Pressure sores on the feet develop when prolonged pressure restricts blood flow, causing tissue breakdown and open wounds. They are more likely in people with limited mobility, diabetes, or poor circulation, as the heel, ankle, and ball of the foot are frequent points of stress. Preventive measures focus on reducing pressure and friction on these areas. This includes using properly fitting shoes that provide adequate support, avoiding prolonged pressure from tight straps or flip-flops, and protecting bony prominences of the feet with cushioning materials. Podiatrists often recommend devices that redistribute weight across the sole, lowering the risk of ulcer formation. They also check for early warning signs such as redness, skin thinning, or changes in sensation, which signal developing sores. In advanced cases, untreated pressure sores can lead to infection, difficulty walking, or even limb loss if surgery becomes necessary. If you have developed pressure sores, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Inner foot pain often develops from problems involving the posterior tibial tendon, which helps support the arch and stabilize the ankle. When this tendon becomes inflamed or weakened, pain or swelling along the inside of the ankle and foot may develop. This is especially true while walking or standing for long periods of time. As the tendon deteriorates, it can lead to the flattening of the arch, stiffness, and difficulty standing on tiptoes. Causes of posterior tibial tendinitis include repetitive stress from activities like running, prior ankle injuries, flat feet, and obesity. In more advanced cases, damage to the tendon may progress to partial or complete tearing, and result in significant deformity and limited mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the condition, recommend appropriate treatment, and determine whether surgery may be needed. If you have pain in the inner side of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and Ankle. 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 Camarillo, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A lump on the heel is often linked to a condition known as Haglund’s deformity, where a bony prominence develops at the back of the heel bone. This extra bone growth can irritate the Achilles tendon and the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that normally reduces friction. This can lead to swelling, redness, and localized pain. Contributing causes may include tight calf muscles that increase tension on the tendon, genetic factors like high arches that shift the heel bone backward, or footwear with a stiff backs like pumps, ice skates, or high heels that create repeated friction. A podiatrist can perform an exam to determine if the heel lump is related to bone spurs, bursitis, or tendon irritation. Treatment options include stretching exercises, changes in footwear, medication, and surgery, in persistent cases. If you notice the formation of a lump on the heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Alice Kim, DPM of 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Runner’s toenail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is a common foot injury among people who run long distances or engage in sports that involve frequent stopping and starting. Runner's toenail occurs when repeated impact causes the toenail to hit the front or top of the shoe, or when toes rub against each other, leading to bleeding beneath the nail. The big toe is most often affected, but any toe may be involved. Symptoms may include dark red or black discoloration of the nail, pain, swelling, pressure under the toenail, or even loss of the nail if it becomes loose or damaged. Running downhill or in hot weather, which makes the feet swell, often increases the risk. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, provide treatment, and help prevent ongoing nail damage. If you have symptoms of runner’s toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Alice Kim, DPM of 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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