Foot pain can be a very frustrating issue to find relief from for almost everyone. In fact, 87% of people will have some form of painful feet at some time in their lives. Unfortunately, many people opt to deal with the pain, self-medicate, or self-diagnose, without getting to the root cause of the foot issue. Understanding the causes and treatments of foot pain, including the role of custom orthotics and foot surgery, is essential for maintaining foot health.

Thankfully, podiatrists are healthcare specialists who focus specifically on foot care and can address every type of foot condition. They are capable of diagnosing issues and selecting the most suitable treatment methods. 

As the prevalence of undiagnosed foot pain continues to grow, it’s evident that people suffering from these untreated issues need to visit a podiatrist.

Read on to explore six common foot issues that just may require medical care from a podiatrist in Huntington Park.

The Six Typical Foot Conditions You Need to See a Podiatrist For

1. Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects many people. It can cause thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the nails. There are now advanced treatments for toenail fungus including the revolutionary Lunula Laser, which offers proven effectiveness, significant clearing of the nail bed within just three months, and no pain, downtime, or risk. This laser restores the health and appearance of your nails quickly and comfortably.

2. Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and infection. Seeking professional treatment for an ingrown toenail is important, as attempting to manage it on your own is not recommended. Foot wounds are susceptible to serious infections, particularly in individuals with poor blood circulation, such as diabetes patients. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to severe infections that may spread to the bones, resulting in a complex medical issue. 

You should see a podiatrist for an evaluation if you experience any of the following symptoms: 

  • Redness around the affected area
  • Tenderness or pain
  • Inflammation of the toe
  • Oozing or pus 

These could be early indicators of an ingrown toenail infection that requires immediate medical attention. There are both conservative care and surgical options to relieve your discomfort and prevent future occurrences.

3. Diabetic Foot Conditions

Diabetes can cause complications that significantly affect the health of your feet. One of the major complications affecting 60 to 70 percent of individuals with diabetes is nervous system damage, also known as neuropathy. This condition can lead to a loss of sensation in the feet or hands, posing significant risks for diabetics. Even a seemingly minor wound, such as a blister caused by ill-fitting shoes, can lead to significant damage due to the reduced blood flow associated with diabetes. Slow wound healing increases the risk of infection, which can spread rapidly in individuals with diabetes. 

Diabetics need to inspect their feet daily, looking for any signs of concern such as:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Bruises
  • Redness
  • Foot infection
  • Warmth
  • Blisters
  • Ulcers
  • Scratches
  • Cuts
  • Nail issues

One of the critical issues faced by diabetic patients is the development of numbness and deformities in their feet. As a result of neuropathy, individuals may experience a loss of sensation in their feet, making it challenging to detect injuries or wounds. Diabetic foot problems, such as ulcers or Charcot Foot, can lead to further complications. 

Charcot Foot, in particular, poses a significant concern as it causes bones to fracture and disintegrate without causing pain, leading to continued weight-bearing on the injured foot. Timely and proper diabetic foot care, including treatments like total contact cast or custom-walking boots, is essential to manage and prevent these debilitating issues.

4. Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, causing itching, redness, and peeling. Our podiatrists can diagnose and treat athlete’s foot using a variety of methods, including antifungal medications and topical creams. We’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you get back on your feet quickly and comfortably.

The main cause of athlete's foot is fungi, which thrive in moist and dark environments. These fungi are frequently found in areas where people walk barefoot, leading to the nickname "athlete's foot." However, it's important to note that anyone can develop a foot fungus infection, regardless of their athletic activities.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing athlete's foot:

  • Weakened immune system
  • Open wounds or cuts
  • Chronic skin conditions
  • Poor circulation

5. Elderly Foot Problems

As we age, our feet may require extra care and attention. This includes treatments like managing bunions and other age-related foot issues. There are unique challenges that elderly individuals face when it comes to foot conditions, which require specialized services, including foot screenings, orthotic devices, and advice on foot-friendly footwear. 

Several foot conditions are more prevalent in the elderly:

  • Neuropathy: Reduces feeling in the feet and requires regular foot checks for early detection. 
  • Reduced flexibility: This can make proper toenail trimming and foot cleaning challenging, leading to more severe medical issues. 
  • Foot sores are a significant concern, often unnoticed until they become severe, due to issues like gouging toenails, ill-fitting shoes, pressure sores, and reduced circulation. 

Regular foot care and professional consultations are essential for elderly individuals to maintain foot health.

6. Heel Pain

Heel pain can be caused by various conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, which can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. Our podiatrists are skilled in diagnosing and treating heel pain, utilizing advanced therapies such as shockwave therapy, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, aiming to alleviate your pain and restore your mobility.

  • Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis occurs when excessive pressure is exerted on the feet, leading to inflammation of the plantar fascia. The pain usually centers around the insertion of the fascia into the heel bone.
  • Sprains and Strains: Sprains and strains result from wear and tear and are prevalent injuries in the heel area.
  • Achilles Tendonitis (AT): AT involves the inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel, causing pain due to nerve signals from the affected area.
  • Stress Fracture: Repetitive stress, intense exercise, or heavy manual work can cause stress fractures, particularly in runners, but osteoporosis is a common cause as well.
  • Heel Bumps: Also known as pump bumps, these are common in adolescents and result from excessive rubbing, particularly in those with flat feet or those wearing high heels at an early age.
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, this condition occurs when a large nerve is entrapped, leading to neuropathic symptoms such as pain and numbness.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae located in the heel can lead to swelling and pain.

Where to Find Foot Pain Relief in Huntington Park, CA

Your feet are the foundation of your body, and caring for them is essential for your overall well-being. At La Clínica de los Pies, we are committed to providing exceptional foot care services to help you maintain healthy, pain-free feet. Led by Dr. Ebram Abdelmalak, a board-certified podiatrist affectionately known as “Dr. A” to his patients, our expert team is here to help you get relief from all types of foot pain.

Whether you’re dealing with toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot issues, athlete’s foot, elderly foot care needs, or heel pain, our experienced podiatrists are here to help.

Ready to us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards healthier feet and become pain-free?