Items filtered by date: November 2025

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects the body’s connective tissues, leading to loose joints, fragile skin, and reduced structural support. When it involves the feet, it can cause ankle instability, flat feet, chronic pain, and frequent sprains due to weakened ligaments. Symptoms include joint hypermobility, easy bruising, and persistent discomfort while standing or walking. The condition is caused by inherited changes in collagen production, which affects the strength and elasticity of tissues throughout the body. A podiatrist can help by providing supportive bracing, custom orthotics, strengthening guidance, and treatment plans that improve stability and reduce pain. If you have foot problems related to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this rare foot condition.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It is not a true neuroma but can be debilitating, causing numbness, burning, or tingling. The condition often develops due to chronic trauma from repetitive pressure or activity, entrapment of the nerve between the metatarsal bones, inflammation of the intermetatarsal bursa that cushions the area, or damage from reduced blood flow. Chronic trauma refers to repeated stress that irritates the nerve, entrapment occurs when the nerve is compressed, bursitis causes swelling and irritation, and poor blood flow limits oxygen supply to the tissues. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend orthotics, footwear modifications, injections, or surgical options, if necessary. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and effective relief solutions for what may be going on.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM of California. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the foot due to complications from diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce circulation, increasing the risk of ulcers. The three main types are neuropathic ulcers caused by loss of sensation, ischemic ulcers from poor blood flow, and neuroischemic ulcers that combine both problems. Treatment involves cleaning the wound, removing dead tissue, applying specialized dressings, and addressing infection or circulation issues. A podiatrist plays a vital role in managing these ulcers by performing wound care, monitoring healing, recommending protective footwear, and helping prevent recurrence. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot wound, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the type of wound and offer effective treatment solutions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please 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.

As people age, maintaining proper foot care can become increasingly difficult. Reduced flexibility, limited vision, and decreased strength make tasks such as trimming nails, washing, and inspecting feet challenging. Dry skin, calluses, and foot deformities are more common, and underlying conditions like diabetes or poor circulation increase the risk of complications. These challenges can lead to pain, infections, or mobility issues, if left unaddressed. A podiatrist can provide thorough foot examinations, professional nail care, and personalized treatment plans to prevent problems and maintain comfort. If you are elderly and have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective ways to care for your feet.

If you need your feet checked, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM of California. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.