Bunions are a common foot condition where the tip of the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, creating a visible bump at the side of the foot. They are often caused by inherited foot structure,  wearing improper footwear, arthritis, or repeated pressure on the joint. A bunion may look red, swollen, or enlarged and can feel tender, stiff, or painful, especially when walking or wearing narrow shoes. Some people experience burning sensations or limited toe movement. A podiatrist can help from the start by evaluating foot structure, gait, and joint alignment, sometimes using imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Non-surgical treatments may include footwear recommendations, padding, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to reduce strain and improve comfort. Early management can slow progression, ease pain, and improve daily mobility. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and swelling. This condition can affect people of all ages, from children to older adults. It often involves the big toe and can result from trimming the nails too short, rounding the edges, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support and crowd the toes. Repeated pressure from sports or activities that stress the toes may also cause the nail to grow incorrectly. Some people are born with curved or wide nails that naturally turn inward, increasing the likelihood of ingrowth. If left untreated, the area can become infected and make walking uncomfortable. A podiatrist can remove the portion of the nail pressing into the skin, correct the nail shape, and provide guidance to prevent future issues. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Phyllis Weinstein, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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 care needs.

A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with chronic plantar fascia stress. Many patients experience sharp pain while standing or walking, especially first thing in the morning, although some may remain asymptomatic. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays to confirm the presence of the spur. Risk factors include prolonged standing, obesity, high-impact activities, flat feet, and tight calf muscles, all of which increase pressure on the heel. A podiatrist can provide effective treatment options, including custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory therapies, and minimally invasive procedures to relieve pain and improve mobility. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Phyllis Weinstein, DPM from California. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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 toe infection occurs when bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms enter the skin or nail, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Common causes include an injury that breaks the skin, natural nail growth that becomes trapped in the surrounding tissue, or an underlying medical condition that weakens the skin or immune system. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, throbbing pain, warmth, drainage, or difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. A podiatrist can evaluate the infection, clean the affected area, prescribe medication, and provide guidance to prevent future problems. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of spreading or more serious complications. If you notice signs of a toe infection, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions. 

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.