Don’t Suffer From Athlete’s Foot

If you sport bare feet in public places like swimming pools or locker rooms, our staff at Orange CA Podiatry encourages you to begin wearing shoes immediately, simply because you are at risk for athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a very common skin condition that affects the sole of the foot and the skin between the toes. Athlete’s foot occurs when the tinea fungus grows on the feet. Athlete’s foot isn’t serious, but sometimes it’s hard to cure. If you have symptoms of this condition, you should visit us as soon as possible.

Common symptoms of athlete’s foot typically include various degrees of itching and burning. However, many individuals with athlete’s foot have no symptoms at all and do not even know they have an infection. This fungal infection, in particular, is contagious and can be spread person to person or by walking on contaminated objects and floors. It can also be caused by wearing tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes. If you suspect you have athlete’s foot, 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.

Difference between Sprains and Strains

At Orange CA Podiatry, we understand that accidents and injuries happen, but if you were to trip and fall, would you know the difference between a muscle sprain and a muscle strain? Sprains and strains are common injuries that share similar signs and symptoms but involve different parts of your body. Once we inform you how to decipher between a sprain and a strain, you should contact our office to discuss treatment options if one were ever to occur.

The most common location for a sprain is in your ankle. A sprain is a stretching or tearing of the ligaments – the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones together in your joints. Strains often occur in the lower back and in the hamstring muscle in the back of your thigh. A strain, on the other hand, is a stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. A tendon is a fibrous cord that connects muscles to bones. Initial treatment for both sprains and strains includes rest, ice, compression and elevation, however if the pain is severe, you should seek immediate medical attention.

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.

Hit the Pavement with These Walking Tips

Here on the west coast, we are lucky enough to have warmer winters than other states, so this makes it for easy for residents to go for walks when desired. If you’re not walking properly it can wreak havoc on your posture as well as your feet. At Orange CA Podiatry, as much as we love to see you for a visit, we also like to see you pain-free. Next time you decide to go for a stroll through the neighborhood, take these tips into consideration.

• Put on those walking shoes – The ideal shoe should be stable from side-to-side, well-cushioned, and it should enable you to walk smoothly.


• Stride – Your stride should come naturally. As you master the correct walking posture (chest up, shoulders back) you’ll find your stride may become a little smaller as you start to walk faster. Plus, the more short quick strides you take equal more work for your glutes.


• Foot Action – Always walk heal to toe. Push off from your heel and roll through to your toe. Your heel should always strike the ground first and your toes should gently flex upward. The ideal foot action should be Heel-arch-ball-toe before completing the step and moving to the next one.

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.

Benefits of Custom Foot Orthotics

Being on your feet all day can cause aches and pains in your feet and lower body. If your feet are not properly supported, moving can cause stress and strain. There is a wide variety of foot orthotics on the market that are designed to provide relief. However, custom foot orthotics provides the most because they are designed for your foot and your foot only. With years of medical training in foot care, Drs. Lin or Weiss is an expert in treating foot problems with orthotics.

Custom orthotics are made from “casts” or molds of your individual feet. In addition, “angled posts” or wedges are added that match the angular relationship between your leg, rear foot, and forefoot. Unlike an arch support, a custom orthotic moves with your foot and controls certain parts of your foot at certain times during your walking cycle. Although orthotic devices may look like simple pieces of plastic, they come in a variety of materials and profoundly affect your entire musculoskeletal system.

If you think you might benefit from custom foot orthotics, please give us a call. For more information about the services we provide and the custom foot orthotics as well as 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.

High Arch Pain

The arch in your foot is comprised of your tarsal and metatarsal bones, along with supporting ligaments and tendons. The arch runs from the toes to the heel on the bottom of the foot. High arches are the complete opposite of flat feet, due to the fact that they are raised more than normal. Unlike flat feet, high arches tend to be painful because more stress is placed on the section of the foot between the metatarsals. If you have high arches that are causing you strife, come visit us at Orange CA Podiatry today.

When any arch-related bones, ligaments, and tendons are weakened or injured from overuse, excessive activity, or wear and tear from aging, then you may start experiencing arch pain. Symptoms include shortened foot length, difficulty fitting shoes, and foot pain while walking, standing or running. High arches, especially ones that are flexible and well cared for, may not need any treatment. However, corrective shoes may help relieve pain and improve walking.

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.

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.