Ankle pain can quietly interfere with daily life, whether it starts as swelling after a long walk or stiffness that greets you first thing in the morning. The ankle may appear puffy, warm, or mildly red, and it can feel sore, tight, or unstable when standing or moving. Common causes include overuse, sprains, arthritis-related joint inflammation, or footwear that does not properly support the ankle. A podiatrist begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination and may use imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis and rule out fractures, arthritis changes, or tendon injuries. Treatment is individualized and may include strengthening exercises, supportive braces or custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory approaches to reduce pain and swelling. With appropriate care, many people regain comfort and confidence in their steps. Addressing ankle pain early can help prevent chronic problems and preserve mobility. If you are experiencing ankle pain, scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist is suggested for personalized care and long-term relief.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin between the toes and the soles of the feet. Unlike ordinary dry skin, athlete’s foot is contagious and can cause itching, burning, redness, cracking, peeling, and blisters. The infection often develops in warm, moist environments such as shoes, locker rooms, or near swimming pools. Causes include exposure to the fungus, poor foot hygiene, sweaty feet, and wearing tight or non-breathable footwear. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose athlete’s foot, differentiate it from dry skin or other skin conditions, and recommend antifungal treatments, proper foot care, and preventive measures. If you notice persistent itching, redness, or peeling between your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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 care needs.

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition linked to psoriasis, which can affect the feet in multiple ways because both joints and soft tissues become involved. Many people notice stiffness in the toes or mid-foot, along with swelling that makes shoes feel tighter than usual. The condition can also inflame the tendons, especially around the heel or along the top of the foot, creating soreness during walking or climbing stairs. Some individuals develop dactylitis, where an entire toe becomes swollen and tender, giving it a sausage-like appearance. Skin plaques related to psoriasis may also appear on the feet and add to irritation. Because symptoms can fluctuate and progress over time, early evaluation helps determine which areas need the most support. A podiatrist can assess joint alignment, recommend footwear, provide inserts, and offer treatments that reduce inflammation. If foot symptoms from psoriatic arthritis are affecting daily activities, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief tips.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

Hammertoe is a common toe deformity in which a toe curls down instead of pointing forward, often affecting the middle joint. This abnormal position can lead to discomfort, irritation, and difficulty wearing shoes. Hammertoe may develop due to a prior toe injury, arthritis that alters joint structure, or a high foot arch that creates muscle imbalance. Wearing shoes that do not fit right, especially those that are tight or narrow in the toe box, can worsen the condition over time. As the toe remains bent, pressure and friction may cause pain, corns, or calluses. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe and create a personalized treatment plan that may include footwear guidance, custom orthotics, exercises, or advanced care, if needed. If you have toe pain from hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact our podiatrists of Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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 care needs.