Understanding How Common Foot and Ankle Pain Really Is

Foot and ankle pain is extremely common because these areas carry the full weight of the body with every step. People often notice aching from plantar fasciitis, stiffness from arthritis, burning from nerve irritation, or swelling from tendon strain. Some experience sharp pain along the heel, soreness across the arch, or discomfort around the ankle after even minor twists. Others feel symptoms linked to overuse, flat feet, or small stress injuries that develop slowly. A podiatrist can sort through these symptoms with a careful exam, imaging when needed, and a discussion of daily activities that may contribute to the problem. Treatment may include supportive footwear guidance, custom inserts, targeted stretching, or in office procedures to ease inflammation. If your pain persists, limits movement, or keeps returning, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Choosing Shoes for Your Toddler

Choosing shoes for a toddler is an important step because their feet are still developing and the bones are soft. Bare feet at home help new walkers learn balance, but shoes for outdoors are needed to protect the feet from rough or cold ground. When selecting shoes for a toddler, look for soft materials, flexible soles, and fastenings that hold the foot securely without squeezing the toes. There should be enough space at the front for toes to move and spread, and the heel should not slip. Canvas, cotton, or leather help keep the feet cool, while synthetic materials can trap moisture. Your toddler’s shoes should be checked frequently because their feet grow quickly and tighter shoes can inhibit normal foot growth. A podiatrist can evaluate your toddler’s feet and offer advice on proper fit. For help in selecting the proper footwear for a toddler or to address any existing foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule  an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and  appropriate treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

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Common Causes of Foot Pain

Foot pain can develop from many sources within the feet, toes, and ankles, and understanding these causes can help people seek care before symptoms worsen. Strain on the heel or arch is often linked to plantar fasciitis, which involves irritation of the band of tissue along the underside of the foot. Pressure under the big toe joint can lead to sesamoiditis, which is inflammation and pain of the small sesamoid bones beneath the big toe joint, while friction from shoes with inadequate support can contribute to corns and calluses. Foot structure also plays a role, as flat feet or very high arches can change the way weight is distributed and lead to prolonged soreness. Problems like bunions, ingrown toenails, and warts can also lead to discomfort. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, provide in-office care, and recommend the best path toward relief, including surgery if necessary. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Strengthening Your Feet with Targeted Exercises

Foot exercises are an effective way to improve strength, flexibility, and overall foot health. Strengthening the arch supports balance, reduces strain on the plantar fascia, and helps prevent injuries. Foot yoga offers gentle, mindful movements that enhance mobility and alignment. Exercises may include big toe dissociation to improve control and coordination, spreading toes to create space and improve balance, deep plantar fascia stretches to relieve tension, and myofascial massage to release tightness in muscles and connective tissue. Regular practice can improve foot function, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot mechanics, recommend the most appropriate exercises, provide guidance on proper technique, and design a personalized plan to strengthen your feet. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional foot strengthening exercises. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our podiatrist to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

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