Arthritis in the feet can make standing, walking, and staying active painful. This condition causes inflammation in or around the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis develops when cartilage, the cushioning tissue at the ends of bones, wears down. Without enough cartilage, bones can rub together and create foot or ankle pain. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury like a fracture, dislocation, or sprain.

Foot arthritis can affect areas from the heel to the toes. Symptoms include tender joints, warmth, and pain with movement. Stiffness can become more noticeable after sitting or sleeping. Some patients also have difficulty walking because painful joints do not move as freely. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the same joints in both feet and can contribute to changes like hammertoes. Osteoarthritis can affect only one foot. Because several types of arthritis can produce similar symptoms, identifying the type and affected joints is an important part of choosing appropriate foot care.

A podiatrist can examine the feet, assess joint movement, and determine how arthritis is affecting walking. Treatment can focus on reducing pressure on painful joints and supporting comfortable movement. A podiatrist can recommend supportive shoes or custom orthotics, which are inserts designed to improve foot support and alignment. Care can also address changes in foot structure that develop because of arthritis. When joint damage is severe, surgery can be considered to reduce pain or improve function. Regular podiatric evaluations can help track changes in the feet and guide treatment as symptoms change. If you have symptoms of foot arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

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.

Cracked heels are a common foot condition in which the skin on the heel becomes dry, thickened, and splits open. This condition develops when the skin loses moisture and elasticity, making it less able to handle pressure from standing and walking. Cracked heels may begin as mild dryness, but can worsen into deep fissures if not properly treated. Understanding the definition of cracked heels helps individuals recognize early signs and take steps to protect their skin health.

Symptoms often include dry, rough skin along the heel, visible cracks, and discomfort while walking. In more advanced cases, the cracks may deepen and cause pain or even bleeding. The surrounding skin may appear flaky or callused, and the heel may feel hard to the touch. These symptoms can interfere with daily movement and increase the risk of infection if the skin barrier is compromised. Recognizing these signs early supports timely care and prevention of complications.

The causes of cracked heels are varied and often involve a combination of lifestyle and health factors. Dry skin, dehydration, and vitamin deficiencies can reduce skin elasticity and contribute to cracking. Prolonged barefoot walking places added pressure on the heel, increasing the risk of skin breakdown. Underlying health issues, such as diabetes or thyroid conditions, may also affect skin health. Risk factors include aging, obesity, poor footwear, and standing for long periods of time. Understanding these contributing factors helps guide prevention and management strategies.

A podiatrist may treat cracked heels by removing thickened skin, recommending medicated creams, and advising proper hydration and foot-care routines. Wearing protective footwear and custom orthotics may also be suggested to reduce pressure on the heels. Regular moisturizing and gentle exfoliation can support healing and prevent recurrence. Early care can improve comfort and restore healthy skin. If you have painful cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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.

A plantar fibroma is a benign growth that develops within the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. This condition is part of a group of disorders known as plantar fibromatosis and is characterized by the formation of firm nodules. These growths are non-cancerous, but can cause discomfort depending on their size and location. Plantar fibromas often develop slowly and may go unnoticed at first, but they can become more noticeable over time as pressure is applied during walking or standing.

Symptoms of a plantar fibroma include a small, firm lump in the arch of the foot that can be felt through the skin. The growth may be painless in the early stages but can lead to discomfort as it enlarges. Some individuals experience aching or pressure when walking, especially while wearing shoes that press against the arch. The appearance of the fibroma is typically a raised nodule under the skin, and it may feel fixed in place rather than movable. In certain cases, multiple nodules may develop, which can increase discomfort.

The exact causes of plantar fibroma are not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute. Repetitive stress on the foot, minor injuries, and strain on the plantar fascia may play a role in its development. Genetics may also influence the likelihood of developing this condition. Risk factors include high levels of physical activity, prolonged standing, and underlying health conditions that affect connective tissue. Men are more commonly affected than women, and the condition is often seen in middle-aged adults.

Managing plantar fibroma focuses on reducing discomfort and preventing progression. Wearing supportive footwear and custom orthotics can help relieve pressure on the affected area. Monitoring changes in size or pain can help guide treatment decisions. If you have developed a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective management solutions.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

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 offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The forefoot carries a share of the body’s weight and helps provide balance with every step. It contains the toes, five long metatarsal bones, and the joints at the ball of the foot. Forefoot pain can feel sharp, burning, or aching. It can also cause swelling, numbness, or the feeling that a stone is trapped inside the shoe. Discomfort may be worse when walking, running, or pushing off the toes. Because several bones, joints, and nerves sit close together in this area, the source of pain is not always easy to identify.

Several problems can lead to pain in the front of the foot. Excess pressure on the ball of the foot can irritate the bones and soft tissue. Bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis can change how weight moves across the forefoot. A stress fracture can also cause focused pain and swelling. Morton’s neuroma develops when tissue around a nerve between the toes becomes thick and irritated. It can produce burning pain or numbness that spreads into the toes. Tight shoes, high heels, and shoes that lack proper support can increase forefoot pressure. Sports, dancing, and repeated impact can contribute to discomfort.

A podiatrist can examine the foot and identify where the pain begins. The evaluation includes checking joint movement, tender areas, and the way the patient stands or walks. X-rays or other imaging tests can help identify fractures, arthritis, and other problems inside the foot. Treatment depends on the cause, location, and severity of the pain. A podiatrist can provide padding, custom orthotics, or guidance on choosing properly fitting shoes. Other office-based treatments can reduce pressure or address irritated tissue. Early care can help prevent forefoot pain from worsening and make standing or walking more comfortable. If you have forefoot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor 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 Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.