Items filtered by date: July 2025

Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly can lead to a range of painful foot problems. Blisters form from constant friction, while corns develop due to pressure on bony areas. Unsupported arches may cause discomfort during walking or standing, and improper alignment can contribute to plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the heel and arch. These issues can worsen over time and affect your mobility and quality of life. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend properly fitted footwear, and offer treatments such as orthotics or medication. If you are experiencing foot pain that is coming from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to find relief and protect your feet from further damage.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Foot pain is a common issue that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Sprains occur when ligaments are stretched or torn, usually from twisting injuries. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup, leading to sudden, intense joint pain, often in the big toe. Blisters form from friction, creating fluid-filled sacs, while corns are hardened skin caused by pressure or rubbing. Blisters appear as raised bumps, and corns look like thick, rough patches of skin. Symptoms vary, but may include swelling, redness, sharp or throbbing pain, tenderness, and difficulty walking. Sprains may cause bruising and gout results in hot, swollen joints.  Podiatrists can offer treatments such as targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, custom orthotics, drainage of blisters, or corn removal. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule  an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and effective treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunionette, sometimes called a tailor’s bunion, is a bony bump that forms along the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. It occurs when the fifth metatarsal bone shifts outward while the toe is angled inward, causing pressure and discomfort. This deformity is often linked to genetics, foot structure, or shoes that are too tight across the toes. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, and pain that worsens with activity or certain footwear. Over time, the area may become increasingly irritated, especially if the bump rubs against the inside of the shoe. Early treatment may involve changing to wider shoes, using padding, or trying orthotics to reduce pressure. If pain persists despite these efforts, surgical options may be considered to realign the bone. If you are experiencing discomfort near your smallest toe, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to determine the best course of care.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Steven Ginex, DPM of Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a condition called hyperuricemia, where excess uric acid builds up in the blood. When uric acid crystallizes, it deposits in the joints, leading to sudden and intense pain, swelling, and redness. The big toe is often affected due to its lower temperature and reduced circulation, which promote crystal formation.  Common causes of gout include genetics, poor kidney function, high-purine diets, and certain medications. Among the risk factors are obesity, age, alcohol use, and medical conditions such as hypertension. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through clinical evaluation and testing, provide pain relief, and recommend lifestyle changes. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you promptly contact this type of doctor who can accurately diagnose gout and offer effective relief and management solutions.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Foot neuropathy is a condition involving nerve damage in the feet, often resulting in numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or sharp pain. It can affect balance and lead to injuries due to reduced sensation. Common symptoms also include sensitivity to touch and muscle weakness. Risk factors include diabetes, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, infections, and certain medications. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as ulcers or infections. A podiatrist can perform a thorough evaluation, identify the underlying cause, and develop a treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, protective footwear, or medication. If you experience unusual sensations in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist to receive specialized care and prevent further nerve damage or mobility issues.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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