Items filtered by date: July 2025

A lump on top of the foot can develop for many reasons, and it is important to have it examined to identify the cause. The human foot contains 26 bones, along with joints, tendons, and soft tissues, all of which may be involved. A soft, fluid-filled lump on top of the foot may be a ganglion cyst, often forming near tendons or joints. A lipoma is a harmless fatty lump beneath the skin. Hard lumps may result from bone spurs, which are bony overgrowths linked to arthritis or repetitive pressure. Fractures, including small stress fractures, can also create a painful bump in response to injury or overuse. Gout, which occurs when uric acid crystals collect in a joint, often produces a swollen, tender lump near the big toe. Other causes include tendonitis, bursitis, bunions, or, in rare cases, rheumatoid nodules or benign tumors. A podiatrist can examine the lump, determine its cause, and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include surgery. If you have an unexplained lump on top of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a nerve compression condition affecting the foot and ankle, similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist. It occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space located behind the inner ankle bone and covered by a thick ligament. This pressure may be caused by flat feet, swelling, trauma, varicose veins, or space-occupying growths, such as ganglion cysts. As the nerve becomes irritated, patients often experience tingling, burning pain, numbness, or electric shock sensations along the inside of the ankle or the bottom of the foot. A podiatrist can assess nerve function with physical tests and imaging, and may recommend nerve studies to confirm the diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome. In cases where symptoms persist, surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure on the nerve. If you are experiencing numbing in the inner ankle and foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Steven Black, 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity in which one or more of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, often making it point upward. Hammertoe commonly affects the second toe and may develop from a muscle imbalance, flat arches, or pressure caused by shoes that do not allow enough room for the toes. Symptoms may include a claw-like toe appearance, discomfort in the ball of the foot, and pain when wearing shoes. Corns or calluses that develop from rubbing against the top of a shoe, and difficulty finding shoes that fit can result from a hammertoe. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe through a physical examination and may use imaging if joint disease is suspected. In more severe cases where the joint becomes rigid, surgery may be needed to straighten the toe. If you have a toe deformity that is causing pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Pregnancy affects nearly every part of the body, including your feet. Many pregnant women notice their feet changing in size. Studies show increases in length, width and volume during pregnancy. This is often due to hormonal changes that loosen ligaments and cause arches to flatten. Fluid retention can also lead to swelling, making shoes feel tighter or uncomfortable. Symptoms may include aching arches, increased shoe size, swollen ankles, and a general feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the feet, especially later in pregnancy. A podiatrist can provide significant relief during this time. They offer custom orthotics to support fallen arches, advice on proper footwear, and treatment to reduce swelling and pain. Routine care from a podiatrist can prevent long-term foot issues and help maintain mobility and comfort throughout pregnancy. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

A toe fracture is a break in one of the small bones of the toe, often caused by trauma such as stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on it, or sports injuries. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The affected toe may appear crooked or misaligned. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays to confirm the extent and location of the break. A podiatrist can assess the injury and recommend appropriate care, which may include splinting, protective footwear, or, in some cases, surgery. If you suspect a broken toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist promptly to ensure proper healing and to avoid long-term complications.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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