Items filtered by date: December 2023

Sunday, 31 December 2023 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

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Sunday, 31 December 2023 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 26 December 2023 00:00

Risk Factors of Sever’s Disease

Sever's disease, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, and particularly affects those between eight and 14 years old. It arises from inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, often linked to periods of rapid growth when the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, causing tension and stress. The primary risk factors include active participation in sports, especially those involving running and jumping, which increase stress on the heel. Overuse and repetitive strain from athletic activities can exacerbate the condition. Additionally, children with flat feet or high arches, those who are overweight or obese, and children who have a tight Achilles tendon are more susceptible to developing Sever's disease. Wearing shoes with poor cushioning or support can also contribute to the risk of developing Sever’s disease. If your child is complaining of heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and treatment.

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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Plantar fasciitis, a prevalent foot condition, unfolds as inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. This inflammation results in stabbing pain, typically most pronounced during the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The plantar fascia plays an important role in supporting the foot's arch and absorbing shock during walking. Several risk factors contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. Prolonged periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces can strain the plantar fascia, increasing susceptibility. Individuals with high arches or flat feet may experience altered weight distribution, intensifying stress on the foot's support structure. Additionally, having tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons may also heighten the risk, limiting ankle flexibility. Understanding the definition and associated risk factors of plantar fasciitis is vital for proactive management. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer treatment options for this painful condition.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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 care needs.

 

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Tuesday, 12 December 2023 00:00

Causes and Signs of a Broken Ankle

A broken ankle, a distressing injury, occurs when one or more of the bones comprising the ankle joint suffer a fracture. This injury is often the result of sudden trauma, such as a fall, a twisting motion, or a direct impact, causing the bones to exceed their structural limits. The severity of a broken ankle can vary, ranging from simple fractures to more complex fractures that involve multiple bones. Recognizing the signs is essential for prompt intervention. Common indicators can include intense pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle. Individuals may find it challenging to bear weight on the affected foot, and there could be noticeable deformities or misalignment. Seeking immediate medical attention from a podiatrist is imperative for an accurate diagnosis. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you visit this type of healthcare professional as quickly as possible who can provide you with correct treatment methods.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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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Tuesday, 05 December 2023 00:00

Causes of Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury that affects both athletes and non-athletes alike. It is often the result of repeated stress on the Achilles tendon, the long tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Achilles tendonitis primarily strikes the younger and middle-aged population engaged in sports like running, gymnastics, and basketball. But it can also affect those leading a more sedentary lifestyle. One of the leading causes stems from an abrupt surge in physical activity, leaving the body little time to acclimate to the increased strain. Failure to stretch adequately before engaging in activities such as running or jumping on hard surfaces can increase the risk, particularly for those with tight calf muscles. Footwear choices play a pivotal role in Achilles tendon health. Wearing high heels for extended periods without proper support can contribute to the onset of Achilles tendonitis. Factors like flat feet, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain antibiotics also can predispose individuals to this condition. Further, those with excessive pronation or flat arches face an elevated risk due to the heightened demands placed on the tendon during regular walking. Whether involved in regular labor-intensive work or sporadic intense physical activities, individuals must be mindful of the strain placed on their Achilles tendon. If you have pain in the back of the heel, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

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