Foot Pain / Foot Injury in Orange County

Forefoot pain refers to pain and discomfort felt toward the front part of the foot and to the toes. Pain in the forefoot can be due to arthritis, changes in soft tissue and bone structure over time, foot sprains, trauma, sports injuries, neuroma, and many others. Forefoot pain and deformity may increase with age. General pain in the ball of the foot is often referred to as metatarsalgia. Our Orange County Podiatrist / Foot and Ankle Surgeon can evaluate and treat your foot pain or foot injury in Orange County at our Irvine, CA, Huntington Beach, CA, Newport Beach, CA, or Orange, CA offices.

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Some of the many common reasons for forefoot / foot pain in Orange County include:

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Great Toe Joint Sprain (Turf Toe) in Orange County

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• The first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is the second last joint before the end of the big toe. This injury is common in gymnastics or contact sports when the toe is forced past its normal range of movement, usually upwards or downwards.

 

• The injury is also more common in those sports played on non-slip surfaces and is subsequently called ‘turf toe syndrome’. Symptoms include immediate swelling and pain at the base of the big toe. Ice and rest may help to decrease symptoms.

 

Hallux Valgus (Bunion) in Orange County

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• Hallux valgus occurs when the big toe is angled inwards at an unusually large angle. Hallux valgus may be present at birth or caused by untreated excessively flat feet. Symptoms include a pain, redness, swelling and/or callous on the outside of the base of the big toe. A callus may also form under the base of the second toe.

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Hallux Rigidus (Great Toe Arthritis) in Orange County

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• Hallux Rigidus is a chronic stiffness of the joint at the base of the big toe caused by degerative loss of cartilage within the joint (arthritis). This may occur as a result of excessively flat feet or overuse of the big toe. Symptoms include poor big toe mobility, especially with pulling the toe upwards (dorsiflexion), as well as pain and swelling at the base of the big toe. Rest, special shoe inserts, and training modification may be needed to decrease painful symptoms. 

 

• If pain is significant, surgery may be indicated to allow the patient to continue daily activities as desired. 

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Neuroma in Orange County

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• Sensation is felt by transmission of nerve impulses via nerves to the brain. Neuroma involves compression of nerves that travel between the bones of the foot. This condition may occur due to tight shoes or flat arches in the foot.

 

• Symptoms include pain, pins and needles sensation, numbness, or burning which radiates into the affected toes. Standing, especially up on the toes may aggravate symptoms. Ice may decrease acute pain, but long-term solutions must be explored such as padding and orthotics. 

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• Our Orange County Podiatrist is an expert in both surgical and non-surgical treatment of neuromas. He specializes in both minimally invasive and open surgical techniques when needed. Our Orange County Podiatrist / Foot and Ankle Surgeon can evaluate and treat your neuroma at our Irvine, CA, Huntington Beach, CA, or Orange, CA offices.

 

Forefoot / Foot Fractures in Orange County

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There are 26 bones in the foot, all of which can be fractured. There are many different types of fractures. Sometimes a bone breaks, but stays in place (non-displaced). Sometimes a bone breaks into two pieces that move apart from one another (displaced). Other types of fractures include a bone that is broken in multiple places (comminuted) and a bone that breaks through the skin after fracturing (open fracture).

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Fractures of the foot in Orange County may occur from normal forces on abnormal bone (such as in osteoporosis), abnormal forces on normal bone, or with direct impact or trauma. Dr. Coyer, Orange County Foot and Ankle Surgeon has extensive training and experience in both the operative and non-operative treatment of stress fracture, pathologic fracture, and acute traumatic fractures. Our doctor will assist you in developing the best plan for your condition and work with you to meet your post-injury goals.

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Initial Foot Injury Treatment in Orange County

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Initial treatment following a sports injury, acute sprain, or traumatic injury consists of early injury management.  If you have severe pain, are unable to walk, have a known fracture, or bleeding that does not stop do not delay making an appointment or goiing to an emergency room for further evaluation.

 

For approximately the first 72 hours following an injury, the RICE therapy regime should be followed to ensure control of inflammation and pain relief.

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Rest

• Rest from aggravating activity.

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Ice

• Ice should be applied in the first 72 hours or when inflammation persists.

• Ice should be applied for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

• Ice should not be applied directly to the skin, but through a wet towel or cloth.

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Compression

• Compression can be achieved with an elastic bandage.

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Elevation

• Elevation is used to help swelling to return to the heart through the blood stream.

• The injured area should be elevated above the level of the heart.

 

 

For more complete information about many of the common causes of forefoot / foot pain in Orange County, please visit the Our Services page or see the links below:

 

Bunions & Hammertoes

Foot & Ankle Fractures

Foot Sprains

Hallux Rigidus

Neuroma

Sports Injuries

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Please contact our office in Irvine, Orange, Newport Beach, or Huntington Beach in Orange County, CA to make an appointment with our foot and ankle surgeon / podiatrist (Dr. Coyer) to have your foot injury or foot pain in Orange County fully evaluated.

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