Foot Blister Care

Most blisters caused by friction or minor burns do not require doctor’s care. However, if a blister develops on your foot and causes you concern, you should contact one of our doctors at Orange CA Podiatry immediately. It’s important that you do not puncture a blister at home unless it is large, painful, or likely to be further irritated. The fluid-filled blister keeps the underlying skin clean, which prevents infection and promotes healing. However, if you can’t wait and need to pop a blister, please follow these care tips.

• Use a sterilized needle or razor blade (to sterilize it, put the point or edge in a flame until it is red-hot, or rinse it in alcohol).


• Wash your hands and the area thoroughly, then make a small hole and gently squeeze out the clear fluid.


• If the fluid is white or yellow, the blister may be infected and needs medical attention.


• Do not remove the skin over a broken blister. The new skin underneath needs this protective cover.


• Apply an antibiotic ointment or cream.


• Look for signs of infection to develop, including pus drainage, a red or warm skin surrounding the blister, or red streaks leading away from the blister.

If you are suffering from foot blisters, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. For more information about the services we provide and the foot conditions we treat, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com. To schedule an examination with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1995.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a common ailment that affects the forefoot, typically in young people who engage in physical activity like running or dancing. The most common symptom is pain in the ball-of-the-foot, especially on the medial or inner side. Sesamoiditis is usually distinguished from other forefoot conditions by its gradual onset. However, the only way you’ll know you have sesamoiditis is if you visit our doctors at Orange CA Podiatry.

The sesamoid is a small bone under the ball of the foot. In the normal foot, the sesamoids are two pea-shaped bones located in the ball of the foot, beneath the big toe joint. Acting as a pulley for tendons, the sesamoids help the big toe move normally and provide leverage when the big toe “pushes off” during walking and running. Sesamoid injuries can involve the bones, tendons, and/or surrounding tissues in the joint and typically cause pain. In addition, people with high arches are at risk for developing sesamoid problems. Frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes can also be a contributing factor.

If you are a highly active person and begin to experience swelling and bruising in your toes or joints, please give us a call. For more information about sesamoiditis as well as other conditions we treat and the services we offer, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com. To schedule an examination with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1995. 

What is a Ganglion?

It’s not clear what causes a ganglion cyst to develop, but the ganglion itself is a small sac filled with fluid that often appears as bumps on the feet. A ganglion can grow out of a joint capsule, which surrounds the joint, or tendon sheath, which covers the tendon and the bumps themselves, may be very small or bigger than a cherry. Regardless of size and symptoms, our doctors at Orange CA Podiatry can treat them.

Sometimes a ganglion can be tender to the touch, or there can be pain that gets worse with activity or pressure. If the ganglion puts pressure on nearby nerves, you may have a tingling sensation in your toes. If a ganglion is not bothersome, it is best to just leave it alone. However, many people prefer to be rid of them, especially if they are causing pain or discomfort. A ganglion can usually be diagnosed based on how it looks and where it is located. In some cases, it is possible to drain the fluid with a needle and syringe. However, surgical removal of the ganglion is the most successful cure.

If you notice what seems to be a ganglion, please give us a call to find the treatment option that is right for you. For more information about ganglions as well as other conditions we treat and the services we offer, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com. To schedule an examination with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1995. 

Basics of Calluses

Calluses can develop anywhere that there is repeated friction. However, the common callus usually occurs when there’s been a lot of rubbing against the hands or feet. Calluses are rarely painful and typically develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. If a callus becomes very painful or inflamed, come visit us at Orange CA Podiatry.

Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause calluses to develop and grow. Some sources of this pressure and friction include wearing ill-fitting shoes, wearing shoes and sandals without socks, or by wearing socks that don’t fit properly. At Orange CA Podiatry, a callus is diagnosed upon examination and simple over-the-counter treatments may be recommended. In severe cases, calluses may require regular shaving to keep them from becoming too large. While treatment for calluses is not always necessary, it may provide you with more comfort.

If you have calluses on your feet, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. For more information about calluses as well as other conditions we treat and the services we offer, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com. To schedule an examination with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1995. 

What is Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in the joints, often at the base of the big toe. This complex form of arthritis can affect anyone and although men are more likely to get gout, women become increasingly more susceptible to gout after menopause. An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. Fortunately, our doctors at Orange CA Podiatry are trained to relieve your discomfort.

A gout attack can be brought on by stressful events, alcohol, drugs, or another illness. Early attacks usually get better within three to 10 days, even without treatment. Gout is a disease distinguished by an abnormal metabolism of uric acid, resulting in an excess of uric acid in the tissues and blood. Simply put, people with gout either produce too much uric acid or more commonly, their kidneys are incapable of removing it. The goals of treatment for gout are fast pain relief and prevention of future gout attacks and long-term complications such as joint destruction and kidney damage. Specific treatment depends on the severity of your gout.

If you are experiencing joint irritation in your big toe, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. For more information about gout as well as other conditions we treat and the services we offer, visit www.orangecapodiatry.com. To schedule an examination with one of our podiatrists at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call 714-628-1995. 

Avoiding Shin Splints

Shin splints can be painful and a real annoyance to athletes. In order to avoid them, proper precautions must be taken. Here at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA , we want our patients to take the best care of their bodies to keep them healthy and active. Take these tips on how to avoid shin splints.

Shin splints are a term for pain that occurs along the shinbone. They are common in runners and dancers. They most often occur after a significant increase or change in physical activity. The muscles, tendons, and bone tissues become overworked and strained. The shins may feel tender and sore, and there may be swelling present. The pain can go away during inactivity or it can stick around for a while after activity.

To heal shin splints, you need to give your legs a rest. Avoid activity that causes pain, but continue to do low-impact activity like bicycling or swimming. Apply covered ice packs to the area four to eight times a day for about fifteen minutes each time. This will reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers are also good for pain and swelling.

To prevent shin splints from happening, the first thing you want to be sure of is that you are wearing the appropriate footwear. Choose supporting, well-fitting shoes and replace them when they become worn. Arch support may also help, especially if you have flat feet. When working out or training, increase time and intensity gradually. Also add strength training to your workout. Work on strengthening the calf muscles and other leg muscles.

Shin splints can cause pain that may slow an athlete down or even stop training, however, they are avoidable. If rest and ice does not ease the pain, make sure to see your doctor. To schedule an appointment with Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, call us at (714) 628-1995. For more information, visit our website, www.orangecapodiatry.com. 

Heel Pain and Heel Spurs

Painful heels can affect everyday life. A common cause of heel pain is a heel spur. Here at Orange CA Podiatry in Orange, CA, we are experienced in accurately treating heel spurs. Our patients who suffer through heel pain need not suffer anymore!

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form at the front of the heel bone and cause inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue. This can cause intermittent or chronic pain. The pain is especially felt when pressure is repeatedly put on it, like when walking or running.

Heel spurs are caused when there is strain on the plantar fascia; a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. When it is over-stretched due to flat feet or unusually high arches, the plantar fascia begins to pull away from the heel, causing heel spurs to form.

Heel spurs are treatable and respond well. Depending on your case, your doctor may suggest different types of orthotic insoles and splints. The idea is to correct the plantar fascia from over-stretching. Exercises may also help the cause. For inflammation and pain, a steroid injection may be given to the area.

Heel spurs can create pain that slows you down, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. If you are experiencing heel pain, set up an appointment with us at Orange CA Podiatry. To schedule an appointment in our Orange, CA office, call us at (714) 628-1995. For more information, visit our website, www.orangecapodiatry.com.