Turf Toe and the Importance of Early Treatment

Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint, usually caused by sudden hyperextension during sports or activities on firm surfaces. It commonly occurs when the toe bends upward beyond its normal range, placing stress on the soft tissues. A mild injury, or grade 1 injury, involves stretching of the ligaments with tenderness and slight swelling. A moderate injury, also known as a grade 2 injury, includes partial tearing with increased pain, swelling, and limited movement. A grade 3 injury, or severe injury, involves a complete tear, significant swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Symptoms include pain at the base of the big toe and reduced flexibility. If you have symptoms of turf toe, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment techniques. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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 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 Temple City, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Importance of Well-Fitted Ski Boots

Well-fitted ski boots play an important role in comfort, performance, and injury prevention on the slopes. Ski boots that are too tight can restrict circulation and increase pressure on the toes, heel, and ankle, while loose boots allow excess movement that strains ligaments and tendons. Poor fit may contribute to numbness, blisters, bruised toenails, arch pain, and ankle instability during turns and sudden stops. Properly fitted ski boots help hold the foot and ankle in a neutral position, improving balance, control, and energy transfer to the skis. Fit concerns are often influenced by foot shape, arch height, calf size, and previous foot or ankle injuries. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, identify pressure areas, assess alignment, and recommend adjustments or modifications to reduce stress during skiing. For help with foot or ankle pain caused by skiing, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Phyllis Weinstein, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

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Stop Your Toenail Fungus

Have you noticed discoloration of your toenails? Have they become thickened or brittle? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of a fungal nail infection. For some, having a fungal nail can be embarrassing. Overcome your embarrassment, and get treated.

Types of Metatarsal Fractures in the Foot

Metatarsal fractures are breaks in one of the five long bones in the forefoot that connect the toes to the midfoot. These injuries are classified by location. A fracture may involve the head, shaft, or base of a metatarsal. Shaft fractures often follow twisting forces or direct impact and cause swelling and pain with walking. Stress fractures usually affect the second or third metatarsal and develop gradually from repeated loading. The fifth metatarsal is fractured often and includes avulsion fractures, Jones fractures, and stress breaks near the base. Jones fractures need careful identification because healing differs from other fractures. Fractures of the first through fourth metatarsals may also involve midfoot ligaments and affect stability. A podiatrist can identify the fracture type, order imaging, and guide care to support healing. For help dealing with metatarsal fractures, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Phyllis Weinstein, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

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Athlete's Foot and How It Affects Skin Health

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It often begins between the toes and may cause itching, redness, scaling, burning, or cracking skin. Warm, damp environments like sweaty shoes and locker rooms allow fungus to thrive and spread easily. Symptoms of athlete’s foot can return if the infection is not fully cleared. Persistent moisture, skin breaks, and weakened immunity can increase risk. Proper foot hygiene, drying the feet thoroughly, and wearing breathable footwear help reduce recurrence. Untreated infections can spread to the nails or other areas of the foot. If you suspect you have persistent athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment, which may include prescription topical or oral medication. 

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 Phyllis Weinstein, DPM from California.  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 Temple City, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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