Items filtered by date: March 2022

Many patients experience the uncomfortable foot condition that is referred to as cracked heels. It can be caused by living in a dry climate or it may develop from specific medical conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Additionally, patients can have cracked heels from wearing shoes that have an open back. Relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried thoroughly, followed by using a good moisturizer. It can help to drink plenty of fresh water daily, in addition to wearing shoes that are made of breathable materials. Cracked heels can become painful so it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment solutions.

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 Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor 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 Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Common causes of broken toes can include stubbing your toe against a piece of furniture or dropping a heavy object on it. Each toe consists of small bones and can abruptly break from sudden impact. It can be easy to notice a broken toe: Common symptoms  include severe pain, bruising, and swelling. Relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated, and this may help to reduce some of the swelling. Some patients find it helpful to tape the broken toe to the toe next to it. This is referred to as buddy taping and can be effective in providing necessary stability. It is suggested to stay off the foot, and to refrain from physical activity that requires walking. If you have broken your toe, please seek counsel from a podiatrist who can help you with correct treatment methods.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

One of the main targets of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is your feet and ankles. It can cause swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and difficulty walking, as well as other symptoms. It can also result in a condition known as sausage toes (where the entire toe swells up), heel pain due to the Achilles tendon becoming inflamed, flattening of the arch, and painful calluses or sores over the joints. Because these ailments can be very painful, the tendency is for the sufferer to cease activity, which can actually make the condition worse. Fortunately, you can help to manage these symptoms by changing the type of shoes you wear, doing exercises to strengthen and stretch the feet, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Anyone with psoriatic arthritis that has severely affected their feet, ankles, and/or toes, would be wise to begin regular visits with a podiatrist who can determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Blisters are usually caused by friction of something rubbing against the skin. A red, painful, swollen sore can develop on the foot from constant rubbing of a shoe, sock or other rough surface against the skin. This often turns into a blister. Interestingly, a blister is the body’s way of forming a protective shield filled with liquid to protect more delicate underlying tissue. Blisters can also be caused by less obvious irritants, burns, frostbite, or underlying health conditions. In many cases, one can just leave the blister alone and it will heal with basic care. It is important not to puncture the blister. If a blister gets worse, does not heal, or becomes discolored, it is suggested that you see a qualified podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor 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 Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains are one of the most common foot and ankle injuries that podiatrists treat. They occur when one or more ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you seek treatment, particularly if the sprain is moderate or severe. Leaving an ankle sprain untreated can have potentially lifelong consequences. An untreated ankle sprain can lead to weakness in the ankle joint, causing chronic pain and ankle instability that makes repeated injuries more likely. Soft tissues in your ankle could also become trapped between the injured ligament and a bone, resulting in further pain, weakness, and difficulty walking. Swelling caused by an ankle sprain may damage surrounding nerves, muscles, and blood vessels if left untreated. If you have sprained your ankle, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor 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 Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.