Items filtered by date: October 2024

Corns are a common skin condition, with distinct characteristics and causes. Corns are thickened patches of skin that develop due to friction or pressure, often on the toes or soles. They are usually smaller than warts and have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Symptoms of problematic corns include localized pain and tenderness. Wearing shoes with plenty of room for the toes is the best way to prevent corns. If your toes cannot wiggle and move around, the shoes are likely too tight. Persistent corns that cause significant discomfort may require medical intervention. A podiatrist may recommend cryotherapy, laser treatment, or surgical removal. If you have corns that do not improve, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment options.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact James Pak, DPM of California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Plantar heel pain, often associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis, is a common issue that can significantly impact daily activities. It typically manifests as a sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. This discomfort can result from several factors, including overuse, wearing improper footwear, obesity, and tight calf muscles. Activities that put excessive strain on the heel, such as running or standing for long periods of time can worsen the condition. Treatment options vary, but they often include exercises that can strengthen the foot and improve flexibility. Custom orthotics may also be recommended to provide support and distribute pressure evenly. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain, it is important to seek professional help. It is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet comfortably.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact James Pak, DPM  from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Bunions are painful bony bumps that develop at the base of the big toe, often causing discomfort and affecting daily activities. Common symptoms include swelling, redness, and a noticeable protrusion on the side of the foot. You may also experience stiffness in the big toe, making it difficult to wear certain shoes or walk comfortably. Treatment for bunions often begins with wearing properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box that can help reduce pressure on the bunion. Padding or custom orthotic inserts can provide additional support and alleviate pain. If conservative treatment fails, surgery may be considered to realign the toe and remove the bunion. It is important to address bunions early to prevent worsening symptoms. If you are experiencing bunion pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This type of doctor can evaluate your condition and recommend a tailored treatment plan to restore your comfort and mobility.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact James Pak, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot drop is a medical condition characterized by difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, which can lead to various challenges in mobility. Individuals with foot drop may experience symptoms such as tripping frequently, a noticeable limp, and numbness in the affected foot. These symptoms can make walking cumbersome and may cause individuals to drag their toes or catch them on the ground, increasing the risk of falls. Additionally, those with foot drop may struggle to keep their shoes on securely, leading to discomfort and further mobility issues. This condition can result from various underlying causes, including nerve injuries, muscle disorders, or neurological conditions. Recognizing the symptoms of foot drop is essential, as early intervention can improve mobility and quality of life. If you notice symptoms of foot drop, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with James Pak, DPM from California. Our doctor 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 Anaheim, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken pinky toe, or fifth metatarsal fracture, often results from trauma or injury. Common symptoms include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The pain can be sharp and may worsen when pressure is applied, such as wearing a shoe. A noticeable deformity or inability to move the toe can also indicate a fracture. The primary causes of a broken pinky toe are accidents such as stubbing the toe, dropping heavy objects on it, or direct impact during sports. Poorly fitting shoes or high-impact activities can increase the risk of injury. Prompt treatment is vital for proper healing. If you have fractured your pinky toe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact James Pak, DPM from California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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