Items filtered by date: June 2025

Cracked heels occur when the skin on the bottom of the feet becomes excessively dry and thick, leading to painful splits or fissures. Dry skin can be caused by prolonged standing, wearing open-back footwear, cold weather, or lack of moisture. Over time, the dryness may worsen and the skin loses elasticity, eventually leading to deep cracks that can cause discomfort, bleeding, or infection. Symptoms include rough patches, flaking, redness, and pain while walking. A podiatrist can assess the severity, remove thickened skin safely, recommend moisturizing treatments, and address any complications. If you are experiencing discomfort from having cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to restore smooth, healthy skin, and prevent further damage.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact James Pak, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. This condition often affects the big toe and is typically caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury. Other factors, such as fungal infections or having naturally curved nails, can also contribute to the problem. Symptoms include sharp pain at the edge of the nail, tenderness, swelling, and, in some cases, pus or drainage if an infection develops. The pain may worsen when wearing shoes or walking, making daily activities uncomfortable. A podiatrist can diagnose an ingrown toenail through a physical exam. Treatment may involve gently lifting the nail, or, if necessary, removing part of the nail to relieve pressure. If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. For recurring cases, a minor procedure to permanently remove the nail or nail root might be recommended. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact James Pak, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Foot blisters are a common issue for runners and are typically caused by friction that occurs when skin rubs against socks or shoes. Wearing running shoes that are too small or poorly fitted increases pressure and creates hot spots that lead to blister formation. Moisture from sweat softens the skin, making it more vulnerable to irritation. Certain foot conditions such as bunions, flat feet, or high arches can also change the way pressure is distributed, increasing the risk of blisters. To prevent them, runners should wear moisture-wicking socks, choose shoes that fit well, and consider using protective padding. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, identify problem areas, and provide personalized recommendations or custom orthotics to reduce friction and improve comfort during running. If you frequently develop foot blisters while running, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor for safe treatment and additional prevention tips.

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.

Itchy feet can be more than just a nuisance, they may signal an underlying condition, like a fungal infection, athlete’s foot, or even diabetes. Athlete’s foot is one of the most common causes and results from a fungal infection that thrives in warm, damp environments like shoes or locker rooms. It often causes redness, flaking, peeling skin, and intense itching, especially between the toes. Diabetes can also lead to itchy feet due to dry skin, nerve damage, or neuropathy, making it important not to ignore persistent symptoms. Other causes may include allergic reactions, eczema, or contact dermatitis. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your itchy feet with a thorough exam and possibly lab testing. Treatment may include antifungal creams, oral medications, moisturizing regimens, or addressing underlying conditions, like blood sugar control in diabetics. Preventive care and hygiene tips are also part of long-term relief. If your feet are consistently itchy ,it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief tips.

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.