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A bunion can make walking uncomfortable and finding comfortable shoes frustrating. It appears as a bump on the inside of the foot near the base of the big toe. Although it looks like an extra growth, the bump is actually part of a joint that has shifted out of its normal position. The big toe begins pointing toward the smaller toes, changing the shape of the front of the foot. Some bunions cause little discomfort, while others become painful when standing or walking. Symptoms include tenderness around the bump, pressure inside shoes, and pain near the second toe. The size of a bunion does not always reflect how much it hurts.

Bunions usually develop gradually because of the way the foot is built and how it handles pressure. Family history plays an important role, so people with relatives who have bunions may be more likely to develop them. Shoes with narrow toe areas can press against the joint and make symptoms worse. A stiff shoe upper can also irritate the bump. Pain may develop directly over the bunion or underneath the front of the foot. These changes can affect how comfortably you move throughout the day. Because other foot problems can also cause pain near the toes, an accurate examination helps identify the source.

A podiatrist can examine your foot, assess the position of your big toe, and discuss which shoes cause discomfort. They can recommend shoes with a wider toe area and softer materials to reduce pressure on the bump. Treatment can also include protective bunion padding, toe spacers, and supportive shoe inserts. These options aim to ease irritation and improve comfort, although they do not permanently straighten the joint. A podiatrist can evaluate pressure beneath the forefoot and determine which supports fit your needs. The goal is to make daily activities more comfortable while monitoring changes in the foot. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical 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 offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome causes pain along the outside of the foot, near a bone called the cuboid. This bone sits in the middle of the foot and connects with the heel bone. Bands of tissue help hold these bones in position. When those bands stretch or become injured, the cuboid can shift and cause discomfort. An ankle sprain can trigger this problem. Repeated impact from running or dancing can also place stress on the area. Athletes who make quick side-to-side movements may be vulnerable.

Pain from cuboid syndrome can begin suddenly or build gradually. Some patients notice a popping feeling when the injury occurs. Symptoms include tenderness, weakness, and discomfort along the outer foot. Swelling or bruising can appear near the middle of the foot. Pain sometimes seems to spread toward the outside of the ankle. Walking can become difficult, and patients may limp to avoid pressure on the sore area. Because other foot injuries can cause similar pain, identifying the source is important. A podiatrist can check whether a sprain or another injury is also present.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, ask how the pain started, and check the movement of nearby joints. Imaging tests may help rule out a fracture, although cuboid syndrome usually does not appear on X-rays. Treatment can include joint movement guided by the podiatrist to improve alignment. Supportive shoes and cushioned inserts can help reduce stress on the affected area. A podiatrist may also recommend a supervised strengthening plan and assess when it is safe to resume activities. Recovery can be quicker when no other injury is involved, while an accompanying ankle sprain may require more time. If you have symptoms of cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form beneath the outer layer of skin. On the feet, they frequently develop when repeated rubbing or pressure irritates the skin. Shoes that fit poorly can cause the foot to slide or rub against the inside of the shoe. Moisture and repeated physical activity can also increase friction. Blisters frequently appear on the heels, toes, or balls of the feet. Symptoms can include tenderness, redness, and a raised area filled with clear fluid. Some blisters contain blood when deeper layers of skin are affected. A blister can become painful enough to change how a patient stands or walks. Broken blisters can also leave the skin exposed and increase the risk of infection.

A podiatrist can evaluate painful or recurring blisters and determine what is contributing to the problem. An examination can include checking the blister, surrounding skin, and areas of increased pressure. The podiatrist can also evaluate foot structure and how pressure is distributed across the feet while standing or walking. Professional treatment can protect the damaged skin and reduce discomfort. A podiatrist can safely drain certain painful blisters while keeping the protective layer of skin in place when appropriate. Treatment can also address signs of infection or other complications. For recurring blisters, a podiatrist can recommend properly fitted shoes or custom orthotics to reduce friction and pressure.

Foot blisters can interfere with work, exercise, and everyday activities, especially when pressure continues to affect the injured area. Patients can change how they walk to avoid discomfort, which can place added stress on other parts of the feet. A podiatrist can identify pressure points that contribute to repeated blister formation and develop a treatment plan based on the patient's foot structure. Care can focus on protecting sensitive areas and improving pressure distribution. Treatment can also address underlying foot problems that cause repeated rubbing inside shoes. Proper evaluation is especially important when a blister is unusually painful, keeps returning, or shows signs of infection. If you have symptoms of blisters, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels develop when dry, thick skin around the heel splits under pressure. The soles of the feet do not have oil glands, which makes the skin more likely to lose moisture and become dry. Standing for long periods can add pressure to the heels. Friction from shoes that do not fit properly can also thicken the skin and contribute to cracking. As cracks deepen, the area can become irritated and painful. Some cracks can become severe enough to make standing or walking uncomfortable.

Several factors can increase the chance of developing cracked heels. Aging can reduce skin elasticity, leaving the heel less flexible and more likely to split. Open-back shoes can allow the heel's natural padding to spread outward, placing added stress on dry skin. Exposure to dry air can also remove moisture from the feet. In some patients, severely dry or cracked heels can be related to conditions like psoriasis, athlete's foot, or diabetes. Soreness, redness, and swelling can signal that the skin needs professional attention.

A podiatrist can examine cracked heels and determine how deep the cracks are and whether another foot condition is contributing to the problem. The evaluation can also identify thick callused skin and areas of excess pressure. Treatment can include professional removal of thick skin to reduce strain around the cracks. A podiatrist can also recommend protective padding or appropriate skin treatments based on the condition of the heel. Advice about properly fitting, supportive shoes can help address pressure and friction that contribute to repeated cracking. Patients with diabetes or circulation problems should take cracked skin seriously because foot wounds can lead to complications. If you have symptoms of cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.