Items filtered by date: April 2025

Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. This tissue can become strained or bruised due to flat feet, excess weight, poor foot mechanics, or long periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis often include heel pain that is worse in the morning or after long periods of rest, and may feel sharper after physical activity. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis based on a foot exam and may recommend imaging tests to rule out other issues. Medical treatment includes custom orthotic devices to support the arch, foot taping to relieve tension on the ligament, or steroid injections to reduce inflammation. Exercises may be recommended, and in rare cases, surgery may be needed to release the fascia. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from The Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Foot and ankle pain in teens can result from a variety of causes, often related to growth, physical activity, or underlying conditions. Active teens may experience pain due to overuse injuries from sports or exercise, including stress fractures, tendonitis, or sprains. Growth spurts can lead to conditions like Sever’s disease, where the heel’s growth plate becomes irritated. Wearing improper footwear or lack of support can contribute to arch pain or heel discomfort. Flat feet, high arches, or biomechanical imbalances may also cause strain on joints and soft tissues. In some cases, pain may stem from inflammatory conditions or infections. If your teenager has foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors 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 Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Some people develop a hard lump under the toenail, often near the big toe. This bump, known as subungual exostosis, is an overgrowth of bone that can push the nail upward or make shoes feel uncomfortable. Over time, the pressure may lead to a painful ingrown toenail, a condition called chronic onychocryptosis. This happens when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. The bone growth and the ongoing nail problem often go hand in hand, making the toe sore and hard to treat at home. A podiatrist can take X-rays to confirm the bone growth and suggest the best treatment, which may include minor surgery to remove the bump and help the nail grow normally again. If you have a painful or abnormal toenail that does not get better, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Falling can cause significant injuries to the feet, including sprains, fractures, and bruising. Impact from a fall may weaken the muscles and joints, leading to instability and discomfort. Strengthening the feet can help prevent falls by improving balance and stability. Using a resistance band to perform foot exercises enhances flexibility and strengthens the muscles that support the arches. Picking up marbles with the toes helps improve dexterity and grip strength, making the feet more responsive to changes in terrain. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises increase foot control, reducing the risk of missteps. Wearing supportive footwear and maintaining strong, flexible feet contribute to better stability. If you have fallen and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Gangrene is a serious condition that occurs when tissue dies due to a lack of blood flow or an infection. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gangrene, particularly in the feet, toes, and ankles, as a result of poor circulation and a reduced ability to heal wounds. High blood sugar can damage nerves, leading to loss of sensation, which makes it difficult to detect injuries. Small cuts, blisters, or ulcers may go unnoticed, increasing the chance of infection. If an infection worsens, tissue death can occur, and surgery may be required to remove the affected area. Signs of gangrene include skin discoloration, swelling, foul-smelling discharge, and numbness. If left untreated, the infection can spread and lead to severe complications. A podiatrist can help by identifying foot problems early, treating wounds before they worsen, and recommending strategies to improve circulation. Regular foot exams are essential for preventing complications like gangrene. If you have diabetes and suffer from foot ulcers, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for checkups and appropriate care.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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