Items filtered by date: May 2025

One of the most common causes of heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis, yet many people do not realize they have it. The pain is often sharpest with the first steps out of bed, easing slightly as the foot warms up, but returning after long periods of standing or walking. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, and when it becomes irritated or strained, it can lead to tiny tears and inflammation. This condition can develop from overuse, wearing unsupportive footwear, or standing on hard surfaces for hours. It often starts quietly, then becomes harder to ignore. Stretching the foot and calf, wearing shoes with good arch support, and using custom orthotics can make a big difference. If your heel pain is no longer a minor annoyance and has become a daily issue, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist for expert guidance.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

The foot and ankle form a complex structure designed for stability, mobility, and weight-bearing. The talocrural joint, commonly known as the ankle joint, connects the tibia, fibula, and talus. It allows for up and down movement of the foot, essential for walking and running. Beneath it lies the subtalar joint, which connects the talus and calcaneus bones and enables side-to-side motion, helping the foot adapt to uneven surfaces. The midtarsal joint, also called the transverse tarsal joint, includes the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints. This joint helps with rotational movement and flexibility. Together, these joints allow the foot and ankle to support body weight, absorb shock, and provide the motion needed for movement, balance, and overall function during daily activities. If you have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

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

Wearing high heels may look stylish, but it can often lead to painful foot blisters. Blisters form when friction causes the layers of skin to separate, trapping fluid in between. High heels, especially those that are tight or have pointed toes, increase pressure and rubbing on certain areas of the foot, particularly the toes, heels, and balls of the feet. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and the development of fluid-filled bumps that can make walking uncomfortable or painful. If the blister bursts, the exposed skin can sting and may be at risk for infection. A podiatrist can treat painful or infected blisters safely and recommend ways to prevent them in the future. Treatment options include padding, blister dressings, proper wound care, and advice on shoe fit and foot hygiene. Custom orthotics or cushioned inserts can also reduce pressure in problem areas. If you have foot blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist who can guide you on how to prevent blisters from getting infected,  in addition to effective prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that can occur between the toes, on the soles, and around the heels. Types of athlete's foot include interdigital, moccasin, vesicular, and ulcerative infections. Interdigital infections often start between the smallest toes, causing red, itchy, and peeling skin. Moccasin-type infections affect the sole and can make the skin appear dry and scaly. Vesicular infections produce painful, itchy blisters filled with fluid, and ulcerative infections involve open sores that can lead to additional bacterial infections. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking, or thickened skin on the feet. Athlete's foot is highly contagious, often spread by walking barefoot in warm, damp environments like locker room showers or pool areas. A podiatrist can diagnose this infection by examining the skin, and, if needed, testing a skin sample to identify the fungus. Medical treatment may involve topical or oral antifungal medications to clear the infection and reduce the risk of complications. If you have a stubborn athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advanced treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Sam Sanandaji, DPM from Foot and Ankle Care Center.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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.