Items filtered by date: March 2022

Tuesday, 29 March 2022 00:00

The Benefits of Wearing Flip Flops

Many people enjoy wearing flip flops for their various colors and simplicity. There are benefits that avid flip flop wearers recognize, including their versatility, comfort, and relaxing qualities. Additionally, they allow the feet to breathe, and the toes typically have adequate room to wiggle in. They are easy to wear for their lack of laces, and can be good for children who have not learned how to tie shoes. There are some flip flops that are designed with an arch, in addition to being made of comfortable material. Many people enjoy wearing them to the beach, pool, or performing local errands. Of course, while there are benefits there can also be risks, such as blisters. Staggering how often you wear them can help avoid this. If you would like to learn about  how wearing flip flops may be good for your feet, a podiatrist can provide you with the necessary information.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact James Pak, DPM from California. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

  • Ankle problems
  • Hip problems
  • Lower back problems
  • Pain in the balls of the feet
  • Problems with foot arches
  • Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

  • Sprained ankles
  • Blisters
  • Infections
  • Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.

Read more about Flip Flops and Your Feet
Tuesday, 22 March 2022 00:00

What Are Heel Cups?

Heel cups are a type of orthotic device. They are placed directly under the heel and provide cushioning and support. Heel cups can help treat heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, prolonged standing, and more. They can make your shoes more comfortable as you go about your daily activities. Heel cups are typically made of gel, foam, or some other type of cushioning material. They can be bought over-the-counter at many drug and shoe stores. It is best to check with a podiatrist prior to purchasing heel cups to determine if this is the right type of orthotic for you. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact James Pak, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Anaheim, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Foot Orthotics
Tuesday, 15 March 2022 00:00

Dealing With a Sprained Toe

A common cause of a toe sprain is direct impact – bumping into something hard or dropping something heavy on the toe – which can injure the ligaments in the joint. The first thing to do is employ the RICE method of treatment: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest: Try to stay off the foot as much as possible. Ice: This action helps reduce both pain and swelling. Compression: Unless it is the big toe, it is tough to wrap the injured area, so you may need to tape the injured toe to one next to it, being careful not to further injure the sore toe. Elevation: Keeping the foot up helps improve blood circulation and further reduces swelling. Healing should take a few days, depending on how much damage was done. If pain persists, it’s a good idea to contact a podiatrist who can examine the area and suggest more extensive treatment options. 

 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with James Pak, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 08 March 2022 00:00

Impact of Fallen Arches

Having fallen arches can impact your whole body. Not only can your feet hurt, but you might feel pain in your legs, hips, and lower back. This condition can also aggravate knee arthritis. Fallen arches can cause ankles and leg bones to rotate, ankle and ACL injuries may be more likely. With this condition, the sole of your foot is depressed, and the foot is sunken into the ground. Walking or running may be hard when you are afflicted with fallen arches as well. Possible symptoms of fallen arches are: pain in the arch or heel of the foot, the feet appearing to look flat, uneven wear pattern of shoes, and swelling inside of the ankle. If your feet hurt or you suspect you have this condition, it is suggested that you seek care from a qualified podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact James Pak, DPM from California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of 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.

Read more about Flat Feet
Saturday, 05 March 2022 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Tuesday, 01 March 2022 00:00

Treatments for Corns

Corns are circular areas of raised, thickened skin that can usually be found on or around the toes. They are caused by repetitive friction over an area of skin. Corns can be soft or hard, depending on their location. Soft corns are more likely to form in between the toes, whereas hard corns are more likely to form on the tops or sides of toes. Corns may need medical attention if they are painful or if you have a medical condition like diabetes or a connective tissue disease. With your podiatrist’s approval, you may soak the corns in warm water and file them down with a pumice stone at home. You may also be prescribed a plaster to wear over the corn or a cream to apply to it to soften the thickened skin. For more information about corns, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact James Pak, DPM of California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them

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