Walking gives the feet regular movement while supporting the health of the entire body. With each step, the foot absorbs weight, adjusts to the ground, and helps move the body forward. This coordinated action engages muscles in the feet and lower legs. Regular walking also supports heart health and circulation. For many people, it offers a practical way to remain active without the higher impact of running. Healthy movement depends on comfortable joints and muscles that provide adequate support. When pain changes the way someone walks, other parts of the foot may take on extra pressure, making a podiatric assessment important.

Although walking benefits foot health, repeated pressure sometimes reveals an underlying problem. Heel pain might reflect irritation of the strong band of tissue beneath the foot. Aching in the ball of the foot may develop when pressure concentrates beneath the toe joints. Arthritis also causes discomfort by affecting the joints used with each step. Shoes that fit poorly contribute to rubbing and crowd the toes. A sudden increase in walking distance places additional demands on bones and tendons, the strong tissues connecting muscles to bones. Persistent soreness requires attention because continuing to walk through pain may worsen an injury.

A podiatrist evaluates foot structure and watches how the feet move while walking. The examination also includes checking joint movement, muscle strength, and areas of tenderness. An assessment of circulation and sensation helps identify concerns that affect walking safety, particularly in patients with diabetes. Treatment depends on the cause of the pain. A podiatrist recommends appropriate walking shoes and determines whether custom orthotics would improve support or redistribute pressure. These prescription shoe inserts address specific foot mechanics. Guidance about suitable activity levels helps patients stay active while protecting injured tissues. Follow-up visits allow treatment adjustments as symptoms improve. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Corns are round areas of thick, hardened skin that commonly develop on the toes or soles of the feet. They form when the skin is repeatedly exposed to pressure or rubbing. Tight-fitting shoes are a frequent cause because they can press against the toes. Foot deformities and joint problems may also increase pressure in certain areas, making corns more likely to develop. Unlike a general callus, a corn usually has a clearly defined center of dense, hard skin. Corns can become painful, especially while standing or walking, and may interfere with comfortable movement.

The appearance of a corn can vary depending on where it develops. Corns on exposed areas of the foot are often raised with yellowish-beige hardened skin. Those between the toes may look whitish and feel softer because moisture collects in that area. Continued pressure can cause the hardened tissue to grow deeper, increasing pain and irritation. Corns can sometimes be confused with plantar warts, but they have different features. A corn typically has a visible core, while a plantar wart may have small brownish dots. An accurate diagnosis can help determine the reason for the skin change and guide appropriate care.

A podiatrist can examine corns and identify the pressure or friction contributing to their development. This is especially important for people with diabetes or poor circulation, because they may have a greater risk of injury or healing problems. Professional treatment may include safely reducing thickened skin and addressing pressure with footwear or orthotic support. When a foot deformity contributes to recurring corns, a podiatrist can evaluate the underlying structural problem and recommend suitable treatment. Addressing the source of repeated pressure can help reduce discomfort and recurrence. If a painful or persistent corn is affecting your ability to walk comfortably, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

A bunion is a foot deformity that develops when the big toe shifts toward the other toes as the joint at its base moves outward. This creates a noticeable bump along the inner side of the foot. Bunions may cause soreness, redness, or pain while walking. Shoes can rub against the bump, causing irritation or calluses. A bunion is not simply a cosmetic concern when it affects comfort, movement, or daily activities.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing bunions. Family history may play a role, because inherited foot structure can affect pressure distribution. Wearing narrow or poorly fitting shoes can add pressure to the toes. Arthritis and previous injuries may also contribute. A podiatrist can examine the foot and use X-rays when needed to understand severity. Treatment may include wearing wider shoes, protective padding, or activity changes. These steps can reduce pressure and improve comfort.

Bunion surgery may be considered when pain continues despite non-surgical treatment. It may also be discussed when a bunion interferes with walking, wearing shoes, or normal activities. The decision depends on symptoms and foot structure rather than appearance alone. During evaluation, a podiatrist reviews your symptoms and examines the joint. X-rays can help determine alignment and guide treatment planning. If surgery is appropriate, the procedure is selected based on the type and severity of the bunion.

Healing after bunion surgery requires patience and following your podiatrist’s instructions. Treatment may include protecting the foot, limiting weight-bearing, and gradually returning to activities. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to monitor healing. Early evaluation can help you understand your options. If you have a bunion that causes pain or interferes with daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia becomes irritated. The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel toward the toes. It helps support the arch and absorbs stress when standing or walking. Repeated strain on this tissue leads to heel pain and tenderness. Factors that contribute include long periods of standing, increased physical activity, and changes in foot structure. Shoes that lack proper support also place added stress on the plantar fascia. Pain is usually felt near the bottom of the heel. It is especially noticeable with the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for an extended period.

A podiatrist evaluates plantar fasciitis by examining the foot and identifying areas of pain or tenderness. An examination includes checking the arch, ankle movement, and foot flexibility. The podiatrist also observes how the patient stands and walks in order to identify movement patterns that could place added stress on the plantar fascia. Treatment is focused on reducing strain while improving foot support and function. Custom orthotics help distribute pressure more evenly and support the arch. A podiatrist may recommend shoes that provide appropriate cushioning and support. Targeted treatment also improves flexibility and addresses tight tissues that contribute to heel discomfort.

Plantar fasciitis makes standing, walking, and completing daily activities uncomfortable. Patients can change the way they walk to avoid pressure on the painful heel, which places additional stress on other areas of the foot. A podiatrist identifies these changes and develops a treatment plan based on the patient's symptoms and foot structure. Care is focused on reducing painful pressure and improving the way the foot functions. Treatment can be adjusted according to the patient's activity level and response to care. Addressing the factors that place strain on the plantar fascia supports more comfortable movement and better foot function. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

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 Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.