FAQ

According to the Diabetes Association, all patients with diabetes should have an annual foot exam, at minimum. Patients with comorbid conditions like peripheral neuropathy or peripheral artery disease should have more frequent foot exams to prevent possible problems.

During each exam, we will evaluate your foot circulation and sensitivity, as well as checking for changes to your skin and any wounds on your feet. If you are experiencing discomfort caused by peripheral neuropathy, we may be able to prescribe medication to reduce tingling, burning, or pins-and-needles sensations in your feet.

Yes! Many complications can be avoided with good regular foot care, which is why patient education and prevention are the foundations of our practice. For example, daily foot inspections, keeping your feet clean and dry, trimming toenails straight across, and wearing comfortable shoes designed to keep your feet from developing sores can all help prevent diabetic foot ulcers. We work with each patient to create an individualized prevention plan.

Ankle pain can be caused by any number of common issues, such as arthritis, sprains, gout, bone spurs, tendonitis, or fractures. Ankle pain may also be caused by flatfeet, in which the feet have little to no arch.

If ankle pain is severe or accompanied by swelling, you should see a podiatrist immediately. You should also come in if ankle pain has persisted for several weeks despite home treatment. If you’re not sure if your ankle pain needs medical treatment, please don’t hesitate to call our office for further information.

Treatment for ankle pain depends on its cause. At Corona Foot & Ankle, we start with a foot examination and diagnostic imaging to reveal underlying injuries and/or conditions responsible for your discomfort. Your diagnosis will determine the course of treatment, which may include physical therapy, rest, compression, or the use of foot orthotics. In some cases, surgery or other treatments might be necessary to find relief from ankle pain.

A bunion is a large, protruding, bony bump at the base of the big toe. Usually, the big toe begins to angle toward the smaller toes, potentially leading to redness, soreness, and swelling. The skin may also become thickened and develop calluses.

A bunion may not require treatment if it is not causing discomfort or mobility problems. However, if they are accompanied with chronic toe or foot pain, they’re affecting your movement, or they’re getting worse, schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist. You may also want to consult a podiatrist if your bunions are affecting your ability to find shoes that fit.

Again, not every bunion needs treatment. However, we may recommend addressing the symptoms of bunions by first changing shoes or using foot orthotics that support the big toe in a straighter position. We may also prescribe steroid injections or over-the-counter medications to reduce inflammation and temporarily manage pain. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pain long-term and restore the toe’s natural position.

People with plantar fasciitis often complain of heel pain, especially pain that is worse in the morning after waking or after sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you have a recurring stabbing pain in or near your heel, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We can diagnose plantar fasciitis with a simple exam and imaging tests.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis depends on the severity of the condition. Often, treatment is conservative and may include stretching, physical therapy, and the use of foot orthotics. In most cases, pain is manageable using an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, though if your pain is severe we may recommend steroid injections for relief.

Probably not. Few people need to undergo surgery to treat plantar fasciitis. However, it is an option for patients with severe heel pain that has not responded to more conservative treatment measures.