Items filtered by date: October 2024

Toenail abnormalities can indicate underlying health issues and can include clubbed nails, fungal infections, trauma, and ingrown toenails. Clubbed nails appear enlarged and curved, often linked to respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Trauma to the toenail can result from injuries, leading to discoloration, pain, or even loss of the nail. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments and can cause thickening, discoloration, and brittleness of the nail. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and potential infection. Additionally, nail-patella syndrome, a genetic disorder, may appear with abnormal toenails alongside other skeletal issues. If you notice changes in your toenails, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pes planus, commonly known as flat feet, occurs when the medial longitudinal arch of the foot collapses. This results in the entire sole making contact with the ground, which leads to a flat appearance. Various factors contribute to the development of pes planus. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, as some individuals inherit a tendency for weak arches. Additionally, obesity places excess strain on the feet, weakening the arch over time. Other causes include injuries or conditions that damage the tendons supporting the arch, such as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Chronic conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute to the loss of the arch. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you comfort options help you to manage this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

The foot and ankle consist of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, forming a complex structure that provides support, balance, and mobility. Key joints include the ankle joint where the tibia, fibula, and talus meet, the subtalar joint allowing side-to-side motion, and the midfoot joints, which contribute to arch flexibility. Biomechanics of the foot and ankle are critical, as they impact walking, running, and overall posture. Improper alignment or function in these joints can lead to issues like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or osteoarthritis, affecting movement and increasing stress on the knees, hips, and lower back. Proper foot care, wearing supportive footwear, and orthotics can help maintain good biomechanics, reduce pain, and prevent injuries. It is suggested that you include regular check-ups with a podiatrist in your health care routine to catch potential problems early, ensuring long-term foot health.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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