A walking boot, also known as a medical boot, is often used to stabilize foot or ankle injuries that require protection during healing. Walking boots are designed to limit motion and reduce pressure on the injured area while still allowing limited mobility. Conditions like fractures, sprains, stress injuries, and post-surgical recovery often call for wearing a walking boot. Constructed from rigid materials and secured with adjustable straps, the boot immobilizes the foot and ankle, helping maintain proper alignment and reduce strain on bones, ligaments, and tendons. By distributing body weight more evenly, a walking boot can also prevent aggravation of the injury during movement. A podiatrist can assess whether a walking boot is appropriate and ensure that it is fitted correctly. They can also monitor healing progress and determine when to transition out of the boot. If you have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in children, especially during growth spurts between ages 8 and 14. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress from sports or activity. A less commonly known fact is that Sever’s disease often appears in both heels, not just one. Symptoms include heel pain during or after activity, limping, walking on toes, and tenderness at the back of the heel. The heel may look normal but feels sore to the touch, especially after running or jumping. A podiatrist diagnoses Sever’s disease through a physical exam, symptom review, and sometimes imaging to rule out other conditions. Treatment includes rest, stretching exercises, heel cushions, supportive footwear, and sometimes custom orthotics to relieve pressure. If your child is dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Flat feet or pes planus, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can be congenital or develop over time due to factors like injury, arthritis, obesity, or muscle weakness. Symptoms include foot pain, swelling along the inside of the ankle, and difficulty standing on tiptoes. Flat feet may cause uneven wear on shoes and lead to knee, hip, or back pain due to altered gait. Visually, flat feet appear as a lowered or absent arch when standing. Some people experience fatigue or discomfort after prolonged activity. A podiatrist can diagnose flat feet through physical examination and imaging studies. Treatment often involves custom orthotics to support the arch, stretching exercises, wearing proper footwear, and, in rare cases, surgery. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and appropirate treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing high heels may enhance posture and confidence, but they often come at the cost of foot health. Prolonged use can lead to metatarsalgia, a painful inflammation in the ball of the foot, as well as Achilles tendon pain due to constant strain. Tight or narrow high heels commonly cause blisters and pressure points that lead to further discomfort. A podiatrist can provide expert care through custom orthotics, stretching regimens, and preventive guidance tailored to your lifestyle. Early intervention can reduce long-term damage and restore comfort. If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort from your footwear, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to protect your feet and maintain your mobility for years to come.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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