A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the feet and ankles. Podiatrists complete a medical degree along with specialized training focused on foot care. They work with patients of all ages and can manage a wide range of foot and ankle problems. Treatment may involve conservative care or surgery, when necessary. Since the feet contain many bones, muscles, and joints, problems in this area can affect a person’s ability to stand and walk comfortably. A podiatrist provides specialized knowledge to help patients maintain healthy feet and stay active.

Podiatrists treat many different foot and ankle conditions. Common problems include bunions, heel pain, and flat feet. They also care for tendon injuries and broken bones. Other patients may need treatment for ingrown toenails, arthritis, or gout. Podiatrists also play an important role in caring for diabetes-related foot problems, including monitoring the feet and managing infections. Certain symptoms may require testing before treatment begins. For example, changes in a toenail do not always mean a fungal infection is present. A podiatrist may take a small nail sample for testing to determine the cause before recommending the appropriate treatment.

The role of a podiatrist extends beyond addressing one specific type of foot pain. These specialists evaluate symptoms, determine the likely cause, and develop treatment plans based on each patient’s needs. Depending on the problem, a podiatrist may provide non-surgical treatment or perform a procedure when necessary. Professional podiatric care can be especially important when foot or ankle pain continues or begins interfering with normal movement. Healthy feet support walking, standing, and an active lifestyle, making proper care important for overall mobility. If persistent foot or ankle problems are causing pain or limiting your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our doctors from Toe-Tal Health Solutions. Our doctors 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 Southern California and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A hammertoe deformity develops when one of the smaller toes bends downward at its middle joint instead of resting straight. The bent shape can make the toe resemble a hammer. Hammertoes can cause pain while walking and can affect balance. The raised joint may rub against the inside of a shoe, leading to redness, swelling, or thickened skin. Corns and calluses can form where repeated pressure occurs. In some cases, the toe remains flexible and can still be straightened. As the deformity progresses, the joint can become stiff and more difficult to move.

Hammertoes can develop when the muscles and tendons that control a toe become unbalanced. Certain foot shapes place extra pressure on the smaller toes and increase the chance of this deformity. Bunions may also contribute because the big toe can push toward the smaller toes and crowd them. Wearing narrow or tight shoes can place pressure on the toes. High heels can force the toes forward into a cramped position. Previous injuries and health conditions that affect the muscles, nerves, or joints can also contribute. A podiatrist can examine the position and flexibility of the affected toe and evaluate how the foot functions when standing and walking.

Treatment depends on how flexible the toe remains and how much discomfort it causes. A podiatrist can recommend fitting shoes with enough room in the toe box to reduce pressure. Custom orthotics can improve foot support and help redistribute pressure away from painful areas. Padding or splinting can protect irritated skin and improve the toe’s position. The procedure can address tight tendons, the affected joint, or both, depending on the deformity. If you have a hammertoe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our doctors from Toe-Tal Health Solutions. Our doctors 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 Southern California and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falls can cause serious injuries and threaten an older adult’s independence. Foot pain, poor balance, and wearing poorly-fitting shoes can make a fall more likely. Shoes affect how securely the feet meet the ground. Loose shoes can slide or come off, while high heels can shift body weight forward. Smooth soles provide less grip on slick surfaces. Shoes that lack proper support can also reduce stability. Choosing appropriate shoes is therefore an important part of a complete falls-prevention plan.

A safer shoe should fit securely without pinching the toes or slipping at the heel. Laces, straps, or buckles help hold the foot in place. A wide, low heel provides a steadier base than a narrow or raised heel. The sole should have good traction and enough contact with the ground. Lightweight shoes can make it easier to lift the feet and avoid catching a toe. Patients should replace shoes with badly worn tread or uneven soles. Slippers, backless shoes, and socks without shoes can increase the chance of slipping. Even a well-designed shoe can create problems when it is the wrong size, so both feet should be measured because their size can differ.

A podiatrist can examine the feet for problems that interfere with safe movement. The evaluation includes checking strength, joint motion, and sensation. The podiatrist can also watch how a patient stands and walks to identify changes that affect balance. Treatment can reduce pain from corns, thick nails, or arthritis. Custom orthotics can improve support and help distribute pressure more evenly inside the shoes. A podiatrist can recommend shoe features based on the patient’s foot shape, health needs, and activity level. Regular foot examinations can detect changes that make walking less secure. Addressing these concerns can support mobility, confidence, and independence. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and treatment solutions.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our doctors from Toe-Tal Health Solutions. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

A foot wound is a break in the skin that may occur from pressure, friction, or minor injury. In people with diabetes, even a small cut can become serious because the body does not heal as efficiently. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and reduce circulation, which limits oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissue. This creates an environment where wounds take longer to close and are more prone to infection.

Common symptoms include redness, swelling, and delayed healing. Some patients notice bruising around the wound or a darkened area that signals tissue damage. There may also be weakness in the surrounding skin, making it more likely to break down again. A key concern is the inability to feel pain due to neuropathy, which can allow wounds to worsen without awareness. Risk factors include long-standing diabetes, poor glucose control, and improper footwear. Tight shoes can cause repeated pressure and friction that lead to skin breakdown. Neuropathy reduces sensation, while a compromised immune response makes it harder to fight infection. In some cases, bandages that are too tight or not changed properly may trap moisture and delay healing.

Proper wound care is essential for recovery. Daily self checks help detect early changes before they become severe. Keeping the wound clean, protected, and properly dressed supports healing. Offloading pressure and wearing well-fitted shoes reduce further injury. Managing blood sugar is critical for tissue repair. If you have a foot wound, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our doctors from Toe-Tal Health Solutions. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Southern California and Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.