A plantar wart is a small growth on the bottom of the foot caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. These warts can be painful when pressure is applied and may have a rough, grainy surface. Signs that a plantar wart is healing include the disappearance of the lump, absence of black dots, and reduced or no pain while walking or standing. Proper evaluation is essential, as warts can resemble other foot conditions. A podiatrist can provide effective treatments such as topical medications, cryotherapy, other targeted therapies, or minor surgical removal to eliminate the wart and prevent recurrence. Early intervention ensures faster recovery, protects surrounding tissue, and reduces discomfort. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, often affecting the feet and ankles. The immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissue, leading to symptoms such as persistent joint pain, swelling, warmth, and stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Over time, these symptoms can interfere with walking, balance, and overall mobility. A podiatrist plays a vital role in managing the effects of rheumatoid arthritis on the feet by evaluating joint health, recommending supportive footwear or custom orthotics, providing treatments to reduce pain and inflammation, and guiding exercises to maintain flexibility and strength. If you have persistent joint discomfort or walking becomes difficult, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Alice Kim, DPM of 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

Foot pain linked to sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back to the feet, becomes compressed or irritated. This compression disrupts nerve signals, causing pain that can radiate into the heel, arch, or toes. People often notice tingling, burning, or numbness on the top or bottom of the foot, and some experience weakness when standing on their toes or lifting the front of the foot. The discomfort can worsen when walking, wearing shoes that lack adequate support, or standing for long periods. A podiatrist can evaluate whether the source of pain is nerve-related or due to another foot condition, such as plantar fasciitis or tarsal tunnel syndrome. Diagnostic imaging and nerve testing can help confirm the cause. Treatment may involve orthotics, shoe adjustments, or surgery if nerve compression is severe. If you have symptoms of sciatica-related foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

Gout and pseudogout both cause sudden joint pain in the feet, but they come from different types of crystal buildup. Gout occurs when uric acid crystals form in a joint, usually in the big toe, causing redness, swelling, and intense pain. Pseudogout occurs when calcium crystals form in the cartilage and move into the joint, often affecting the ankle or midfoot. Both can cause warmth, tenderness, and stiffness that make it difficult to stand or walk. The pain from pseudogout can last longer and affect more than one joint, while gout usually affects one joint at a time. A podiatrist can determine which condition is present by examining the joint, ordering X-rays, or testing a small sample of joint fluid. Early diagnosis helps reduce pain and protect the joints from lasting damage. If you suffer from gout flare-ups, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.