Dr. Jeffery Kleis is a leading provider for podiatry and laser nail fungus treatments in Southern California. Located in Costa Mesa, CA, Dr. Kleis sees patients from throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County, as well as being sought regularly by patients from Europe, the Middle East, Canada, South America, and Mexico.
World Leader in Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus Conditions
Dr. Kleis has been recognized as a world leader in the field of laser treatment for nail fungus and onychomycosis. He is one of only a few doctors in the US who has used more than one brand of laser to treat fungal nail. With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Kleis has been on the leading edge of new laser technology development, having been integral in the development of the GenesisPlus laser by Cutera. He also assists in the training of other doctors throughout the world in the proper use of laser technology for the treatment of nail fungus. Dr. Kleis is featured in the training video for the Cutera Laser.
Board Certified Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Dr. Kleis is also a board-certified foot surgeon, regularly treating patients with foot and ankle conditions that require surgery. Sports injuries and falls are common causes of foot and ankle pain. Dr. Kleis is experienced in the treatment of conditions that include foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and bunions. Treatments for plantar fasciitis often include non-surgical methods, including acoustic wave treatments, a non-invasive laser and shock wave therapy. Treating bunions sometimes requires surgery, though the recovery time is often relatively short and better quality of life can be achieved through correction.
Conditions We Treat
At Costa Mesa Podiatrist, Dr. Kleis treats a range of conditions and is dedicated to ensuring that your feet are healthy and strong for life. Patients often seek Dr. Kleis as a result of foot pain, nail fungus, plantar fasciitis, onychomycosis, athlete’s foot, bunions, and a range of other conditions. Dr. Kleis is committed to using as non-invasive an approach as each situation will allow. His patients often recommend him for his professional, knowledgeable, and personable manner.
Achilles Tendonitis
Injuries to the thick band of tissues that connect your heel to your calf muscle can cause extreme pain and discomfort. Repeated activities, sports injuries, and overuse can result in injuries to the Achilles tendon.
Dr. Kleis offers diagnosis and treatment for Achilles tendon. First, Dr. Kleis performs a complete physical exam and reviews your medical history. He may take an X-ray or other imaging tests to evaluate the severity of the condition and rule out other possible injuries.
Once he confirms a diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis, Dr. Kleis creates a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the specifics of your case. If you suspect you have an Achilles tendon injury, call or book an appointment with Dr. Kleis online today.
Brachymetatarsia
Typically occurring in both feet, brachymetatarsia is a condition characterized by a short metatarsal. If you suffer from brachymetatarsia, you may find it difficult to properly balance or smoothly transfer weight across the toes when walking or running. To correct this problem, extra padding can be used in the shoe to protect the shorter toe from excessive friction and pressure. For more information about treatments available for brachymetatarsia, please contact us today!
Flatfoot (Fallen Arches)
One of the most common effects of improper foot alignment is known as flatfoot or fallen arches. The condition of flat feet is characterized by a lack of appropriate arch in the inner foot. It can be a genetic condition or the result of improper body mechanics. Often the whole of the foot will contact the ground. A flat foot often is unable to properly support this weight and will cause extreme pressure in the joints above, such as the ankles, knees, and hips. Orthotics can be prescribed to create a system of support for the body and surgery can also offer a more permanent solution.
Ganglions
Ganglions is a condition typically caused by repeated irritation weakening the joint or tendon lining. Ganglions are usually located on the ankle or top of the foot, though they can occasionally be found elsewhere. Ganglions are small, fluid-filled swellings that grow slowly, but can cause severe irritation when they become large.
The symptoms of this condition range from tingling and numbness to pain, caused by the ganglions coming into contact with and putting pressure on the nerves of the foot. For an evaluation of a condition that you are concerned might be ganglions, please schedule an appointment today!
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain. The pain from plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissues that runs lengthwise along the bottom of your foot, from your heel to your toes. When this band of tissue is inflamed, it causes stabbing and sometimes extreme pain when you step. The first steps of the morning can be especially painful.
Causes of plantar fasciitis foot pain include aging, specific types of exercise that places a lot of stress on your heels, the shape of a person’s foot, extra weight, and too much time on your feet. If you are experiencing foot pain from plantar fasciitis, Dr. Kleis has treatments that can help.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Treatments for plantar fasciitis include non-invasive techniques like shockwave and acoustic wave treatments, laser treatments, and therapy. Surgery may be required in extreme cases, however, Dr. Klein works with you to determine the best and least invasive therapies that will work to treat your plantar fasciitis foot pain.
