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Optima Foot and Ankle Blog View all posts

Managing Psoriatic Arthritis Foot Pain

You’ve likely heard of psoriasis, the skin disease that causes red, scaly, and inflamed rashes. But did you know that this condition is often accompanied by a disease called psoriatic arthritis, which can cause pain in your joints, including those in your
Feb 2nd, 2023

6 Foot Problems Caused by Ill-Fitting Shoes
When it comes to the health of your feet, shoe fit matters. Because your feet are the foundation of your body, taking optimal care of them is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Jan 4th, 2023

5 Exercises for Strengthening Flat Feet
When you have flat feet, it means that your arches never developed, or fell during adulthood. Many sufferers experience no discomfort or mobility problems, but if you do, exercises can complement podiatric treatment. Learn more here.
Oct 4th, 2022

When Should You Consider Bunion Surgery?

At a certain point, the foot deformity caused by a bunion can progress until your foot needs corrective surgery. Are your bunions at that point? Read to learn more about the decision to opt for bunion surgery.
Sep 1st, 2022

Is Foot Swelling During Air Travel a Concern?
If you find that your shoes feel snug every time you fly, you’re not alone. Foot swelling during air travel is common, but is it a big deal? Here, we talk about whether swelling is a concern or not.
Jun 2nd, 2022

How Is a Sprained Ankle Graded?
Ankle sprains are common injuries, but the severity depends on how much damage occurs, and the treatment depends on how the sprain is graded. Learn about ankle sprains and how they’re graded here.
May 4th, 2022

These Bad Habits Are Making Your Heel Pain Worse
Heel pain may seem like a minor annoyance, but it can worsen to the point that it disrupts your life. It’s possible that your daily habits play a part in your pain. Read on to learn about what might be making your heel pain worse.
Apr 7th, 2022

Do High Heels Fuel Bunion Pain?
Beauty is pain, right? Wrong. Your stilettos might look like a work of art, but they’re wreaking havoc on your feet. Here’s what you should know about your high heels and how they’re impacting your foot health.
Mar 8th, 2022

Stomp Out Toenail Fungus With Our Advanced Laser Technology
Your toenails look yellow, brown, or crumbly. You may have a fungal infection known as onychomycosis. If your nails don’t respond to over-the-counter products, treatment with the state-of-the-art Lunula Laser® stamps it out for good.
Feb 1st, 2022

5 Ways Custom Orthotics Can Improve Your Life
Your feet work hard, carrying you through the world. They also provide a foundation for your entire body. Proper support is essential, and sometimes that requires help from a pair of custom orthotics.
Dec 9th, 2021

How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Problems
Diabetes affects the health of your blood vessels and can lead to problems with circulation, particularly in your feet. With diabetes, you’re at high risk for foot ulcers, foot pain, and even amputation. Avoid foot problems with these steps.
Nov 7th, 2021

Why are My Feet Getting Bigger?
You’ve always been a shoe size 8. Or 13. Or 4. But now your favorite shoes don’t fit. Did your feet get bigger? Or smaller? How is that even possible? Discover more about your feet and how they can change.
Oct 1st, 2021

5 Tips for Finding the Best Walking Shoes for Your Feet
No matter your activity level, getting up and moving is great for your health. As podiatrists, we want to ensure that every step you take is a comfortable one, which is why we pulled together these tips for buying walking shoes.
Sep 5th, 2021

How Hammertoes Form
If one or more of your small toes bends downward into a permanent claw-like shape, you probably have a hammertoe. Find out how this foot deformity occurs and what you can do to prevent it.
Jul 15th, 2021

Why You Shouldn't Play Through a Sprained Ankle
You might think a sprained ankle is worth pushing through, but doing so can set you up for an even longer recovery period — and future reinjury. Read on to learn how to help your ankle heal fully and quickly.
Jun 16th, 2021

When Do Plantar Warts Require a Visit to the Podiatrist?
It’s always unsettling when you notice changes to your health. And when you develop plantar warts, it can be difficult to know when they warrant medical attention. Learn more about plantar warts and when we think you should see a doctor for them.
May 11th, 2021

Help for Your Bunions
Bunions can affect more than the way your feet look. This common foot problem can cause pain and affect your mobility if left untreated. Learn how to relieve discomfort and restore normal function and appearance.
Mar 10th, 2021

Understanding the Different Types of Laser Treatments
Low-level laser therapy taps into the body’s natural healing ability, encouraging tissue regeneration from within. When it comes to foot health, lasers offer a host of benefits from treating toenail fungus to eliminating plantar fasciitis pain.
Jan 17th, 2021

Diabetes and Wound Care
Diabetes can lead to a number of complications, including ulcers and infections of the foot. Find out how to stay one step ahead of your foot health when you have diabetes.
Dec 2nd, 2020

Healing Your Plantar Fascia Through PRP Therapy
Are you feeling an awful stabbing pain in your heel when you try to walk? You probably have plantar fasciitis, but a promising new treatment is bringing great results! Read on to learn more.
Nov 15th, 2020

What's the Difference Between a Corn and a Callus?
If you notice the development of thick areas of skin on your feet, you might have corns or calluses. Continue reading to learn their differences and how you can treat them and prevent them from getting worse.
Oct 1st, 2020

Hurt Your Ankle? Here’s What You Should Do
An ankle injury not only puts an immediate stop to your activity, but who knows how long you’ll have to contend with the swelling and pain? Learn about effective home treatments, how a strain differs from a sprain, and how your podiatrist can help.
Sep 10th, 2020

5 Tips for Protecting Your Feet This Summer
With diabetes, you face potentially serious health impacts throughout your body. Damage to feet is common, both to the nerves and blood supply. Barefoot summer months could present your feet with challenges. Read on to learn more.
Aug 10th, 2020

5 Ways to Soothe Bunion Pain Without Surgery
Bunions don’t just look funny — they can also cause a significant amount of pain. Keep reading to learn how to soothe that pain without undergoing invasive surgery.
Jul 17th, 2020

5 Ways to Strengthen Your Ankles to Prevent Sprains
Do you worry about the risk of spraining an ankle while you're out for a run, walk, or hike? Read on to learn what you should do to protect and strengthen your ankles so you can decrease your chances of suffering a sprain.
May 26th, 2020

Banish Ugly Toenail Fungus Before Sandal Season
Before you hit the pool this summer, make sure your toes look their best by resolving any stubborn foot fungus problems. Read on to learn how you can deal with your toenail fungus for good.
Apr 12th, 2020

Do You Have Heel Pain?
Do you have heel pain ...when getting out of bed in the morning? ...when you get back up from sitting for a while?
Mar 19th, 2020

Ingrown Toenails
When a toenail is ingrown, it is curved and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This digging in of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling and warmth in the toe.
Mar 19th, 2020

Bunion Pain?
Just a bump on the side of the big toe? Not really! The visible bump actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. The big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of
Mar 19th, 2020