Concierge Podiatry & Spa · Costa Mesa
Orange County
Foot Health Library
A guide to common foot and ankle concerns. Start with what you’re feeling or noticing, read about possible causes, and find out what to ask at an appointment.
From Concierge Podiatry & Spa, the practice of Dr. Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH
01 · Where does it hurt?
Heel, arch & ball-of-foot pain
Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
Pain underneath the heel that is most noticeable with the first steps after sleep or sitting is a common pattern of plantar fasciitis. Heel pain has other possible causes, so the location and timing can help guide an exam.
Achilles tendon pain
Pain or stiffness at the back of the heel may involve the Achilles tendon. Symptoms can build with running or other repetitive activity. A sudden pop with difficulty pushing off deserves prompt assessment.
Ball-of-foot pain and Morton’s neuroma
Burning pain between the toes, tingling, or a sensation like a pebble inside the shoe can occur with Morton’s neuroma. Pressure from a callus or other forefoot problems can feel similar, so an exam matters.
Flat feet and changing arches
Low arches don’t always cause problems. If one arch is newly flattening or you notice pain or swelling along the inner ankle, an evaluation can help identify what is changing and whether support may help.
02 · What are you noticing?
Toe, nail & skin concerns
Bunions
A bunion is a bump at the base of the big toe, often with the toe leaning toward its neighbors. If it hurts in shoes or limits walking, an evaluation can help you understand your options.
Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail presses into or grows into the nearby skin. If pain, redness, or swelling is worsening, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, contact a healthcare professional.
Toenail fungus and thick nails
Fungal infections can make nails thicker, discolored, or crumbly. Other nail problems can look similar; an exam and, when appropriate, a nail sample can help establish the cause before treatment.
Corns, calluses & recurring IPKs
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that often form where shoes or body weight put pressure on the foot. An intractable plantar keratosis (IPK) is a deep, painful callus, commonly under the ball of the foot. If the same spot keeps coming back, ask what might be putting pressure there.
Plantar warts
A plantar wart can appear as a rough spot on the sole and can be mistaken for a callus. If you aren’t sure what the spot is, have it checked before trying a wart or callus remover.
Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that can cause itching, peeling, or cracking, often between the toes. Persistent symptoms or a rash you can’t identify are reasons to ask a clinician.
03 · Did it start after an injury or more activity?
Ankle injuries & activity-related pain
Ankle sprains
A sprain injures one or more ligaments around the ankle. Pain and swelling after a twist can also occur with a fracture. If you can’t put weight on the foot after an injury, seek urgent assessment.
Stress fractures
A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone. Pain may develop gradually after an increase in walking, running, or other repeated activity and can be focused in one spot. Get it checked if the pain persists; an early X-ray may not show it.
04 · Has sensation or skin changed?
Numbness & diabetic foot care
Burning, tingling or numb feet
These symptoms can occur with peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes is one possible cause; a clinician can help evaluate the pattern and look for contributing factors. If you have reduced sensation, check your feet for injuries you may not feel.
Foot care when you have diabetes
Check your feet daily for blisters, cuts, sores, redness, or other changes. If you notice a new wound, blister, or possible infection, contact your healthcare team promptly rather than waiting for a routine visit.
05 · What kind of help are you looking for?
Foot support & routine care
Shoe inserts and orthotics
Orthotics range from simple inserts to custom devices. The right option depends on what you need it to do, such as cushioning a sore area or supporting the foot. Bring the shoes you wear most often if you’re being evaluated for an insert.
Medical pedicures
A medical pedicure is an appointment for professional foot and nail care, including help with thick nails, corns, or calluses. If you have new pain, an open sore, or a possible infection, contact the office for help choosing the right medical visit.