A weekend athlete is someone who exercises intensely on days off after being mostly sedentary during the week. This pattern can place sudden stress on feet and ankles. Common injuries include ankle sprains, plantar fascia irritation, Achilles tendon strain, stress fractures, and tendon inflammation. Wearing poor footwear, uneven surfaces, and skipping warm ups can increase risk. Symptoms may involve swelling, stiffness, bruising, or sharp pain during movement. Diagnosis starts with a detailed history of activity and onset of pain, followed by a physical exam. Imaging may be used to evaluate bones, ligaments, and soft tissue. Early attention helps prevent repeat injury and supports safer return to recreational sports. When foot or ankle pain lingers after weekend activity or interferes with daily walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Mark Co, DPM from California. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Peripheral artery disease affects blood flow to the feet and legs. It can lead to serious complications if not identified early. Common signs include leg or foot pain when walking that improves with rest, as well as coldness in the feet and numbness or tingling. Slow-healing sores, changes in skin color, shiny skin, and hair loss on the lower legs may also be present. Because reduced circulation limits oxygen delivery to the extremities, even minor foot injuries can progress and increase infection risk. A podiatrist can recognize warning signs of periphery artery disease through a detailed foot exam, pulse assessment, and vascular testing. Coordinated care can protect skin health, manage wounds, and reduce complications. Early evaluation is important for people with diabetes, smoking history, or cardiovascular concerns. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

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 Mark Co, DPM from California. Our practitioner 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 office located in San Francisco, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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.