Items filtered by date: October 2025

Peroneal tendinitis occurs when the tendons running along the outer ankle become inflamed or weakened due to overuse, repetitive strain, or injury. These tendons, which connect the peroneal muscles to the bones of the foot, help stabilize the ankle, point the foot downward, and turn it outward. People with high arches, a history of ankle sprains, or those who frequently engage in running or sports involving quick pivoting are at a higher risk. Symptoms include gradual pain on the outer ankle that worsens with activity, stiffness in the morning, and discomfort when the foot is turned inward. A podiatrist can diagnose peroneal tendinitis through an examination and imaging, and provide treatment to reduce inflammation, correct abnormal foot mechanics, and restore tendon strength. In more severe cases, immobilization or surgery may be required if the tendon has significant tearing. If you have symptoms of peroneal tendinitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 Lakewood, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Fungal nails, medically known as onychomycosis, are caused by fungi infecting the nail bed. This is often due to warm, moist environments, poor foot hygiene, or minor nail injuries. Symptoms typically include thickened, discolored nails that may appear yellow, white, or brown. The toenails can become brittle, crumbly, or distorted, sometimes accompanied by a foul odor. Although fungal nails are often painless, they can cause discomfort when wearing shoes or walking. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose fungal toenail infections through a physical examination and laboratory testing. Treatment options include topical antifungal medication, oral antifungal drugs, or professional nail debridement to remove infected tissue. Because fungal toenail infections can worsen over time and spread to other nails, early diagnosis and treatment are important. To protect your toenail health and prevent further complications, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 one of our podiatrists of Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 Lakewood, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails often linger when the nail continues to press into the skin at the side of the toe, usually affecting the big toe. This pressure can cause pain, swelling, and in more severe cases, infection. While mild cases may improve on their own, stubborn ingrown toenails often need professional care. A podiatrist can relieve discomfort by carefully trimming or removing part of the affected nail. When the condition returns repeatedly, surgery may be recommended to take away part or all of the toenail. Sometimes the root of the nail is removed to prevent it from growing back. These procedures are performed under local anesthetic and can significantly reduce the chance of recurrence. Healing may take several weeks, but most people find that symptoms improve soon after treatment. Prompt care is important to avoid infection and further complications. If you are experiencing the pain of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Hallux rigidus is a form of arthritis that affects the big toe joint, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain during movement. As the condition progresses, bending the toe becomes more difficult, making it challenging to walk, run, or even stand for long periods. Many people also notice a bony bump on the top of the joint that worsens with wearing tight shoes. Early management focuses on reducing stress on the joint with supportive footwear, stiff soled shoes, or custom orthotics. Anti-inflammatory medication can ease pain, while stretching exercises may help maintain some mobility. In advanced cases, surgery may be recommended to restore or replace joint function. Addressing symptoms promptly can slow progression and improve daily comfort. If you have pain and stiffness in your big toe joint, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Lakewood Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 Lakewood, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.