Pain that sets in during the evening or overnight can have many triggers. Irritated nerves may create tingling or burning once the feet are still. Circulation changes in a reclined position can lead to throbbing or heaviness. Inflammation from arthritis may stiffen joints during hours of rest, while strain in the plantar fascia can cause lingering soreness from the day’s activity. Muscle cramps, often linked to dehydration or low mineral levels, may jolt you awake. Even blankets pressing on the toes can aggravate tender spots. Because these sensations can stem from multiple causes, finding lasting relief depends on identifying the source. Solutions might include specific exercises, wearing better footwear, or podiatric treatment. If foot pain regularly interferes with rest, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a full evaluation and targeted care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

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 Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that typically affects the feet, especially the big toe joint. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals in the joints, often causing sudden, severe pain, swelling, and warmth. This buildup may result from the kidneys not eliminating enough uric acid or from consuming foods that are high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, certain seafood, and alcohol. Risk factors for gout include being overweight, having a family history of gout, or living with kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease. Gout tends to appear more often in men over 40, and in women after menopause. A podiatrist can assist by diagnosing gout through imaging or joint fluid analysis and offering foot-specific treatment strategies. If you are experiencing symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and effective management tips.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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.

Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can put stress on the toes, leading to a range of foot problems. Shoes that are too tight in the toe box may crowd the toes, which can result in corns, calluses, and painful nerve conditions like neuromas. High heels or shoes that elevate the heel significantly can increase pressure on the forefoot, shifting weight onto the toes and altering foot alignment. Over time, this can cause or worsen deformities like hammertoes or bunions. Shoes that are too loose may allow the foot to slide forward, creating friction that can irritate the toes and lead to blisters or toenail damage. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, check for existing damage, and recommend proper footwear or custom orthotics to relieve pressure and prevent further injury. If you are experiencing toe or foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and  treatment options.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.

A bunion is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe, where the bones gradually shift out of alignment. This happens when the tip of the big toe leans toward the smaller toes, forcing the metatarsal bone inward and forming a bony lump at the joint. Bunions may develop slowly over years, or appear more rapidly in adolescents. Risk factors include family history, wearing shoes that squeeze the toes, inflammatory joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and structural foot problems, such as over-pronation. Bunions often cause pain, redness, swelling, and thickened skin over the joint. A podiatrist can help by providing supportive devices to ease pressure and correcting foot mechanics. In severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the bones and relieve pain. If you have a bunion that is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact our podiatrists of Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.