July 2025

Arch pain often results from injury or structural problems within the foot. The arch, made up of bones, ligaments, and tendons, plays an important role in absorbing shock, supporting body weight, and maintaining balance. A common cause of arch pain is overpronation, where the foot rolls inward during walking, straining the arch and nearby tissues. Cavus foot, a condition marked by a high arch, may increase pressure on certain areas of the foot, leading to pain and instability. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can weaken the tendon that helps hold up the arch, causing pain along the inside of the foot and ankle. Flat feet, nerve conditions, overuse, and physical strain are also known to contribute to arch discomfort. A podiatrist can help identify the underlying cause and provide treatment, which may include orthotics, bracing, or surgery. If you have pain in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Walking and running shoes may appear similar, but they are designed to meet different demands placed on the feet. Walking places less impact on the foot, with the heel striking first followed by a rolling motion through the step. As a result, walking shoes are often built with softer soles and an angled heel to cushion impact and promote a smooth transition. Running, however, places greater force on the feet, often up to three times the body weight, and may involve striking with the heel, midfoot, or forefoot. To handle this stress, running shoes are typically lighter and built with thicker cushioning to absorb shock and reduce fatigue. Choosing the wrong shoe can lead to foot pain or injury, including plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon pain. A podiatrist can assess your gait, foot structure, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor to determine the cause of the pain and receive guidance on proper footwear.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken ankle can happen during a fall, sudden twist, or direct blow to the joint. The break may involve one or more bones and can range from a minor crack to a more serious injury that affects stability. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble putting weight on the foot. In some cases, the ankle may appear misshapen or feel unstable. Diagnosis usually involves an exam and imaging to understand the extent of the injury. Treatment depends on how severe the break is and may involve a cast, boot, or, in some cases, surgery to realign the bones. Recovery may also include exercises to restore strength and movement. If you believe you may have injured your ankle and are experiencing pain or swelling, it is suggested that you promptly see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Keeping the feet strong and mobile is important for overall stability and comfort. Gentle exercises can help improve movement and reduce the risk of injury. One helpful practice is spreading the toes apart while seated or standing, which encourages better muscle control and coordination. Another useful activity involves placing a small towel on the floor and using only the toes to pull it inward, which can help support the arch and engage underused muscles. A third option is rising slowly onto the balls of the feet and lowering back down with control, which helps strengthen the ankles and improve balance. These small movements, when done regularly, can have a lasting impact on how the feet function during daily activities. If your feet remain stiff, weak, or sore despite incorporating basic mobility work, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and guidance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. When conservative care does not resolve the issue, surgical procedures called a partial or total nail avulsion may be performed. In this procedure, the podiatrist numbs the toe, removes the offending portion of the nail, and may apply a solution to prevent it from growing back. This treatment offers lasting relief and promotes proper healing. If you struggle with recurring ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and a permanent solution to restore comfort and function.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.