Items filtered by date: February 2025

Clubfoot is a condition where a baby’s foot twists inward at birth, making it difficult to place flat on the ground. Although the cause is not fully understood, it develops in the womb as tendons and muscles pull the foot into an unusual position. Walking can be challenging without treatment, but early care can guide the foot into proper alignment. Rather than being a limitation, clubfoot is a challenge that modern medicine can overcome. With stretching, casting, and sometimes minor surgery, most children grow up with strong, functional feet. The Ponseti method, a gentle, step-by-step process, is highly effective in reshaping the foot. While clubfoot may look concerning at first, it does not define a person’s mobility for life. Children can run, jump, and play with the right care. If your child is born with clubfoot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as quickly as possible for expert guidance.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that commonly affects the feet, particularly the big toe, as well as the ankles. Gout develops when high levels of urate in the blood lead to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints that trigger inflammation. This results in sudden flares of severe pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. These episodes often begin at night and can last several days, making walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable. Without treatment, repeated gout flares may lead to persistent joint pain and damage. Some people with gout also develop tophi, which are firm lumps of urate crystals that can form under the skin around the foot or ankle. While tophi do not always cause pain, they can limit movement and become inflamed or infected. A podiatrist can help manage gout by assessing your foot health, recommending lifestyle and dietary adjustments, and discussing ways to prevent long-term complications. If you have foot or ankle pain related to gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common infection that makes nails thick, discolored, brittle, and sometimes painful. It happens when fungi get under the nail, often due to warm, moist conditions. Walking barefoot in public places like around pools, gyms, or locker rooms increases the risk. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system are more prone to it. A podiatrist can diagnose toenail fungus by examining the nail and sometimes taking a sample for testing. Treatments include topical antifungal medications, which work best for mild to moderate cases, and oral medications for more severe infections. If oral treatments are not an option due to health reasons, topical therapy may still be effective. Laser treatment or nail removal may be needed in stubborn cases. If your toenails are thick, brittle, or discolored, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

For more information about treatment, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM of Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle are stretched or torn, typically from twisting, rolling, or landing awkwardly on the foot. It differs from a strain, which involves damage to the muscles or tendons. Symptoms of a sprained ankle include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the ankle, especially when walking or standing. The pain often intensifies when weight is placed on the injured foot. Treatment for a sprained ankle usually includes rest and elevation. In severe cases, a brace or crutches may be necessary to keep weight off the foot. Targeted exercises may also be recommended to strengthen the ankle and prevent future injuries. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the sprain, offer pain relief options, and guide you through rehabilitation exercises for proper healing. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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