Foot care is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in overall health and daily comfort. Your feet support the entire body, and without proper care, they can become a source of discomfort or even serious health issues. Practicing good foot hygiene includes washing feet thoroughly, drying them completely, and keeping toenails trimmed and clean. Moisturizing the feet helps prevent dry, cracked skin, while wearing clean, well-fitting socks and shoes reduces the risk of fungal infections and blisters. It is important to inspect the feet regularly for any signs of redness, swelling, or injury. By incorporating these simple habits into a daily routine, individuals can prevent many common foot problems. If you have foot pain or have developed any type of foot concerns, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective everyday foot care practices.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition that affects the thick tendon connecting the calf muscles to the back of the heel. It usually begins with stiffness or a dull ache that gets worse during or after activity. This problem often develops from overuse, tight calf muscles, or a sudden increase in exercise. Athletes and active adults are especially at risk. You might notice swelling or tenderness along the tendon, especially the first thing in the morning. Early care includes rest, stretching and wearing supportive shoes. Eccentric strengthening exercises may also help reduce pain and rebuild strength. In more serious cases, a podiatrist may suggest targeted exercises or advanced treatments. Ignoring the signs can lead to further damage or even a rupture. If your heel or lower leg is sore, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing high heels may enhance appearance, but they can have negative effects on foot health. High heels place added pressure on the ball of the foot, which can lead to pain, inflammation, and long-term joint stress. This unnatural positioning can also change the way a person walks, known as gait, by shortening the stride and causing instability. Over time, these changes may affect balance and coordination. High heels can also influence posture by shifting the body’s weight forward, which may disrupt the natural curves in the lower back. Limiting heel height and choosing supportive footwear more often can help protect the health and comfort of your entire body. If you enjoy wearing high heels and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer relief solutions, and guide you on a better type of shoe to wear.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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 more than a bump. It often signals how our feet adapt to years of pressure, imbalance, or genetics. This bony change at the base of the big toe can slowly alter the way we walk, affecting posture and even knee or hip alignment. While tight shoes and high heels are often blamed, bunions can form even in sensible footwear if foot mechanics are off. Pain, redness, or difficulty finding comfortable shoes are common complaints. Early care might involve custom inserts, padding, and toe spacers to ease pressure. In advanced cases, surgical realignment may offer lasting relief. Rather than waiting until the pain interferes with daily life, addressing a bunion early can help prevent further complications. If your big toe is drifting or causing discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.