Bunion Blues

Bunions can cause a lot of pain, not to mention they do not give feet the most aesthetically-pleasing appearance. At Orange CA Podiatry, here in Orange, CA, we treat patients who have bunions and developing bunions.

A bunion is an abnormal bone formation that is usually located on the side of the foot, by the big toe’s first joint. Occasionally, bunions can form on the other side of the foot, by the first joint of the little toe. These types of bunions are called tailor’s bunions. The bunion itself is a bump that deforms the joint. They are formed when the joint is frequently pushed into the wrong direction, like when your big toe is pushed inward. A bunion is characterized by the sore bump on the outside of the foot. When inflamed and irritated, the area may turn red. Swelling, stiffness of the joint, and a burning sensation are symptoms that may be experienced.  

This is commonly caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. High heels and shoes that do not have enough room for all the toes are often the culprits. However, along with inappropriate shoes, other factors in the formation of bunions genetics, arthritis, and injuries.

To slow down the formation of a bunion, changing your shoes is the first thing to do. Wear shoes that have no heel, or a small heel, good support, and enough room for the toes. Custom foot orthotics may be a good idea. Padding and splinting inside of your shoe can help move the joint back into its correct placement. An anti-inflammatory and icing will help with pain and inflammation. Your doctor may also suggest a cortisone shot. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

If you suspect you are forming a bunion, be sure to schedule an appointment with us for treatment. To schedule at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call our office at (714) 628-1995. More information can be found on our website, www.orangecapodiatry.com. 

Neuroma Facts

A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve tumor that travels between the bases of the third and fourth toes. When the tissue around these toes thickens, it brings on a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot. A neuroma is typically caused by repeated mild injury to the space between these two toes, which can occur in runners or those who wear unfitted footwear.  If you are experiencing foot pain of any kind, please visit our staff at Orange CA Podiatry immediately.

The primary symptom associated with a neuroma is pain between the toes while walking. Patients who suffer from this condition may describe the pain as similar to having a pebble in his or her shoe and may often find relief by stopping their walk, taking off their shoe, and rubbing the affected area. Podiatric medical care should be sought at the first sign of pain or discomfort. Treatment options vary with the severity of each neuroma, and identifying the neuroma early in its development is important to avoid surgery.

If any of these symptoms sound all too familiar, please give us a call. To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at the office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.

Give Yourself a Foot Exam

At Orange CA Podiatry, it is the job of our staff members to ensure that your foot health is in its most optimal state. Most of us know that foot exams can be lifesaving for patients with diabetes, but realistically they are important when it comes to diagnosing any serious foot condition. Fortunately, it’s easy to keep your feet healthy. Here are just a few things to look for when self-examining yours.

• Balance – a good test for balance involves standing on one foot, with your arms out to the side and your eyes close. If you are less than 30 years old, you should be able to balance for 15 seconds, 30 to 40 years old for 12 seconds, 40 to 50 years old for 10 seconds and over 50 years old for seven seconds. This can be improved with exercises.


• Circulation. Look at the color of your toes. Do they look like a normal nail color or are they leaning towards red, white, purple, or blue? Press down on the nail of your big toe until the color blanches. Now let go and allow the blood flow to return to your toe. The return of normal color should take 2 to 5 seconds in a person with average circulation.


• Flexibility. How flexible are your toes? Try to pick up a marble or a small dish towel with your toes. To test your ankle flexibility, hang your heel off of a stair. Now let the heel go below the level of the stair. If this causes pain, stop the test. If your heel goes below the level of the stair without causing strain in your calf, that is a good sign.


• Check your skin for calluses, blisters, or areas of irritation.

If you notice any abnormalities on your feet, please give us a call. To learn about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at the office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.

Toenail Fungus: Causes and Treatment

Toenail fungus is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi. When the tiny organisms take over, the nail often becomes darker in color and smells foul. Because it is difficult to avoid contact with tiny microscopic organisms like fungi, the toenails are especially vulnerable around damp areas where you are likely to be walking barefoot, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, for example. Treatments may vary, depending on the nature and severity of the infection. But once the problem has been detected, our doctors at Orange CA Podiatry can suggest a remedy.