Haglund’s Deformity
A condition sometimes referred to as a “pump bump,” Hagland’s deformity is most prevalent among women who wear “pump” style shoes. A Hagland’s deformity can occur in one or both feet and is caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental causes, such as shoe style choices. Although surgery is an option for the treatment of Haglund’s deformity, there are many non-surgical treatments available. Noninvasive treatments of Haglund’s deformity include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and orthotic devices.
Hallux Rigidus
Hallux Rigidus is a condition that affects the joint at the base of the big toe. Technically a form of osteoarthritis, Hallux Rigidus wears out the cartilage in the affected joint. Individuals suffering from this condition often experience pain and stiffness in the big toe. Symptoms are often worse during walking, running or performing other exercises. The symptoms are also made worse, at times, by changes in the weather. If the condition worsens, the big toe joint may develop bone spurs and the sufferer may experience pain even when at rest.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a condition prevalent among physically active individuals and is often caused by repeat impact on the ball of the foot. Symptoms include pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, a dull ache just behind the toes, pain that worsens during activity and improves during rest, and pain in the feet that is worse when barefoot. There are usually multiple causes for metatarsalgia and a multifaceted approach is required for treatment. For evaluation of metatarsalgia and an individualized treatment plan, please visit our office today.
Morton’s Neuroma
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissues that can develop anywhere in the body, causing nerve damage. A Morton’s neuroma is the most common type of neuroma to develop in the foot. It occurs between the third and fourth toes and causes tingling, burning, numbness, pain, and a feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot. It is best to consult your doctor in the early stages of a neuroma, as early diagnosis greatly lessens the potential need for surgery.
Onychomycosis
The most common fungi to cause toenail infection is Trichophyton rubrum or T. rubrum. T. rubrum causes onychomycosis, a condition that causes the nail to raise up from the nail bed. Usually, this process begins at the end of the toe, raising the toenail up and eventually causing the toenail to become thick and flaky. This condition is often accompanied by athletes foot between the toes or on the bottom of the foot.
A less common form of onychomycosis is called “proximal subungual onychomycosis” and starts at the base of the toenail, at the cuticle. From there, the toenail begins to raise up and spread toward the tip of the toenail. This form of onychomycosis is most often seen in patients with diabetes.
Yeast Onychomycosis
Candida is a common form of yeast that can cause yellow, brown, white or thickened nails. Patients with Candida toenail or fingernail infections often have yeast infections in their mouths, as well. Candida fungal infections cause the nails to flake off and exposes the nail bed underneath. Candida infections are sometimes accompanied by paronychia, an infection of the cuticle around the nail.
Onychomycosis Treatments
Onychomycosis can be treated with oral medications, topical medicines, or laser treatments. Oral medication carries risks of side effects and topical medications have a hard time penetrating the nail to kill the fungus. Laser treatments, however, have proven effective against all types of toenail fungus and have no side effects. The laser treatment is painless and won’t harm healthy tissue, eliminating the need for anesthesia or pain medication after the treatments.
Laser Onychomycosis treatments last about thirty minutes, during which the patient experiences a warming sensation where the laser is focused, but no pain. The laser light heats the fungal organisms, killing them without harming healthy tissue. Patients can return to normal activity as soon as the treatment is concluded.
Heel Pain From Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain. The pain from plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissues that runs lengthwise along the bottom of your foot, from your heel to your toes. When this band of tissue is inflamed, it causes stabbing and sometimes extreme pain when you step. The first steps of the morning can be especially painful.
Causes of plantar fasciitis foot pain include aging, specific types of exercise that places a lot of stress on your heels, the shape of a person’s foot, extra weight, and too much time on your feet. If you are experiencing foot pain from plantar fasciitis, Dr. Kleis has treatments that can help.
Heel Pain Treatments
Services for treating heel pain from plantar fasciitis include non-invasive techniques like shockwave and acoustic wave treatments, laser treatments, and therapy. Surgery may be required in extreme cases, however, Dr. Klein works with you to determine the best and least invasive therapies that will work to treat your plantar fasciitis foot pain.
Taylor’s Bunion
Bunions are painful bumps that develop at the base of the big toe joint. Taylor’s bunion is a condition that is typically caused by pressure on the outside of the foot. This is a common foot ailment that can sometimes be treated by a change in footwear.
