Items filtered by date: June 2024

Children's feet go through various stages of development, each requiring specific care and attention. During the pre-crawling stage, infants have soft, pliable feet that need freedom to move and grow, so bare feet or socks are ideal. For newborns, shoes are not necessary, but soft, flexible booties can provide warmth. As babies start taking their first steps, known as the first walker stage, they need lightweight, flexible shoes that allow natural foot movement and provide protection. In preschool, children become more active, necessitating sturdy shoes that offer support and durability. By the time they reach school age, kids' feet have developed arches and require well-fitting shoes that support prolonged periods of walking and running. If you have questions regarding your child’s foot development, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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 and ankle needs.

Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate towards the other toes. They appear as swollen, protruding lumps on the side of the foot and can be red and tender. The condition can cause significant discomfort, including pain, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe. Bunions often develop due to inherited foot structure, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, arthritis, or excessive stress on the feet. High heels and pointed shoes are common culprits in exacerbating bunions. Symptoms typically include pain, especially while walking, and inflammation surrounding the affected joint. Treatment for bunions ranges from conservative measures to surgery. Wearing wider shoes, using bunion pads, and taking anti-inflammatory medications can help to alleviate symptoms. Orthotic devices may help correct foot alignment. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the bone and relieve pain. Untreated bunions can lead to complications such as bursitis or hammertoes. If you have a bunion that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

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

Edema, which is caused by excess fluid retention in the body, can also result in the development of blisters on the feet. These blisters are caused by the swelling that occurs when fluid collects in the tissues, causing pressure to be put on the skin. The skin then becomes more susceptible to friction and rubbing, especially in areas where it makes contact with shoes or socks. The increased friction can cause the formation of blisters, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Blisters caused by edema mainly appear on the feet and ankles, making daily activities like walking and wearing shoes difficult and painful. It is important to address the underlying cause of edema to prevent the formation of blisters. A podiatrist can provide personalized treatment options to manage edema and alleviate foot discomfort. Recommendations include compression socks or orthotic inserts to reduce swelling and friction. If you are developing blisters caused by edema, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Ankle sprains and strains are injuries that can significantly impact your mobility and daily activities. A sprain occurs when the ligaments, which are the tough bands of tissue connecting bones at the ankle joint, are abnormally stretched or torn. Conversely, a strain involves similar damage but affects muscles or tendons, which are the tissues that connect muscles to ankle bones. These injuries can result from repetitive motions or a sudden incident, like a twist or fall. Diagnosis by a podiatrist typically involves a medical history review and physical examination, and may include imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. While most sprains and strains heal over time with rest, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medications, more severe cases may require surgery for a full recovery. It is important to manage these injuries properly to prevent chronic pain or instability. If you experience an ankle sprain or strain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment plan, and guidance on rehabilitation exercises. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.