Reasons for Ankle Instability

Ankle instability often develops after repeated ankle sprains weaken the supporting ligaments that holds the joint together. When these ligaments stretch or tear, the joint can lose control and become less stable during movement. As a result, the ankle may feel unsteady or give way, especially on uneven ground or with quick turns. Damage to small nerve sensors can also affect balance, as they help the brain sense position. When they do not work well, the risk of missteps increases. Other causes include poor alignment and muscles that are not strong enough to support the ankle. A podiatrist can examine the ankle, assess stability, and order imaging to identify damage. Treatment options include bracing, custom-made orthotics, and guided exercises to improve strength and control. If you frequently have the feeling of an ankle giving way, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Phyllis Weinstein, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

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Are You Suffering From Nerve Damage?

Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.

How to Recognize Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus often begins with small changes that are easy to miss. A common early sign includes a white, yellow, or brown spot near the tip of the toenail. The nail may also look dull, become thicker, or start to feel brittle and weak. As the infection spreads, the nail can separate from the skin underneath, which may cause discomfort when walking or wearing shoes. In some cases, debris can build up under the nail, and the nail may develop an unpleasant odor. Toenail fungus is more likely to develop in warm, moist places and can happen after nail injuries or from wearing tight shoes . A podiatrist can examine the nail, confirm if fungus is present, and provide treatment that includes trimming damaged nail tissue and prescribing antifungal medicine to stop the infection from spreading. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Phyllis Weinstein, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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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Caring for Aging Feet

Elderly foot care becomes increasingly important as the skin, joints, and circulation change. Common concerns include bunions and heel pain from plantar fasciitis. A bunion may appear as a bony bump at the base of the big toe, causing redness, swelling, and discomfort in shoes. Plantar fasciitis often causes sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning. In older adults, these conditions may be worsened by thinning skin, reduced flexibility, and changes in balance or walking patterns. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, skin health, and circulation to identify any underlying issues. Treatment may include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, gentle skin care, and targeted exercises to maintain strength and flexibility. Routine foot checks are important to catch concerns early and prevent complications. If you have a bunion, plantar fasciitis, or other foot concerns, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you need your feet checked, contact Phyllis Weinstein, DPM of California. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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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Explaining Tennis Toe

Tennis toe is a painful condition that affects the toenail after repeated impact on the front of the shoe. It happens in sports like tennis that involve stops, pivots, or running. The injury causes bleeding under the toenail, causing a red or black discoloration. This trapped blood is called a subungual hematoma, which means a collection of blood beneath the nail. The big toe is most often involved. Symptoms include pressure, throbbing pain, and tenderness in the toe. Eventually, the nail thickens, loosens, or falls off as a new one grows in. A podiatrist can examine the toe, relieve pressure, and check for nail damage or infection. Imaging helps to rule out deeper injury. If you have discoloration in the toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

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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