Many people with plantar fasciitis say their heel pain is worse when they first get out of bed. This is because the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot tightens during rest. When you take those first steps in the morning, the tissue stretches quickly, causing sharp pain in the heel. The discomfort may improve after walking for a while but often returns after sitting or standing for too long. Plantar fasciitis is common in people who are on their feet a lot, wear unsupportive shoes or have tight calf muscles. Gentle morning stretches, supportive footwear and avoiding walking barefoot may help. Custom orthotics or targeted exercises can also reduce pain, over time. If you continue to feel pain in your heel when you wake up, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for appropriate relief options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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 foot and ankle are designed to support your body and allow for smooth, efficient movement. The ankle joint connects the leg to the foot and acts like a hinge, letting your foot move up and down. Below that, the subtalar joint helps with side-to-side motion, important for balance on uneven surfaces. The foot itself has three parts, the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot, that work together to absorb shock, adapt to the ground, and push the body forward. Arches in the foot help with weight distribution and flexibility. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments provide strength and control, keeping the foot stable as you walk or run. When everything works properly, your steps feel natural and balanced. If you notice pain, stiffness, or changes in the way you walk, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, injury to the toe, or genetic predisposition. The big toe is most often affected. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, especially when pressure is applied. The area may also become warm, tender, and even infected, leading to pus and increased swelling. Many describe the sensation as a constant, throbbing ache that worsens when walking or wearing shoes.  Some treatments can help with mild cases, but more persistent or infected ingrown toenails require professional care. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail, treat any infection, and provide guidance to prevent future occurrences. In recurring cases, a minor procedure may be performed to prevent the nail from growing inward again. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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 newborn’s foot is soft, flexible, and still developing. At birth, the bones are not fully formed and are mostly made of cartilage, which allows the foot to adapt and grow. It is normal for baby feet to appear flat because the arches have not yet developed. Toes may be curled or turned slightly due to their position in the womb, and in most cases, these resolve naturally over time. Gentle movement, barefoot time, and avoiding tight shoes or socks help promote healthy development. While most newborn foot shapes and positions are harmless, certain conditions like clubfoot or metatarsus adductus may require early treatment. Regular check-ups can help ensure your baby’s feet are growing as expected. If you notice stiffness, unusual shape, or difficulty with movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and peace of mind.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.