Dr. Kleis will diagnose bunions using a physical examination and, if necessary, Xrays. Then, he will develop an individualized plan for the treatment of your bunions. Bunion treatments include:
- Low-level laser treatment or acoustic wave therapy
- Padding the bunion
- Oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medication
- Orthotic devices
Dr. Kleis examines every possible treatment before recommending surgery. However, if your bunion causes severe pain or doesn’t improve with nonsurgical treatment, he may advise surgery to remove the bunion and correct your foot alignment.
Hammertoes
Hammertoe is most often caused by injuries, genetics, and arthritis. Hammertoe is primarily found in the second to the fifth toes and is recognized by the shape of the toe, when the toe joints bend abnormally, causing the toe to look like an upside-down V when viewed from the side.
Hammertoes are progressive, so symptoms get worse and don’t resolve on their own. Common signs and symptoms of hammertoe include:
- Pain or irritation while wearing shoes
- Inflammation or redness
- One or more abnormally bent toes
- Corns or calluses on the toes or ball of the foot
- Restricted motion in the toe joint
Over time, the toe can become rigid and develop open sores that may become infected. This condition never improves without treatment, that’s why it’s best to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kleis as soon as you notice symptoms of hammertoe.
Dr. Kleis can diagnose hammertoe through a physical exam and possibly by taking an X-ray. He will develop an individualized treatment plan that may include a change in footwear, callous and corn treatments, orthotic footwear, oral or injectable medications, and splinting the affected toe. Occasionally, surgical treatment is required to treat hammertoe. For expert hammertoe treatment, call or book an appointment online with Dr. Kleis today.
Osteoarthritis
Degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis results from the normal wear and tear experienced by a person’s joints over the years. It most commonly occurs in the major joints but can also affect the feet and ankles, causing pain. Osteoarthritis develops over time, causing joint pain and stiffness, swelling in the joints, and eventually weakness and limited mobility. Osteoarthritis in the ankles or feet can cause difficulty or pain will navigating stairs, walking, or performing everyday activities.
Dr. Klein can diagnose and treat your osteoarthritis using a complete physical exam and perhaps some laboratory tests to rule out other types of arthritis. Once osteoarthritis has been diagnosed, Dr. Kleis will develop an individualized treatment plan that could include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, shockwave or acoustic wave therapy, or orthotic inserts or devices. Dr. Kleis is dedicated to finding non-invasive therapies whenever possible and will only recommend surgery as a last resort.
Posterior Tibial Dysfunction
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction or PTTD is the inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon in the foot. The primary function of the posterior tibial tendon is to support the arch of the foot. PTTD is often the result of adult-onset “flat-foot.” While PTTD is usually only seen in one foot, it can be present in both. If left untreated, this condition can worsen, causing pain, swelling, a flattening of the arch, and an inward roll of the ankle.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most serious types of arthritis and can affect all of the small joints in your body, including your ankles, forefoot, and toes. Common symptoms of RA include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. When RA affects the foot and ankles, you may also experience hammertoes, painful lumps or Rheumatoid nodules, bunions, toe dislocations, heel pain, and ankle pain.
To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Kleis will begin with a thorough examination and a review of your medical history. He will likely take blood tests or x-rays to evaluate the extent of your condition. Dr. Kleis will then develop an individualized treatment plan for RA that may include accommodative shoes, injections, laser treatment, acoustic wave treatments, and physical therapy.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot wherein the sesamoid bones on the ball of the foot begin to be painful and inflamed. Sesamoid bones are bones that are only connected to tendons, embedded in muscles, rather than connected to other bones. When these bones are inflamed and painful, patients sometimes experience a lack of power and control in their feet. Common symptoms of sesamoiditis are the area below the big toe is tender to pressure, mild pain occurs when walking barefoot or thin-soled shoes and pain is much better with rest. Treatments vary, depending on the severity of the condition.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful foot condition where the tibial nerve is compressed as it travels through the tarsal tunnel. The tarsal tunnel is found along the inner leg, behind the bump on the ankle called the medial malleolus. Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include pain and tingling around the ankles, swelling of the feet, electric shock sensations, pain radiating up the leg and down into the arch, heel, and toes, hot and cold sensations in the feet, and a burning sensation on the bottom of the foot that radiates upward.
For an evaluation of these conditions or any other pain or discomfort in your feet, ankles or toes, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-4944 today!