Ganglion cysts are fluid filled lumps that often form near joints or tendons in the foot or ankle. They develop when joint fluid leaks out and becomes trapped in a small sac, often due to irritation, overuse, injury, or changes in joint mechanics. Some cysts cause no symptoms, while others lead to aching pain, pressure, or nerve irritation, especially when shoes rub against the area. Treatment depends on discomfort and location. Options include monitoring the cyst, modifying footwear, or using padding to reduce pressure. If symptoms persist, a podiatrist may drain the cyst or recommend a minor procedure to remove it and reduce recurrence. A podiatrist can also evaluate foot structure and movement patterns that may contribute to cyst formation, helping improve comfort, mobility, and long-term foot health. If you think you might have a ganglion cyst, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Mark Co, DPM from California. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Peripheral neuropathy affects the feet by damaging the nerves responsible for sensation, balance, and muscle control. When these nerves do not function properly, people may notice numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain in the toes and soles. Reduced sensation can make it difficult to feel pressure, temperature changes, or minor injuries, which increases the risk of cuts, blisters, and skin breakdown going unnoticed. Muscle weakness related to nerve damage may also change the way the feet move during walking, leading to instability and a higher risk of falls. Over time, altered pressure points can contribute to calluses, ulcers, and joint strain in the feet and ankles. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve-related symptoms, monitor skin and nail health, address walking changes, and recommend appropriate treatment to protect foot function and reduce complications. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Mark Co, DPM from California. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This condition often develops due to wearing tight shoes that place pressure on the toes or from a congenital pincer nail deformity that causes the nail to curve excessively. Common symptoms include pain and tenderness in the corner of the nail fold, along with redness, swelling, and irritation. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can worsen and increase the risk of infection. A podiatrist can properly diagnose the condition, relieve discomfort, and safely treat the affected nail. If you have persistent toe pain or signs of an ingrown toenail,it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery for relief.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Mark Co, DPM of California. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, can influence foot health in several ways because it impacts the nervous system, which controls muscle strength, balance, and sensation. Many individuals experience numbness or tingling in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries or changes in pressure. Muscle weakness may alter walking patterns, leading to fatigue, instability, or an increased risk of falls. Some people develop spasticity, a tightness or stiffness in the muscles that can cause the foot to point downward or drag during movement. Changes in coordination may affect the way the foot lands with each step, creating strain on joints, tendons, and ligaments. Poor sensation and altered gait can also contribute to skin breakdown, calluses, and pressure sores, if not monitored carefully. A podiatrist can help manage these challenges by evaluating gait, recommending proper footwear or orthotics, and addressing any emerging foot problems promptly to maintain comfort and mobility. If you have MS and it is impacting your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for relief and management options.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Mark Co, DPM from California. Our practitioner will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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