Items filtered by date: October 2021

Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by a red, scaly rash that can appear anywhere on the body, including on the feet. Although there are different types of psoriasis, the most common type is plaque psoriasis. With this type of psoriasis, red, dry patches of skin can form. The scales of the dry skin can get itchy and sore, crack, and even bleed. Another type of psoriasis seen on the feet is palmoplantar pustulosis, which is characterized by tiny, pus-filled blisters on the soles of the feet. Psoriasis is sometimes confused with athlete’s foot, but there are several key differences. While athlete’s foot typically affects the areas between the toes, is itchy, and can make the toenails yellow and brittle, psoriasis typically affects the soles of the feet, causes pain and soreness, can make nails swollen or pitted, and causes joint stiffness. If you have a rash or blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact James Pak, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

When the heel bone is under repeated stress, calcium deposits can form on the inside of it. These deposits, known as heel spurs, point towards the arch and can measure up to half an inch. Heel spurs can be associated with plantar fasciitis, and they are sometimes masked by the discomfort of that condition. Some heel spurs may not produce any symptoms, while others can be quite painful. You can try to get relief from a heel spur by using cold compresses or over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation. Certain foot and calf stretches may also help to relieve pain as well. Patients who are struggling with heel pain that may be a heel spur should consult with a podiatrist.  A podiatrist can diagnose the source of the pain and offer more advanced forms of treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact James Pak, DPM from California. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Anaheim, CA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Warts are growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can occur in various areas of the body and are spread through direct contact or indirectly through contact with a surface or object that has previously been in contact with a wart. Plantar warts are flat, hard, and rough growths that develop on the bottom surface (plantar) of the foot. They are brown or gray, with tiny black dots in the center, which are actually blood vessels that nourish the wart with oxygen and nutrients. Plantar warts can be individual or grow in clusters. They are typically tender and can be quite painful while walking and standing. While they may go away on their own, it can take years to completely rid yourself of them. If you have one or more plantar warts that are causing you discomfort, contact a podiatrist who has a variety of treatment options to remove the wart.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact James Pak, DPM from California. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Turf toe is a common injury among football and soccer players who play on artificial turf. Other athletes like dancers, gymnasts, and basketball players can also be at risk. Repeated pushing off of the big toe while on hard surfaces can cause stress to the joints and ligaments and lead them to eventually overstretch or tear. When the big toe is bent too far upward towards the foot, turf toe may occur. Common signs of turf toe include increasing pain when putting weight on the big toe, a “popping” sensation when the injury occurs, swelling or stiffness around the big toe, and an inability to move the big toe. Most cases of turf toe are mild, but if the injury causes walking or physical activities (like running or sports) to become painful, it should be checked out by a podiatrist. Upon examination, a podiatrist will be able to diagnose the injury and determine a treatment plan that is best for you.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact James Pak, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.