Items filtered by date: August 2024

Morton's toe is a hereditary foot condition where the second toe appears longer than the first due to a shorter first metatarsal, which is the bone behind the big toe. This anatomical difference shifts pressure to areas of the foot not designed to bear it, leading to discomfort and various foot issues. Common symptoms of Morton's toe can include pain in the ball of the foot, calluses, and joint instability, which may extend to other areas like the hips or lower back. Relief typically involves non-surgical approaches, such as custom orthotics to redistribute pressure, targeted exercising to strengthen the foot, and footwear adjustments like choosing shoes with a wider toe box. These strategies aim to alleviate pain and improve foot function. In cases where conservative treatments are insufficient, surgery may be considered to correct the bone structure. If you have a painful toe abnormality, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact James Pak, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Ankle sprains vary in severity and are classified into three grades. A Grade 1 sprain is mild, involving slight stretching of the ligaments with minimal damage. It typically results from a minor twist or roll of the ankle, often seen in everyday activities. A Grade 2 sprain is more severe, with partial tearing of the ligaments. This type usually occurs from a more significant impact or an awkward landing, leading to moderate pain and swelling. The most serious, a Grade 3 sprain, involves a complete tear of the ligament. This severe injury often results from high-impact events or sudden, forceful movements, causing intense pain, swelling, and instability. Each grade requires specific treatment and rehabilitation to ensure proper recovery and prevent future issues. If you have suffered an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the grade is, and offer appropriate treatment options.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact James Pak, DPM from California. 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 office located in Anaheim, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As people age, they often encounter various foot problems due to changes in foot structure and overall health. Common issues include bunions, painful bumps at the base of the big toe caused by joint misalignment, and arthritis, leading to joint pain and stiffness. Other frequent problems are plantar fasciitis, which results in heel pain from inflammation of the foot's connective tissue, and corns or calluses, which are caused by pressure and friction. These conditions can be made worse by reduced skin elasticity, poor circulation, and weakened foot muscles. Additionally, wearing improper footwear can contribute to discomfort and deformities. If you are elderly or care for an older person with a foot condition, it is suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist who can monitor foot health.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact James Pak, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Foot stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones that develop over time, often due to repetitive force or overuse, and are common to runners and other athletes. One of the main symptoms of a foot stress fracture is tenderness, where the injured bone feels painful to touch. Known as pinpoint pain, this can be accompanied by deep, dull pain that seems to originate from within the foot or toes. You may also experience weakness in the affected area, leading to reduced performance in daily activities. Intermittent pain is typical, intensifying during weight-bearing activities, like walking or running, and diminishing with rest. Swelling is another sign of stress fractures, usually visible on the top portion of the foot due to injury to a metatarsal bone. Changes in biomechanics, such as altered walking or running patterns to avoid pressure on the painful area, may also occur. Sharp, localized pain might be felt when putting weight on the foot, particularly in more severe injuries, and bruising may be present, causing reddish, bluish, or purplish discoloration. A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating foot stress fractures, which can be difficult to detect through an X-ray alone. Digital imaging tests, such as an MRI scan may be required. If you believe you may have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact James Pak, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.