When Your Feet Need a Doctor: Common Foot Problems and How a Podiatrist Can Help

Our feet are our foundation, carrying us through life's journey. Yet, we often take them for granted until pain or discomfort strikes. Many foot problems can significantly impact our mobility and quality of life, but the good news is that a skilled podiatrist can provide effective solutions.  
Dr. Neda Arjomandi, a board-certified podiatrist at Laguna Woods Podiatry Group in Laguna Hills, is dedicated to helping patients of all ages achieve optimal foot health.  
Here are some common foot problems that often lead people to seek podiatric care:

1. Heel Pain
Heel pain is one of the most frequent complaints. It can be caused by various conditions, including:
•Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot.  
•Heel Spurs: Bony growths on the heel bone that can cause pain and inflammation.  
•Achilles Tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.  

2. Bunions
Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe joint. They can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes.  

3. Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a deformity where the toe bends abnormally at the middle joint. It can lead to pain, corns, and calluses.  

4. Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and potential infection.  

5. Flat Feet
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, can cause pain, instability, and overpronation (inward rolling of the foot).  

6. Diabetes-Related Foot Problems
People with diabetes are prone to foot problems due to nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) and poor circulation. Regular podiatric care is crucial to prevent serious complications like ulcers and infections.  

7. Sports Injuries
Athletes and active individuals often experience foot and ankle injuries, such as:

•Ankle sprains
•Stress fractures
•Achilles tendonitis
•Plantar fasciitis

8. Skin and Nail Conditions
•Toenail Fungus: A fungal infection that causes thickened, discolored, and brittle nails.  
•Athlete's Foot: A fungal infection causing itching, burning, and scaling of the skin.  
•Warts: Small, non-cancerous growths caused by a virus.  

9. Nerve Conditions
•Neuromas: Thickened nerves that cause pain, burning, or numbness in the foot, such as Morton's neuroma.  

How a Podiatrist Can Help:
Podiatrists like Dr. Arjomandi are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. They can offer various treatment options, including:  
•Conservative treatments: Orthotics, bracing, splinting, padding, medications, physical therapy
•Minimally invasive procedures: Injections, nail avulsion, skin lesion removal
•Surgical interventions: Bunion correction, hammertoe repair, fracture fixation

Services Offered at Laguna Woods Podiatry Group
•Comprehensive foot and ankle exams
•Custom orthotics
•Laser treatment for fungal nails
•Sports injury treatment and rehabilitation
•Diabetic foot care and wound management
•Minimally invasive surgical procedures

Don't Ignore Foot Pain!
If you're experiencing any foot or ankle pain, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.

Schedule an Appointment Today!
📞 (949) 581-2520

Serving all of Orange County, including: Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, and surrounding areas.