A bunion is a bump that is bony in nature and typically develops on the side of the big toe. Sometimes, however, bunions that are smaller may develop at the base of the pinky toe. When this occurs, the smaller bunion is known as a tailor’s bunion. Although this name might seem strange, it has an interesting story. The tailor’s bunion derives its name from the fact that hundreds of years ago, it was very common for tailors to spend the entirety of the working day sitting with their legs crossed. As such, it was easy for the sides of their pinky toe to rub against the floor while they worked. As a result, they developed a tailor’s bunion, also referred to as a bunionette. These hard bumps can cause pain and swelling, and may need attention if symptoms worsen. For more information, contact a podiatrist today.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people understand that having foot pain is not normal and will often look to wearing custom-made orthotics to find relief. Orthotics are described as inserts that are worn inside the shoe that may help to correct an abnormal walking pattern. Orthotics can enable the angles of the feet to normalize as well as help make daily activities easier to complete. Additionally, they can help the patient's feet to absorb shock which may reduce pressure on existing sore spots. Orthotics are known to help correct imbalances in the feet that can affect the entire body. Some of the ways a patient may notice they qualify for orthotics include one shoe wearing out faster than the other shoe, experiencing chronic heel pain, the feet excessively pointing in or out, and the toes are not straight. If you have foot conditions that need to be corrected, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if wearing orthotics are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Steven Black, 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 feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As a child grows and matures into a young adult, there are several different foot afflictions that can prevent the child from reaching their full potential to have healthy feet. Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis is one such condition and it is defined as symmetrical and shiny peeling of the skin on the feet in children. The condition can also be defined as a certain kind of fissuring on the feet. Many things about this foot condition remain unclear and unknown. However, it is thought that some combination of moisture and repeated friction is the likely cause. Although each case is different, typically a medical professional will recommend that the patient remedies this condition by controlling the extent to which their feet produce and come into contact with moisture. Take your child to a podiatrist today if they are suffering from Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus can be a nuisance. Not only can the development of toenail fungus make the toenails appear brittle and ragged, it can also cause you pain. There are several things that a patient might consider doing to avoid the development of toenail fungus. First, you might try selecting shoes that offer a decent amount of space for the toes. Shoes that have tiny toe boxes can make the toenails rub up against the shoes. Second, you might also try alternating the shoes that you wear from day to day. When an individual wears the same pair of shoes day after day, the shoes can become damp from sweat, which only increases the likelihood that a toenail fungus will take hold. If you are particularly concerned about developing a toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist today. This is a foot specialist who can help you with your concerns.

For more information about treatment, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Feet can be barometers for health problems that occur in the body. The feet are often neglected, especially when there is no pain.  However, major changes in foot comfort can be an indication of a larger health issue going on. Problems you can have with your feet include foot cramping, a sore or abscess that will not heal, or constantly cold feet. Foot cramping is when a muscle in the foot suddenly squeezes and cannot relax properly. This can signal dehydration, nerve and circulation problems, or neurological disease. An abscess that will not heal can be the result of diabetes or peripheral artery disease and if not treated, can become infected and gangrenous. Feet that feel cold even after putting on warm socks can be due to poor blood circulation, which can be associated with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, or anemia. There are many other health problems that can cause foot pain. If you are experiencing discomfort with your feet, consult with a podiatrist who can help you with a proper diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Steven Black, 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 Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Parents often hope for their newborn infant to have 10 fingers and toes. This hope is realized more often than not. The two most common foot deformities in newborns are metatarsus adductus and calcaneovalgus. Both conditions develop from how the baby’s feet have been positioned inside the uterus. Happily, these two problems usually improve on their own, without treatment. Metarsus adductus is a curve in the middle of the foot that happens when the feet are folded inward. The crookedness of the foot means how flexible it is and whether it can be straightened when pushed into its normal position. When the feet are stiff and do not correct themselves, they may benefit from casting, but this is usually not necessary. Calcaneovalgus is the opposite of metatarsus adductus. It is when the foot is pushed up and out. It may be difficult to point an infant’s foot down all the way. With both conditions, stretching the newborn's foot while feeding or during diaper changes could not hurt. If you are expecting a baby or are a parent of a newborn, consulting with a podiatrist can help deal with possible foot problems at birth, in addition to answering any questions you may have, and helping to ensure the health of your child’s feet.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Steven Black, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are five metatarsal bones found in the foot, each connecting the heel/arch to the toes. These long bones play a critical role in helping the foot function. However, the metatarsal bones can suffer from what is known as a stress fracture, a crack in the bone that develops from repeated trauma. The metatarsal bones are the second most common bones in the lower limbs to suffer from stress fractures, the first being the tibia leg bone. Of the five metatarsals, the second and third metatarsal bones are the most commonly afflicted. One common symptom of a metatarsal stress fracture is pain felt in the foot when walking or running. If you are running long distances and are not wearing the right kind of footwear, you might be increasing your risk of developing a stress fracture. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about metatarsal stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

By nature of a restaurant worker’s job, most of the work day is spent walking or putting weight on the feet. Restaurant workers are certainly not alone – in fact, many workers across the country (including hairdressers, nurses, and school teachers) spend the majority of the work day on their feet. While there are many different techniques you might consider trying to mitigate the toll your job might be taking on your feet, wearing compression socks could be a very useful trick. Compression socks are meant to facilitate blood circulation in the feet and legs, effectively reducing swelling in these areas. This might be particularly beneficial for workers who have developed varicose or spider veins. Compression socks are also now produced in a wide variety of different colors and designs, making them fun and fashionable, in addition to being useful. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today if you spend your day on your feet and want to learn more about compression socks.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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