Items filtered by date: May 2025

Hammertoes cause one or more toes to bend unnaturally at the middle joint, leading to pain, pressure, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Wearing tight or narrow footwear can make the problem worse by rubbing against the raised joints and crowding the toes. The right shoes can help relieve discomfort and slow the progression of the condition. Look for styles with a wide toe box, soft uppers, and plenty of depth to reduce friction and allow room for the toes to lie flat. Avoid high heels or pointed toes, which place extra strain on the front of the foot. In some cases, custom orthotics or padding can add support and prevent rubbing. Wearing comfortable, supportive footwear makes a big difference for those living with hammertoes. If shoes continue to cause pain or your toes become more rigid, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for treatment and further guidance on appropriate footwear.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM of California. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.

Wearing the correct shoe size is essential for maintaining foot health and preventing a range of painful conditions. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can lead to serious problems over time. Wearing ill-fitting footwear may contribute to peripheral neuropathy by adding pressure to nerves, especially in individuals with existing health concerns. Corns can form as the skin thickens to protect against friction, while hammertoe may develop when the toes are forced into unnatural positions. Ingrown toenails are another common result, often caused by shoes that squeeze the toes together. Each of these issues can interfere with walking, cause discomfort, and increase the risk of infection. Selecting properly fitted shoes supports comfort, alignment, and long-term foot function. Regular sizing checks are also important as feet can change over time. If you have foot pain from wearing incorrectly sized shoes, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and provide further guidance on how to buy shoes that fit properly.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.

Ingrown toenails are a common source of discomfort, especially in younger males who often wear tight shoes or play sports that stress the toes. This condition occurs when the edge of the toenail curves and grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and sometimes infection. Early treatment often includes soaking the foot, using antiseptics, and gently lifting the nail edge to reduce pressure. When conservative methods do not help, minor in-office procedures can remove part of the nail and prevent it from growing inward again. Surgery is usually quick, with minimal recovery time. Proper nail trimming and wearing well-fitting shoes can reduce the risk of recurrence. If your toe becomes swollen, tender, or shows signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. 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 are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.