Items filtered by date: June 2024

Choosing the right running shoes based on your foot type and running style is critical for comfort and injury prevention. For pronated feet, where the foot rolls inward excessively, stability or motion-control shoes provide the necessary support. Neutral runners, whose feet roll inward slightly, benefit from neutral cushioning shoes that offer balanced support. Supinated feet, which roll outward, require shoes with extra cushioning to absorb impact. Arch level is another consideration. High arches need cushioned shoes for shock absorption, while low arches benefit from stability shoes. Heel strikers, who land on their heels, should look for shoes with ample heel cushioning. Additionally, midfoot and forefoot strikers need shoes with cushioning in the midfoot and forefoot areas. Runners can experience foot injuries from wearing shoes that do not fit their running needs. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat any foot condition, and guide you on how to choose the right running shoes for you.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Chuc Dang, DPM from California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Gout, a form of arthritis, arises from a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, causing sharp crystals to form in the joints. It primarily affects the big toe but can also occur in other joints, like the ankle or knee. The uric acid buildup may happen due to certain dietary factors, such as consuming foods like red meat, seafood, and alcohol. Genetics and underlying health conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and kidney problems can also increase the risk of developing gout. Gout can present in various forms, including acute attacks, causing sudden and intense pain in the joints. Chronic gout involves recurrent episodes of pain and swelling, which may lead to joint damage over time if not treated properly. Another form, called tophaceous gout, occurs when urate crystals accumulate under the skin, forming lumps or nodules known as tophi. Symptoms of gout typically include severe joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. If you struggle with gout or any symptoms that may result in gout, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist to receive proper care and treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Chuc Dang, DPM from California . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

While flip-flops may signal the arrival of sunny summer days, they can also pose risks to foot health. These seemingly carefree shoes offer minimal support and protection, potentially leading to various foot problems. The lack of arch support and cushioning in flip-flops can alter the way people walk, causing them to grip the sandals with their toes, leading to strain and fatigue. This altered gait can also impact other parts of the body, potentially causing knee, hip, or back pain. If you opt for flip-flops, choose high-quality leather shoes that offer better support and durability. Ensure they fit well and reserve them for short periods or casual occasions. If you experience discomfort or have issues from wearing flip-flops, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for individualized treatment and advice on appropriate footwear choices for optimal foot health.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Chuc Dang, DPM from California . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

A plantar fibroma, a benign tumor that develops in the plantar fascia, can cause discomfort and mobility issues for those affected. This condition manifests as a firm nodule or lump in the arch or sole of the foot, typically located along the middle portion of the plantar fascia. Plantar fibromas grow slowly over time, gradually enlarging and potentially causing pain or tenderness with pressure or movement. As the fibroma increases in size, it may interfere with walking, standing, or wearing shoes comfortably. While the exact cause of plantar fibromas remains unclear, factors such as genetics, trauma, or inflammation of the plantar fascia may contribute to their development. Individuals with plantar fibromas may also notice changes in foot structure or gait abnormalities. If you have a lump in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you proper diagnosis, as well as relief and treatment methods.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Chuc Dang, DPM of California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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