The feet are the foundation of the body, and many people do not pay attention to  their feet properly until foot pain occurs. Research has indicated that approximately 70% of Americans experience foot pain sometime in their lives, which may lead to injuries unless the cause is identified and treated. A common reason that many people have foot pain is from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. This can lead to bunions and hammertoe, which eventually may require surgery for permanent relief. Plantar fasciitis can result from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Stretching the calves and Achilles tendon frequently can help to relieve the pain. Many runners develop stress fractures from increasing speed and mileage too quickly. Ankle sprains are another common source of foot pain. This can happen from unexpectedly stepping off of a step or curb and twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and guide you toward correct treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are specific foot stretches which may help to loosen tight calf muscles, relieve arch cramps, and lessen heel pain. Little or no stretching may result in restricted mobility, and the risk of ripping, tearing, or straining a muscle may increase. Pointing and flexing the feet will successfully stretch the soles of the feet and strengthen the calves. It is important to note that while flexing the foot, it is beneficial to lead with the heel which can help to stretch the calf muscles. Additionally, while pointing the feet, it is more effective when the top of the arch is lengthened and pulled away from the body. When the feet are frequently stretched, chronic foot pain problems may be diminished, and the risk of getting foot and ankle injuries may be reduced. If you would like to know more about how to correctly stretch the feet, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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

There are many people who have busy schedules which can make it difficult to practice adequate warm-up and cool-down stretches before running. It is important to make time to properly stretch before and after running as this may help to prevent running injuries. Beneficial changes that can help to avoid injuries consist of improving form by maintaining good posture and practicing correct training procedures. Research has shown it helps runners to gradually increase mileage and speed, and it is important to stay hydrated and eat enough protein. Additionally, when one day per week is taken off from running, it can help to give the body adequate time to rest. If you have questions about how running injuries can affect the feet and how to avoid them, please consult with a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

Increased body weight adds stress to the feet and is thought to be a contributing factor to several foot conditions. Flat feet, or pes planus, is one of these. Arches are designed, partly, to help absorb the body’s weight while standing or moving, and also to act as shock absorbers. The heavier a person is, the harder it is for this structure to maintain its shape and do its job. The arch will become lower as it struggles under the excessive weight it is bearing, and in some cases, may completely collapse. Additionally, obesity may cause a person to angle their feet outward as they walk, with a wider-than-normal gait. These changes in stride can also make it more difficult for the arch to keep its normal shape and height. Flat feet can sometimes cause pain in the arch and/or muscles, as well as fatigue and aching in the feet and legs. Losing weight is a good step towards helping to relieve symptoms. A podiatrist can also help ease your discomfort and use a variety of techniques to support the arch and correct gait abnormalities.  

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.