Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which a baby’s foot is twisted inward and downward, affecting alignment and movement. The exact cause is not always clear, but it is often linked to genetic factors and differences in muscle and tendon development. Symptoms include a visibly turned foot, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Early treatment is important for healthy development. The Ponseti method uses gentle stretching and casting to gradually correct the position, while the French method involves daily stretching and taping. A podiatrist can help guide treatment, monitor progress, and support proper foot function. If your child was born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health-care team to ensure the best outcome for healthy foot development.

Congenital foot problems require 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.

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.

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.

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.