Properly measuring your shoe size is essential for comfort, support, and foot health. The most accurate method involves using a Brannock device, a specialized tool designed to measure the length, width, and arch length of your foot. This ensures that your shoes fit properly and reduces the risk of blisters, bunions, or other foot problems caused by wearing ill-fitting footwear. A podiatrist can help guide you through the measurement process, assess your foot structure, and recommend shoes that support your unique shape and gait. Regular measurements are important, especially as feet can change over time due to age, weight, or activity level. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong size shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer additional information about the importance of proper shoe fitting. 

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that occurs when the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. Overuse, especially in runners, repetitive stress, or sudden increases in activity can lead to microtears in the plantar fascia. Symptoms often include sharp heel pain, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity, swelling, and discomfort when walking or standing for long periods. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, obesity, improper footwear, and tight calf muscles. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a thorough evaluation, recommend targeted treatments such as stretching exercises, custom orthotics, or supportive footwear, and provide strategies to prevent recurrence. If you are a runner and have persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Pain in the ball of the foot occurs when too much pressure is placed on metatarsal heads, the long bones just behind the toes. This condition, termed metatarsalgia, can occur from running, jumping, or standing for long periods. Shoes that are too tight, narrow, or have high heels can push weight forward and strain the front of the foot. Foot shapes like high arches or flat feet can also cause uneven pressure. Bunions, hammertoes, or nerve irritation can add to the pain. Sometimes, small stress fractures or joint inflammation are the cause. The pain can feel sharp, burning, or like walking on a pebble. A podiatrist can check the structure of the foot, look at how you walk, and use imaging to determine the cause. Proper footwear, orthotics, or surgery may be suggested to relieve pressure. If you experience pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 Lakewood, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken foot occurs when one or more of the 26 bones in the foot fracture due to injury or stress. These bones include the metatarsals, phalanges, tarsals, and heel bone, all of which are vital to balance and mobility. A break can result from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or dropping something heavy on the foot. Symptoms vary depending on severity but often include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight. In severe cases, the bone may protrude through the skin or cause visible deformity. People with improper footwear or weakened bones are more likely to experience foot fractures. A podiatrist can help by ordering X-rays to determine the location and extent of the injury and recommend appropriate treatment, which may involve immobilization or surgery. If you have broken a bone in the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and guidance on returning to activities.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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