Items filtered by date: May 2022

Tuesday, 31 May 2022 00:00

Ankle Fractures in Children

An ankle fracture in children involves at least one bone break in your child’s ankle. Common symptoms of an ankle fracture include pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, and trouble moving or putting weight on the ankle or foot. This type of injury is diagnosed with an X-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI. A podiatrist will usually treat a child’s ankle break with a supportive device, such as a cast or brace, and crutches are often provided to help keep weight off the affected ankle. If the fracture is severe, surgery may be needed. Resting the ankle, applying ice, compressing, and elevating the ankle should all help in healing. If you think your child has a broken ankle, it is suggested you visit a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and a treatment plan that best suits your child’s injury.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Brett Dupont, DPM from Golden Gate Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Sonoma, San Francisco, and Oakland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about All About Broken Ankles
Tuesday, 17 May 2022 00:00

Taking Care of Your Ankle Sprain

Anyone who plays sports, wears high heels, or spends a lot of time on their feet is at risk of spraining or straining one of the many ligaments in the ankle joint. It is possible to help an ankle sprain heal more quickly and to limit the damage with a few simple measures: Rest the ankle, and try to avoid bearing weight or repeating the activity that caused the pain. Apply ice packs to the area, for about 10 minutes, making sure to cover your skin with a cloth or towel first. This method can help keep the swelling to a minimum and can be repeated after an hour or so. Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage or wear an ankle brace for stability, but avoid making it so tight that it cuts off the blood flow to the feet. Elevate the joint by keeping it at a 45 degree angle with your leg extended. Gently flex and point your foot to evaluate the pain level. If the pain lingers or increases after a day or so, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a complete examination and diagnosis, along with a treatment plan to heal and then strengthen the joint. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Brett Dupont, DPM from Golden Gate Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Sonoma, San Francisco, and Oakland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Sprains
Tuesday, 10 May 2022 00:00

Heel Pain and Sports Activities

Heel pain in children and young teenagers can indicate the existence of a condition that is known as Sever’s disease. It is defined as an inflammation of the growth plate that is located in the heel. It can happen as a result of repetitive stress on the heel during a growth spurt, and can be common among male children who participate in sporting and jumping activities. Patients who develop Sever’s disease may find their heel pain can make it difficult to walk. Relief can be found when the activity that caused the condition is temporarily stopped, and stretching exercises are performed. Research has shown there may be preexisting conditions that can lead to Sever’s disease, including weak ankles, and poor shock absorption. If your child is limping, and you notice he has heel pain, it is strongly advised that you confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can recommend correct treatment options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Brett Dupont, DPM from Golden Gate Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Sonoma, San Francisco, and Oakland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
Sunday, 08 May 2022 00:00

We Can Treat Your Foot or Ankle Pain

Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.

Tuesday, 03 May 2022 00:00

Understanding the Risks of PAD

PAD or Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage of blood vessels. This disease is caused by a buildup of fat in the arteries, and is also known as atherosclerosis. Though this can happen in any blood vessel, it is more common in the lower extremities. Risks for PAD include aging, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Some symptoms that may be present include pain in the feet or legs with activity that stops with rest, decreased or absent foot pulse, sores or ulcers that do not heal, and cold or numb toes. Beyond damage to one’s feet if left untreated, PAD can lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a podiatrist to measure blood pressure in the ankles via an ankle brachial index (ABI) and compare that to blood pressure in the arms, do possible imaging studies, confirm the diagnosis, and obtain a treatment plan.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Brett Dupont, DPM from Golden Gate Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

  • Claudication (leg pain from walking)
  • Numbness in legs
  • Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
  • Paleness of the skin
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
  • Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Sonoma, San Francisco, and Oakland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Peripheral Artery Disease

Testimonials

John Addeo

One of a very few of Medical Offices I go to where my Appointment time is when the Doctor SEES me. The Very efficient and professional staff is kind, welcoming and very helpful. Dr. Dupont treats you as a valued customer, as he is extremely though, asking all the right questions, with easy to understand answers. He is committed to explaining what, why, and how long each step of his treatment will take and its part in the total treatment.

A visit to Dr DuPont’s is an Excellent experience by an excellent practitioner with a terrific staff.

Wendy Grahman

My husband Richard and I have been seeing Dr. DuPont for the past several years. We see him for periodic nail care and he attends to any other foot problems we have.

He is professional, efficient and personable. His office is always very clean and the staff is helpful and friendly. I heartily recommend Dr. DuPont to anyone seeking podiatric care.

Ann Shrum

I've been a patient of Dr. Dupont's since he began his practice here in Sonoma at Golden Gate Foot & Ankle on 1st St W. I had bunion surgery on my left foot and it went beautifully. He is professional, pleasant, and very responsive to discuss any concerns with my feet and ankles. His office personnel are so good at working with you on your appointments (which I've needed to get in sooner a couple of times), and treat their patients with great respect. They are always pleasant, and the office is open and welcoming. I highly recommend his practice and have to several friends that are now his patients.

Lynnette Bourne

Dr. Dupont was very helpful with my recent foot pain due to a probable neuroma. I went in to the office having a lot of difficulty walking because of the foot pain and left pain free after treatment. He was good at explaining why I had the condition, options and treatment. He is professional and friendly.

Tanya Marsh

I walked into his office fighting back tears because my feet were hurting me so terribly, every step had become an effort. By the time I left his office 30 minutes later, the pain that had bothered me for years had been resolved and has not returned. Within minutes of looking at the issues with my feet, Dr. Dupont accurately diagnosed, treated and bandaged the painful spots that I had been dealing with. My primary care Dr had treated me, but without any success and my dermatologist completely misdiagnosed, offering no support. This left me extremely discouraged and I struggled for many months before discovering Dr. Dupont.

Sandy Pollack

Choosing Dr. Dupont for your footcare is a step in the right direction. He is very knowledgeable, on time with appointments, has a very courteous staff, and has a terrific, easy-going, friendly manner. Thank you Dr. D for your expert care!

Randy Cook

I trust Dr. Dupont. He listens well, asks good questions, helps me understand my condition and my options. Just what I want in a podiatrist! (And my feet think so too!)

Stephanie Hamilton

I recently had hammertoe surgery performed by Dr. DuPont. I am sorry I waited so long. I had excellent care from Dr. DuPont and I am so happy with the results,.

Dun W

Dr. Dupont was great. Saw him for ingrown toenail service. it was literally painless. great job!

Tobin Hansen

Brett is very professionally qualified and shows a caring manner to his patients

Amelia Morgan

Dr. Dupont to care of my dad. He had bunion surgery with excellent results.

Skip Wangbickler

A most pleasant experience.

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