Wearing flip-flops or sandals for extended periods of time during summer can harm the feet, especially when these shoes lack adequate support and protection. Thin soles with minimal cushioning place excess pressure on the heels and arches, increasing the chance of pain or inflammation in the bottom of the foot. Many styles offer little to no arch support, which may contribute to pain associated with flat feet or heel strain. Straps that rub against the skin can lead to blisters, while loose-fitting designs may cause instability that raises the risk of twisted ankles. Peep-toe sandals that squeeze the toes can worsen bunion pain or make existing joint problems more noticeable. Open designs also leave the feet vulnerable to cuts or scrapes. A podiatrist can assess foot alignment, recommend appropriate footwear, and provide treatment to relieve symptoms caused by wearing shoes that lack adequate support. If your flip flops are causing you to have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Beverly Hills, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the big toe can change the way a person walks, especially when caused by a stiff joint at the base of the toe, a condition known as hallux rigidus. This problem develops when the big toe joint wears down over time, making it harder and more painful when it bends. Since this joint helps push the foot off the ground with each step, limited movement often forces people to shift weight to the outside of the foot or avoid rolling through the toes. This change in walking pattern, or gait, can strain other parts of the foot, including the smaller toes, the arch, and the ankle. Over time, this may lead to pain, muscle soreness, or even problems with balance. Some people also notice swelling or a bump on top of the toe joint. A podiatrist can check how the big toe joint moves, look for signs of wear, and offer treatment. Options include medication, shoe support, or surgery, if the joint is badly damaged. If you are experiencing pain in the big toe when you take a step, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM of Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Beverly Hills, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the toenail presses into the surrounding skin, often causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition commonly affects the big toe and is frequently linked to cutting the toenail too short or trimming down the sides. Shoes that press the toes out of alignment may also contribute to an ingrown toenail. When conservative care is not enough, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to relieve the discomfort and stop infection. Surgery for an ingrown toenail can involve removing part of the nail, the entire nail, or a section of nail tissue beneath the skin to help prevent the problem from returning. These procedures are typically done under local anesthesia and usually take around 10 minutes. Although there is a risk of infection, recurrence, or scarring, ingrown toenail surgery can be a reliable way to reduce pain and infection. If you have ingrown toenail complications, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options, possibly including surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM of Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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