Plantar fasciitis can turn the first steps of the morning into a painful challenge. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated and inflamed. The pain is usually felt near the heel and can be sharp when standing after rest. It may ease after a few steps but return after long periods on the feet. Running, weight gain, and abnormal foot arches can place added strain on this tissue. Tight calf muscles can also increase tension near the heel.

A podiatrist can determine whether plantar fasciitis is causing the pain or whether another heel issue is present. The visit includes a review of symptoms, a foot examination, and an assessment of how the patient stands and moves. X-rays or other imaging tests can help rule out a fracture or another source of pain. A podiatrist can recommend supportive shoes, custom orthotics, or a night splint. Orthotics can improve weight distribution and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. A night splint holds the foot in a gentle stretch while the patient sleeps. For more severe pain, a walking boot or another form of support can reduce pressure while the tissue heals.

Ignoring persistent heel pain can make standing, work, and exercise more difficult. It can also increase the chance that a patient will change the way they walk to avoid pain. That change can place extra stress on the ankle, knee, or other foot. A podiatrist can monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan if symptoms do not improve. Surgery is rarely considered and is generally reserved for severe symptoms that have not responded to other care. Patients can also receive guidance on choosing shoes that fit correctly and provide proper support. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Phyllis Weinstein, DPM  from California. 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 Temple City, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the foot of someone with diabetes. High blood sugar can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, making injuries harder to notice and take longer to heal. Symptoms  include redness, swelling, or an open wound. Some ulcers may cause little pain because diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensation. Early treatment is important because untreated ulcers can become infected and may lead to serious complications.

Common causes include repeated pressure, friction, minor injuries, and reduced sensation. Risk factors include diabetes, previous ulcers, and difficulty controlling blood sugar. A podiatrist may examine the ulcer, check circulation and sensation, and look for infection. Initial treatment may involve cleaning and dressing the wound, removing unhealthy tissue when appropriate, and reducing pressure. Treatment is tailored to the ulcer and the patient.

Offloading pressure is an important part of diabetic foot ulcer treatment. A total contact cast is a specialized cast that distributes pressure across the foot and lower leg while limiting weight-bearing stress on the ulcer. It can be especially useful for certain plantar ulcers when appropriate. Removable cast walkers are another option. They protect the foot while allowing the device to be removed for wound care and inspection. A podiatrist will determine which approach is safest, based on wound location and severity.

Regular follow-up helps monitor healing and reduce complications. A podiatrist may change dressings, reassess the wound, and recommend footwear that protects the foot after healing. Patients should also inspect their feet daily and avoid walking barefoot. Any new redness, drainage, or skin breakdown should receive prompt attention. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Phyllis Weinstein, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

High heels can change how weight is distributed across the feet and affect the way a person stands and walks. When the heel is raised, more body weight shifts toward the front of the foot. This places added pressure on the ball of the foot and nearby joints, which can contribute to pain and stiffness. High heels can also affect balance, posture, and overall foot function. The higher the heel, the more unstable the foot may become, increasing the risk of ankle sprains and other injuries.

Regularly wearing high heels may also affect the toes, heels, and supporting tissues. Narrow or pointed shoes can force the toes into an unnatural position and may contribute to the formation of hammertoes or bunions. High heels also keep the Achilles tendon in a shortened position. This may cause the tendon to become stiff and can contribute to Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis. Pressure and rubbing around the back of the heel may lead to a bony enlargement known as Haglund’s deformity. Because high heels alter normal walking mechanics, their effects can extend beyond the feet and place additional stress on other parts of the body.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot pain related to high-heeled shoes and identify the structures that may be affected. An examination can help determine whether symptoms are connected to joint pressure, tendon problems, or changes in toe alignment. A podiatrist can also assess walking patterns and determine whether an injury or developing foot deformity requires treatment. Addressing persistent symptoms may help reduce the risk of long-term pain and additional foot problems. Professional care is especially important when discomfort begins interfering with walking, work, or other daily activities. If wearing high heels is causing ongoing foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Phyllis Weinstein, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Achilles tendon pain can range from soreness and tenderness to a sudden, serious rupture. The Achilles tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel. It helps the foot push off the ground while walking, running, and jumping. A rupture happens when the tendon tears after a forceful movement. A sudden snap or popping feeling in the back of the leg can be a warning sign. Some people describe it as feeling like they were struck in the calf. Pain, swelling, and difficulty pushing off the foot can occur. Importantly, a person with a ruptured Achilles tendon can sometimes still walk or move the ankle, so these abilities do not rule out a rupture.

A podiatrist can evaluate Achilles tendon pain or a suspected rupture by reviewing the injury and examining the foot, ankle, and lower leg. The examination can include the calf squeeze test, which checks foot movement when the calf is gently squeezed. A ruptured tendon can cause little or no normal foot movement with this test. A gap in the tendon is not always easy to feel because swelling can hide it. In some cases, imaging can provide more information, but a clinical examination can identify an acute rupture. Prompt recognition is important because a missed rupture can heal in a lengthened position and lead to lasting weakness.

Treatment for an Achilles rupture depends on the injury and the patient's needs. A podiatrist can help determine an appropriate treatment plan, which can include immobilization, structured rehabilitation, or surgery. Follow-up visits can allow the podiatrist to monitor healing, strength, and function and adjust treatment as recovery progresses. Achilles tendon pain without a rupture also deserves attention, especially when pain continues or affects normal activity. If you have  Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Phyllis Weinstein, DPM of California. 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 Temple City, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.