You may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails are thickened, brittle, crumbly, or ragged, distorted in shape, or dull with no shine. A daily routine of cleansing over a period of many months may suppress mild infections. However, the earlier you seek professional treatment, the greater your chance of getting your nails to clear.

If you notice a fungus on your foot, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.

Flatfoot Facts

You’ll know if you have flatfeet when the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened, allowing the entire soles of your feet to touch the floor when you stand up. This is a common and usually painless condition and typically occurs when the arches don’t develop during childhood. Flatfeet can sometimes contribute to problems in your ankles and legs and knees because the condition can alter the alignment of your legs. If flatfeet are causing you trouble, our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry can provide you with relief.

Flatfeet are often a complex disorder, with diverse symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. When diagnosing flatfeet, one of our podiatrists will examine your feet and observe how they look when you stand and sit. X-rays are usually taken to determine the severity of the disorder. Most people have no signs or symptoms of flatfeet, but if pain is present, it can worsen with activity.

If you have flat feet and are experiencing pain in the heel, arch, ankle, or along the outside of the foot, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.

Trimming Toenails: The Basics

 

If you don’t clip your toenails you risk the chance of them growing too long, becoming ingrown and/or causing discomfort as you walk. Trimming your toenails may seem simple enough, but it isn’t something that should be done carelessly. This is why our staff at Orange CA Podiatry put together a list of toenail trimming basics, so that you can give your feet the care they deserve.

• Cut straight across – Guide the clippers across the nail of each toe and avoid cutting in a curved shape.

• Use appropriate toenail clippers – large clippers are for toenails, small clippers are for fingernails.

• Leave nails a little long – If you cut them too short, ingrown toenails occur. It can also leave your nails susceptible to infection.

• Cut nails when they are dry, not wet – wet nails may be likely to tear, bend, or not cut smoothly because they’re softer when wet. Cutting dry nails will give you a cleaner, smoother cut. 

• Make a few small cuts – don’t try to clip the toenail in one snip. Make a few small cuts across your nail first.

• Don’t cut cuticles – Cutting them can cause bleeding or infection. Instead, try using a cuticle stick and push them back. 

If you have questions about foot care, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.

If you don’t clip your toenails you risk the chance of them growing too long, becoming ingrown and/or causing discomfort as you walk. Trimming your toenails may seem simple enough, but it isn’t something that should be done carelessly. This is why our staff at Orange CA Podiatry put together a list of toenail trimming basics so that you can give your feet the care they deserve.

·        Cut straight across – Guide the clippers across the nail of each toe and avoid cutting them in a curved shape.

·        Use appropriate toenail clippers – large clippers are for toenails, small clippers are for fingernails.

·        Leave nails a little long – If you cut them too short, ingrown toenails occur. It can also leave your nails susceptible to infection.

·        Cut nails when they are dry, not wet – wet nails may be likely to tear, bend, or not cut smoothly because they’re softer when wet. Cutting dry nails will give you a cleaner, smoother cut.

·        Make a few small cuts – don’t try to clip the toenail in one snip. Make a few small cuts across your nail first and then trim them.

·        Don’t cut cuticles – Cutting them can cause bleeding or infection. Instead, try using a cuticle stick and push them back.

 

If you have questions about foot care, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.

 

Pediatric Foot Care Tips

Children’s feet require special attention because their bones, muscles, and ligaments are all developing as they grow. This is why scheduling a pediatric foot exam at Orange CA Podiatry is important. Exams of the feet and ankles ensure that your child’s bones are growing correctly. And if a problem does arise, it can be handled early – when easiest to treat. In addition, it is important to practice proper foot care with your child. To assist you with providing optimal foot health for your child, our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry suggest utilizing these tips.

• Cut toenails straight across – doing so will help prevent painful ingrown toenails. Signs of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness, and swelling.


• Keep feet clean and dry – Preventing bacterial and fungal infections begin with good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your child’s feet at bath time. Afterward, dry them well between the toes to prevent athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that thrives in moisture.


• Prevent foot injuries – Walking barefoot outdoors on dirty pavement exposes kids’ feet to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries. If your child receives a cut, scrape, or scratch on the feet, rinse it with soap and water and keep the injury covered with a bandage until it heals.

If you have questions about your child’s foot care, please give us a call. To learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we provide at our office, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1992.