Items filtered by date: October 2019

Monday, 28 October 2019 00:00

Foot Conditions Children May Have

New parents may notice their children are born with flat feet. This is a result of supporting muscles and ligaments that have not fully formed. The arch typically develops as the teenage years approach, and it is generally nothing to be concerned about. Additionally, it is common for children to walk with their toes in or out, and in most cases, will be outgrown. If children frequently participate in sporting activities, you may see blisters on their feet. This can come from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit properly. Children can be susceptible to bunions, especially if it is genetic. A large bump on the side of the big toe may form, and it may cause the second toe to overlap with the one next to it. If you notice anything unusual about your children’s feet, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

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Monday, 21 October 2019 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Published in Blog
Monday, 21 October 2019 00:00

Teenagers and Sever's Disease

The medical condition that is referred to as Calcaneal Apophysitis is commonly known as Sever's disease. This disease occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes swollen, and typically affects teenagers who participate in sporting activities. As growing occurs, muscles and tendons can put strain and pressure on the heel, possibly causing swelling and tenderness. An initial step in beginning treatment of this condition is to look out for high arches or flat feet that may be present. This may affect the way walking is done, and can be important to know so proper treatment techniques can begin. Mild relief may be found when gentle exercises are frequently performed that can promote mobility. Additionally, it may be beneficial to wear orthotics, as this may aid in the treatment of Sever's disease. If your child is suffering from this condition, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat this condition.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

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Monday, 14 October 2019 00:00

Symptoms Of Athlete’s Foot

The symptoms that are typically associated with athlete’s foot are often obvious. They include itchy skin between the toes and the soles of the feet, and the skin may often appear red. Some patients also experience a burning or stinging sensation, and it is generally uncomfortable. This condition is caused by a fungus, and is considered to be contagious. This fungi lives and thrives in warm and moist environments which can include swimming pools, locker room floors, and surrounding areas. Prevention measures can be implemented when appropriate shoes are worn while in these places, and it is beneficial to avoid sharing shoes and towels. For mild cases of athlete’s foot, an over-the-counter spray may be used. If your athlete’s foot has become severe, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can prescribe medication which may be necessary in treating this condition.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

 

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Published in Blog
Monday, 07 October 2019 00:00

How Are Ingrown Toenails Treated?

The condition that is known as ingrown toenails happens as a result of the edge of the nail growing into the skin surrounding the nail. It can typically cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to wear shoes that are normally worn. The edges of the nail can appear red, swollen, and tender when touched, and it is beneficial to begin treatment as quickly as possible. This can consist of soaking the affected nail in warm water, which is helpful in softening the skin around the nail. This may also make it easier to move the edge of the toenail away from the skin with a piece of cotton. If an ingrown toenail should become infected, surgery may be required to remove a portion of the nail. If you are afflicted with this ailment, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you proper treatment techniques.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

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