An ankle avulsion fracture occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled away from the main bone by an injured ligament, tendon, or muscle. This injury often happens during a sudden twist, fall, or misstep, and it can involve surrounding soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty walking. Most patients recover in about four to six weeks with proper care and protection. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis with imaging, guide your treatment, support healing of the soft tissues, and help restore strength and stability to the ankle. If you have ankle pain after an injury or have trouble putting weight on your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the injury.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Nerve pain in the feet often develops when the nerves that carry signals from the spine to the toes become damaged or compressed. This pain can feel like burning, tingling, numbness, or electric-like shocks. Problems in the lower back, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, can irritate nerves that extend into the feet. Peripheral neuropathy, which occurs when nerves in the legs or feet themselves are injured, can also lead to discomfort, weakness, and loss of sensation. Diabetes, traumatic injuries, and prolonged pressure on the feet can all contribute to nerve damage. Footwear that lacks adequate support, repetitive strain, or prolonged standing can worsen symptoms by increasing nerve compression. A podiatrist can perform diagnostic tests to locate the source of the pain and provide treatment that helps protect nerve health and restore comfort. If you have symptoms of nerve pain in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Achilles tendon injuries in athletes often arise from the high demands placed on the feet and ankles during running, sprinting, and jumping sporting activities. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is especially prone to strain from overuse, abrupt movements, and mechanical factors such as overpronation of the ankle. Older athletes experience overuse injuries more frequently, while sudden ruptures can affect younger recreational athletes during intense activity. Symptoms of Achilles tendon injuries range from pain and stiffness to limited ankle mobility. In severe cases, partial or complete ruptures may occur. Surgery is often needed for complete ruptures and for certain chronic conditions when conservative care does not restore function. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, diagnose the type of Achilles injury, and guide effective treatment to restore mobility. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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 Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.

The big toe joint, known as the first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint, connects the toe bones to the foot and supports body weight with each step. Because of this constant stress, it is vulnerable to several conditions. Bunions may develop when the big toe shifts toward the second toe, often causing pain and deformity. Turf toe occurs when the big toe is forced upward, straining ligaments and tissues surrounding  the joint. Osteoarthritis may result from long-term wear and tear, while inflammatory arthritis can cause stiffness, swelling, and deformities.  Additionally, gout may strike suddenly, producing severe pain, redness, and swelling when uric acid crystals collect within the joint. Infections, including septic arthritis, can also lead to rapid big toe joint damage and require prompt care. A podiatrist can provide treatment options including wearing supportive footwear, and even surgery, in serious cases. If you have ongoing pain in the big toe joint, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam 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 contact our office located in Beverly Hills, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.