Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint that occurs when the toe bends too far backward, stretching or tearing the soft tissues that support it. This injury commonly affects athletes who play on hard or artificial surfaces, such as football or soccer players. But this type of toe sprain can also develop in gymnasts, dancers, or wrestlers who frequently push off the front of the foot. Symptoms include pain at the base of the big toe, swelling, bruising, and stiffness, which can make walking or bending the toe difficult. The severity can range from mild overstretching to complete tearing of the ligaments around the joint. Turf toe can develop suddenly from a single forceful movement or gradually through repetitive stress on the toe. A podiatrist can diagnose turf toe, determine the extent of damage, and provide treatment options ranging from conservative care to surgery, in severe cases. If you are experiencing symptoms of turf toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

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 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.

Trail running places unique demands on the feet and ankles due to uneven surfaces, steep inclines, and unpredictable terrain. Common trail running injuries include blisters from friction from shoes, bunions aggravated by repetitive stress, and plantar fasciitis, which causes painful inflammation along the arch and heel. Tendon injuries such as peroneal tendonitis and posterior tibial tendonitis can develop from overuse or instability, often leading to weakness or flattening of the arch. Neuromas may also occur, causing tingling or numbness between the toes due to nerve irritation. The high impact and twisting motions of trail running increase the risk of ankle sprains and stress fractures. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of pain, identify alignment or structural issues, and recommend effective treatment, which may include surgery for severe cases. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while trail running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts – This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, severe pain and swelling. It often affects the big toe because this joint is more susceptible to crystal formation due to lower temperatures and high pressure during movement. Causes include high purine intake, dehydration, and reduced kidney function. Risk factors involve genetics, obesity, certain medications, and alcohol consumption. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, recommending dietary and lifestyle changes, providing pain relief, and offering strategies to prevent future flare ups. If you suspect gout or experience recurring toe pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips for this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . our doctors 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 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.

Workplace foot injuries can occur in various environments and often result from hazards such as burns, electric shocks, sprained or twisted ankles, and broken bones. Prevention begins with wearing proper footwear that offers support, protection, and slip resistance. Employers should maintain safe working conditions by keeping floors dry, free of debris, and clearly marked. Additionally, safety training can also reduce accidents. If a foot injury occurs, a podiatrist can provide expert diagnosis and care to promote healing, reduce pain, and prevent long-term damage. If you have sustained a foot injury at work, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide treatment and guide you on additional foot protection safety tips for the work environment.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. It develops when the big toe pushes against the next toe, forcing the joint to protrude. Symptoms include a visible bump, swelling, redness, soreness, pain while walking, and restricted toe movement. The area may look misaligned and feel tender, especially in tight shoes. Bunions can be caused by genetics, wearing tight or narrow shoes, flat feet, or arthritis. Over time, they can worsen and lead to chronic discomfort or difficulty walking. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the bunion through a physical exam and X-rays. Treatments may include recommending wider shoes, custom orthotics, padding, anti-inflammatory medications, or night splints. In severe cases, surgical correction may be considered to realign the toe and relieve pain. If you are dealing with painful bunions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions – rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Discomfort felt along the sole of your foot can have many causes. One of the most common is irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick tissue that supports your arch. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can lead to soreness, especially during the first steps after resting. Foot strain from standing too long, wearing unsupportive shoes, or changes in physical activity can also contribute to pain. Issues like pinched nerves, tiny stress fractures, or soft tissue injuries may also result in discomfort that worsens with pressure. People with flat feet or high arches may be more prone to pain due to extra strain on muscles and ligaments. Rest, wearing supportive footwear, and gentle stretching are first steps in relieving symptoms. If you find your foot discomfort lingering or getting worse over time, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for professional care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . 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 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.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes become permanently bent at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition is often caused by muscle imbalance, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, or injury. Risk factors include genetics, arthritis, and high arches. Symptoms may include pain, corns or calluses on the toe, difficulty walking, and swelling. If left untreated, hammertoe can become rigid and more painful. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe through physical examination and recommend treatments such as custom orthotics, shoe modifications, or surgery if necessary. If you experience toe discomfort or notice deformities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose hammertoe, and offer appropriate treatment solutions. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

Swollen feet can be uncomfortable and are often a sign of an underlying issue. While swelling can result from standing too long, injury, or poor circulation, it is commonly linked to diabetes. This condition can cause fluid retention, poor blood flow, and kidney problems, all contributing to swollen feet and ankles. In some cases, diabetic neuropathy may cause numbness, so the swelling goes unnoticed until it worsens. Visually, swollen feet may appear puffy, shiny, or discolored. They may feel tight, heavy, or tender. A podiatrist can assess circulation, check for infection or injury, and may recommend compression socks or medication to reduce fluid buildup. Proper footwear and managing blood sugar levels are also key. People with diabetes are up to 30 times more likely to require surgery, often starting with untreated swelling or wounds. If you have  swollen feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis – A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease – This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure – When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease – One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

People with diabetes are more likely to develop foot issues due to poor circulation and reduced feeling in the feet. Cuts, blisters, or pressure points may go unnoticed and can quickly turn into serious wounds. Diagnosis begins with a thorough foot exam, including checking for sensation, skin changes, and blood flow. Special tests may be used to assess nerve function and evaluate the risk for ulcers or infection. Early detection is key to preventing complications, such as open sores or, in severe cases, tissue damage. Management focuses on daily foot care, proper footwear, and regular monitoring. If wounds are present, treatment may involve cleaning, dressing changes, and relieving pressure from the area. Advanced cases may require more intensive care. If you have diabetes and notice any changes in your feet, such as numbness, redness, or sores, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition. 

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 Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc. . 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 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.