Peeling skin between the toes can happen for many reasons. The symptoms may range from mild flaking to painful cracks. A common cause is a fungal infection often called athlete’s foot. This problem develops in warm, damp places and may lead to itching, burning, scaling, and odor. Skin irritation from materials or chemicals in shoes may trigger a rash, blisters, or tenderness between the toes. Some people develop small itchy blisters that later dry and peel as part of a recurring skin condition. Dry skin, especially in colder weather or after long periods of moisture exposure, can weaken the skin and lead to cracking and flaking. A podiatrist can examine the feet, identify the cause of the peeling skin between the toes, and provide the proper medical treatment. If the skin between your toes is peeling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beverly Hills, Encino, Los Angeles, Los Alamitos, Pasadena, and Rolling Hills Estates CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and leg problems in children can appear during early growth as bones, muscles, and joints develop. Bow legs describe a condition in which the legs curve outward when the feet remain together. Knock knees occur when the knees angle inward and touch while the ankles remain apart. In-toeing refers to a walking pattern in which the feet turn inward during movement. Additionally, tiptoe walking occurs when a child walks primarily on the front part of the feet rather than the heels. Wearing proper footwear is important during development, and first shoes should provide support with secure laces or Velcro closures. A podiatrist can evaluate growth patterns and guide treatment. If concerns about walking or foot development arise, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and help you to monitor your child’s foot health.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children’s Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider…

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beverly Hills, Encino, Los Angeles, Los Alamitos, Pasadena, and Rolling Hills Estates CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel fissures are deep cracks that develop in dry, thickened skin along the back or bottom of the heel. They often form when the skin loses moisture and elasticity. Standing for long periods, wearing open-backed shoes, and having weight-related pressure on the heel can increase risk. In some cases, underlying conditions such as diabetes or thyroid imbalance may contribute to severe dryness. Management begins with gentle removal of thick, built-up skin using professional debridement. Daily application of urea-based or lactic-acid-based moisturizers helps soften and hydrate the area. Wearing closed-heel, supportive footwear reduces pressure and prevents further splitting. In painful cases, protective dressings may be used to promote skin repair. Consistent at-home care is important to prevent recurrence. Ignoring heel cracks can lead to bleeding or infection. If you have painful or deep heel fissures that are not improving, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beverly Hills, Encino, Los Angeles, Los Alamitos, Pasadena, and Rolling Hills Estates CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel bursitis causes pain at the back of the heel. It occurs when a small fluid-filled sac, called a bursa, becomes inflamed. The bursa, which sits between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone, helps reduce friction as the foot moves. When repetitive stress, tight calf muscles, poorly fitting shoes, or a bony bump on the heel create pressure, the bursa can swell and fill with excess fluid. Symptoms of heel bursitis include tenderness, swelling, and pain that worsens when walking uphill, running, or standing on tiptoes. It can sometimes be mistaken for Achilles tendonitis because both cause pain in a similar area. A podiatrist can perform a physical exam, evaluate foot structure and movement, and use imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include custom orthotics, footwear guidance, anti-inflammatory care, or injections to reduce irritation. If you have symptoms of heel bursitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beverly Hills, Encino, Los Angeles, Los Alamitos, Pasadena, and Rolling Hills Estates CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A metatarsal fracture is a break in one of the long bones in the front of the foot. This injury is commonly caused by direct injury, overuse, sudden increases in activity, or repetitive stress from walking or running. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. The foot may look swollen or discolored, and it may feel painful with movement. In some cases, the pain increases during activity and improves with rest. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful physical examination and imaging, such as X-rays, to confirm the diagnosis and determine severity. Treatment may include immobilization, protective footwear, pain management, and targeted exercises as healing progresses. In more severe cases, advanced support or surgical planning may be needed. Early diagnosis is important to prevent improper healing and long-term foot problems. If you think you may have a metatarsal fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beverly Hills, Encino, Los Angeles, Los Alamitos, Pasadena, and Rolling Hills Estates CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone due to prolonged strain on foot muscles and ligaments. It often develops from repeated stress, inflammation, or tension on the plantar fascia. Although heel spurs are commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, they are not the same condition. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of soft tissue, while a heel spur is a calcium deposit on the bone. Some heel spurs cause no symptoms, but others can lead to sharp pain in the heel, especially when walking or standing. Discomfort may worsen after rest. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition’s spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beverly Hills, Encino, Los Angeles, Los Alamitos, Pasadena, and Rolling Hills Estates CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Chronic health conditions often show warning signs in the feet. Diabetes can reduce circulation and sensation, increasing the risk of wounds and infection. Arthritis may cause joint stiffness, deformity, and daily pain that alters walking patterns. Autoimmune disorders can lead to inflammation that affects tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue. Heart and kidney disease may contribute to swelling that stresses skin and joints. Additionally, poor nerve function can change balance and increase fall risk. Diagnosis involves reviewing medical history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle factors. A podiatrist may examine skin integrity, joint movement, circulation, and nerve response. Imaging or lab testing may be used to clarify underlying causes. When chronic illness begins affecting comfort, mobility, or skin health in the feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Beverly Hills, Encino, Los Angeles, Los Alamitos, Pasadena, and Rolling Hills Estates CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Drop foot is a condition where lifting the front of the foot becomes difficult, leading to dragging toes and changes in walking pattern. Specific exercises can support muscle activation and nerve communication involved in ankle and toe movement when guided by a medical professional. These exercises focus on strengthening muscles that lift the foot, improving ankle control, and enhancing balance to reduce fall risk. Gentle resistance movements, controlled ankle lifts, and coordinated gait drills help retrain proper motion. Stretching tight calf and foot muscles can improve foot positioning during walking. A podiatrist identifies the underlying cause, evaluates nerve and muscle function, and creates a structured treatment plan that may include supervised exercises, bracing recommendations, and ongoing monitoring to prevent secondary foot problems. If you have symptoms of drop foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . 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 Beverly Hills, Encino, Los Angeles, Los Alamitos, Pasadena, and Rolling Hills Estates CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.