Flat feet in children occur when the arch on the inside of the foot appears low or touches the ground while standing. This condition is common in younger children because the arches are still developing. In many cases, the arch becomes more noticeable as a child grows. Some children inherit flat feet from family members. Many children with flat feet have no pain and continue normal activities without difficulty. Parents may notice that their child’s feet roll inward, shoes wear unevenly, or the child stands with the feet turned outward. 

Some children with flat feet have pain in the arch, heel, or ankle, especially after long periods of activity. Other children report tired feet and legs after sports or playground activities. A child may also complain of aching in the calf muscles. In certain cases, a tight calf muscle contributes to the flattening of the foot. The calf muscle is located on the back of the lower leg and helps control movement at the ankle. When it is tight, extra stress can be placed on the foot. 

A podiatrist can determine the type of flatfoot your child has. Flexible flat feet have normal foot movement and an arch that appears when the child stands on tiptoes or sits down. Rigid flat feet have limited movement and remain flat regardless of position. Treatment focuses on reducing discomfort and improving function rather than changing the shape of the foot. Options include stretching exercises, supportive shoes, and custom orthotics. Activity changes can also help reduce strain. Most children respond well to conservative care and remain active. If your child has pain from flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Toe pain around the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint is a frequent reason patients seek care from a podiatrist. This joint plays a major role in balance and push off during walking. Such toe pain may develop from overuse, arthritis, or pressure from footwear. Common symptoms include aching or sharp pain, stiffness, and swelling. Sometimes it can be accompanied by redness, warmth, and limited motion. The joint may look enlarged or inflamed, and it can feel sore or burning. This is especially true when standing, or bending the toe. Over time, pain may interfere with daily activities and limit comfortable movement. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed medical history and physical examination. This can be supported by imaging when needed, to identify the exact cause of the MTP joint pain. Treatment often begins with footwear guidance, padding, or custom orthotics, and may progress to medication, injections, or corrective procedures when appropriate. If you have MTP joint pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 contact our office located in Beverly Hills, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection that affects the feet, often causing itching, peeling, cracking, redness, or burning between the toes or along the soles. Because other skin conditions can look similar, proper evaluation is important before treatment begins. A podiatrist will examine the appearance, location, and severity of the skin changes while asking about symptoms, duration, footwear habits, moisture exposure, and previous episodes. In some cases, a small skin sample may be collected to help confirm whether fungus is present, and rule out other causes such as eczema or psoriasis. Evaluation also includes checking for skin breakdown, secondary infection, or nail involvement, which can complicate treatment. Early diagnosis can help prevent worsening discomfort and spread to other areas. If you have persistent foot itching, scaling, or painful skin changes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an assessment and appropriate treatment. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Foot care while working is important because many jobs require long hours of standing, walking, or lifting, which can place stress on the feet. Wearing the right shoes is essential, since proper support helps reduce pressure on the heels, arches, and toes. Stretching the feet when possible can also help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness during the day. At home, basic care like resting the feet and monitoring discomfort can help prevent problems from getting worse. Without proper care, people may develop pain, swelling, or fatigue that affects daily movement. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatment plans tailored to work-related strain. If foot discomfort continues, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms sharp crystals in the joints. Gout commonly affects the big toe, but it can also affect the ankle and other foot joints. A gout flare usually begins suddenly causing intense pain and swelling. Redness, warmth, and tenderness may also occur. Even light pressure from a shoe or bed sheet can cause discomfort. Gout flares can last for several days, and may return if the condition is not properly managed. Risk factors include kidney problems, obesity, and alcohol use. Sugary drinks and joint injuries are other factors. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through an exam, imaging studies, and laboratory testing. Treatment includes reducing inflammation, protecting the affected joint, and helping prevent future flare-ups that can damage the joints. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for help in managing this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.