Luckily, we are highly skilled in treating a variety of conditions and issues. Whether you have slight discomfort or severe pain, we can provide you with care that allows you to live the lifestyle you want!
These are just some of the conditions, treatments, and services you will find at our podiatric office. Just ask us if you have any questions!
- Custom Orthotics
- Sports Medicine
- Wound Care
- Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis
- Arthritic Foot Care
- Foot and Ankle Fractures
- Foot and Ankle Surgery
- Neuroma (Morton’s)
- Neuropathy
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Diode Laser for Fungal Nails and Muscle Pain
- Foot Pain
- Neurogenx Treatment for Neuropathy
Custom Orthotics
Custom foot orthotics are designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. They look similar to insoles, but are biomedical appliances that are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. The plastic body of the custom orthotic helps to re-align the foot while you walk. We understand that everyone is different, which is why custom foot orthotics are made just for you.
Sports Medicine
We know how much your foot health can impact your athletic performance, and it is our priority to help get you off of the sidelines and back in the game. Whether you are dealing with a recurring injury or an accident from the big game, we are here to support you through each step of your therapy. Below is a list of some of the most common sports and sports-related injuries we see in our office:
- Martial Arts and Kickboxing: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, and ankle sprains. Proper stretching is vital to injury prevention, specifically, a minimum of 15 minutes before beginning exercise.
- Aerobics: With 26 bones in the foot and impact forces reaching up to six times the force of gravity, proper shoes are essential when participating in aerobics. Shoes must provide shock absorption and proper cushioning, as well as stability.
- Team Sports: Baseball, basketball, soccer, football, field hockey, and lacrosse often lead to foot and ankle injuries. Artificial surfaces, improper footwear, and inadequate stretching are recipes for disaster.
Wound Care
Ulcers on the foot may not always come with pain, but they are serious conditions that should be evaluated by a medical professional. The symptoms of ulcers may include drainage, or red, inflamed tissue. To properly diagnose and develop a treatment plan x-rays may be ordered.
Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis
Heel spurs occur in at least 50% of people who have plantar fasciitis. Past treatments for heel spurs, a bony growth that begins on the front of your heel bone and points toward the arch of your foot, included surgery to remove the growth. Nowadays, surgery is rarely a treatment option and more plans for physical therapy, ice, and pain medications are used to treat heel spurs.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is an inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the joints. Although it can present itself at any age, arthritis is primarily found in those over 50.
Each foot has 33 joints, making them easy targets for arthritis. In some cases, arthritis can be extremely painful and debilitating.
There are two types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis (also called “wear and tear” arthritis,) is the most common, typically brought on by the aging of joints. Cartilage breaks down over time, creating painful sensations and difficulty moving and articulating the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most serious form and can be majorly crippling. In the foot, it is a chronic inflammatory problem affecting the feet and ankles.
Symptoms include stiffness of joints (especially in the morning), limitation of joint movement, pain, tenderness, redness, rashes, and/or swelling in the joints.
With early treatment, the symptoms of arthritis can be lessened and managed. Treatments include limiting movement, physical therapy, exercise, anti-inflammatory medications and/or steroid injections, and orthotics.
For more information on arthritis foot and ankle care or to request an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (714) 547-7100!
Foot and Ankle Fractures
Since nearly one-fourth of the bones in our body are in our feet, fractures of the foot are common and rarely debilitating. There are two types of fractures. A stress fracture typically occurs in the space between the toes and middle of the foot, usually as a result of a physical activity gone awry. These fractures are only on the surface of the bone. General bone fractures extend through the bone. These injuries are usually caused by trauma to the foot.
Depending on the fracture and placement, different treatments will be discussed. Foot fractures typically heal on their own, although more serious cases may require surgery.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect your foot is fractured so treatment can begin right away.
For more information on fractures or to request an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (714) 547-7100!
Foot and Ankle Surgery
Surgery on the foot and/or ankles may be required in severe cases of breaks or fractures to reset the bones. Our doctors will carefully review your case and advise you on your treatment options.
Treatments for broken bones in the foot and ankle typically include rest, NSAIDs, and a cast or brace. Depending on the severity of the injury, corrective surgery may be needed to secure the bones in place for proper alignment.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect your foot or ankle is fractured or broken so treatment can begin right away.
Neuroma (Morton’s)
A neuroma can occur in many areas of the body when nerve tissue thickens. Morton’s neuroma is the most typical neuroma that occurs in the foot and it occurs between the third and fourth toes. Also known as an intermetatarsal neuroma, the name describes its location in the ball of the foot.
Compression and irritation typically cause the nerve tissue to thicken. This pressure creates inflammation of the nerve, ultimately causing untreatable damage to the nerves in the foot.
If you have a neuroma, you may experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Tingling, burning or numbness
- Pain
- A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot
- A feeling that there is something in the shoe or a sock is bunched up
After a careful evaluation of the neuroma, Orange County Foot & Ankle Institute will begin forming your treatment plan. Treatment plans vary depending on the severity of the neuroma.
Neuropathy
As a result of damaged peripheral nerves, peripheral neuropathy can occur causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, burning, and tingling in the hands and feet as well as other parts of the body. Traumatic injuries, diabetes, and even some exposure to toxins can cause peripheral nerve damage.
Once damage to nerves occurs, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are gradual and worsen with time. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to aid in the prevention of damage to those specific nerves.
For more information, or tips on how to prevent peripheral neuropathy contact us today!
Minimally Invasive Surgery
The Orange County Foot & Ankle Institute is proud to offer cutting-edge minimally invasive surgery options for patients seeking relief from foot and ankle conditions. With a team of highly skilled and experienced podiatrists, we strive to provide the most advanced and effective treatments while minimizing discomfort and recovery time. Minimally invasive surgery techniques allow us to perform procedures with smaller incisions, resulting in less scarring, reduced post-operative pain, and quicker healing for our patients.
At the Orange County Foot & Ankle Institute, our podiatrists are trained in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques, including arthroscopy, endoscopy, and percutaneous procedures. These innovative approaches enable us to address a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, such as bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis, with precision and efficiency. By utilizing specialized instruments and advanced imaging technology, we can achieve excellent surgical outcomes while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized care and ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate and least invasive treatment option for their specific condition, allowing them to return to their active lifestyle as quickly as possible.