Podiatry is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower legs. A podiatrist is a medical specialist trained to manage a wide range of issues affecting this part of the body. These can include common concerns, such as heel pain, bunions, and ingrown toenails, as well as more complex conditions like diabetic foot problems, nerve disorders, and structural deformities. Podiatrists also treat sports injuries, provide guidance on proper footwear, and help manage chronic conditions like arthritis or circulation issues. Their care plays a vital role in improving mobility, relieving pain, and supporting overall health. Regular visits to a podiatrist can help detect problems early and promote long-term foot and ankle wellness. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat various foot conditions.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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 hammertoe develops when the middle joint of one of the smaller toes bends downward, often due to muscle and tendon imbalances in the foot. It is commonly linked to wearing high-heeled or narrow shoes. People with long toes, flat feet, bunions, or a family history of foot deformities may also be more likely to have a hammertoe. Early symptoms include discomfort, swelling, and the formation of corns where the toe rubs against footwear. A podiatrist can examine the foot and use imaging tests to determine if the toe is still flexible or has become rigid. For flexible hammertoes, medical treatment may include switching to shoes with a wide toe box or using custom orthotic devices to support the foot and relieve pressure. When the deformity becomes fixed or painful, surgery may be recommended. Procedures to restore alignment include tendon lengthening, tendon transfer, or arthrodesis, which involves removing part of the joint to fuse the bones and straighten the toe. If you experience pain from a hammertoe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for regular treatment.

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

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting people of all ages. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed. Causes include overuse, wearing poor footwear, high-impact activities, or having either flat feet or high arches. Symptoms typically include a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The pain often improves with movement, but may return after standing or walking for long periods of time. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition through a physical exam and imaging. Treatment includes custom orthotics, stretching exercises, a night splint, or anti-inflammatory medication. In some cases, injections, or even surgery, may be recommended to reduce inflammation and promote healing. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

An ankle sprain injury occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, typically due to sudden twisting or rolling of the foot. This injury is frequent in sports and physical activities but can also result from uneven surfaces or wearing unsupportive footwear. The most commonly affected ligaments are on the outside of the ankle, which are more vulnerable when the foot rolls inward. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. To diagnose an ankle sprain, a podiatrist will perform a physical examination and assess the range of motion, stability, and tenderness. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray or MRI scan, may be used to rule out fractures or more serious ligament damage. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Steven Black, DPM from California . Our doctor 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 office located in Lancaster, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.