Ankle Instability
  He joins the team of Salinas Valley Foot & Ankle with special interests in the treatment of lower extremity wounds, musculoskeletal injuries, and foot and ankle reconstructive surgery. His practice includes but is not limited to ankle sprains, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, fungal toenails, plantar warts, ingrown toenails and the surgical treatment of bunions, hammertoes, soft tissue masses, flat feet, ankle instability, fractures. Dr. Jordan is applying for primary privileges at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, Watsonville Community Hospital, and Community Hospital of The Monterey Peninsula.
• Ankle Sprain
  To diagnose the severity of a foot or ankle injury, we will examine the foot and get a history of the injury. The doctor might order additional tests to determine the extent of the injury. These include...
• Bunions Problems
  A bunion (also referred to as hallux valgus) is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. But a bunion is more than that. The visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. The big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment-producing the bunion's bump.
• Calluses
• Diabetic Foot Care
• Flat Feet
• Fungus Toenails
  Toenail fungus often begins as an infection in the skin called tinea pedis (also known as athlete's foot). The fungus often starts under the nail fold at the end of the nail. Over time, it grows underneath the nail and causes changes to its appearance, such as a yellow or brownish discoloration. It can also cause thickening and deformity of the toenail.
• Hammertoes
  Hammertoe is a contracture (bending) deformity of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth (little) toes. This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develop.
• Heel Spurs
  Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or, rarely, a cyst.
• Heel Pain
• Foot Pain
• Ingrown Toenails
  Trauma. 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.
• Foot Injuries
• Foot Neuroma
  A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton's neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes. It is sometimes referred to as an intermetatarsal neuroma. Intermetatarsal describes its location in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones. Neuromas may also occur in other locations in the foot.
• Toenail Problems
  Many people have difficulty with their toenails and need assistance in caring for them. A foot and ankle surgeon can diagnose the cause of toenail problems and can recommend treatments.
• Foot Orthotics
  If the heel pain persists your foot doctor may suggest a cortisone iDEection, taping the foot to support the arch, night splints to stretch the calf muscles at night while you are sleeping or functional foot orthotics. Surgery is rarely needed.
• Plantar Fasciitis
  A common foot complaint is pain in the bottom of the heel. This is often referred to as heel spurs or plantar fasciitis. It commonly is painful the first few steps in the morning or after rest. It tends to get worse the longer one stands during the day. It is caused by subtle changes in foot structure that occurs over time. These changes result in the gradual flattening of the arch. As this occurs a thick ligament (the plantar fascia) that is attached to the bottom of the heel and fans out into the ball of the foot is stretched excessively. This ligament acts as a shock absorber while walking. As the foot flattens it stretches. If it stretches too much it gets inflamed and causes pain. Over time the pull of the ligament creates a spur on the heel bone. It is important to realize that it is not the spur that causes the pain and therefore the spur does not need to be removed in most cases. This condition may also cause generalized arch pain called plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammation of the plantar fascial ligament.
• Podiatric Deformities
  People with foot deformities, such as hammertoes, often suffer from corns because the tops of the bent toes rub against the tops of shoes.
• Podiatric Surgery
  If you're dealing with a painful foot injury, deformity, or disease, you may be considering foot surgery to relieve the pain in order to live a normal, healthy lifestyle. Although 75 percent of people in the United States suffer with foot pain at some time in their lives, foot pain is not normal and is not something anybody should have to live with. At Salinas Valley Foot & Ankle, Dr. Abdoo is at the forefront when it comes to treating bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet, ankle, and lower extremities.