The medical name for flat feet is pes planus. Flat feet are a foot condition that affects the arch, which can be absent or extremely low. Many patients have no symptoms with this condition, and it does not interfere with accomplishing daily activities. Some people, however, are severely affected by flat feet, and can experience symptoms that often include easily becoming tired, pain in the heel and arch area, and difficulty standing on the toes. Flat feet can be caused by genetic factors, foot injury, aging, and pregnancy. There are three groups of flat feet. Mild cases may be relieved when arch supports are used. Moderate flat feet may affect the Achilles tendon, and can be painful. If flat feet are severe, the foot may be deformed. It is suggested that patients who have any type of flat feet be under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Toenail infections are very common and are caused by bacteria and fungi growing on or underneath the toenail. These fungi often thrive and grow in warm and moist environments like public pools, locker rooms and showers. Signs of a fungal nail infection include the nail thickening, turning yellow or brown, becoming crumbly, pain or the nail separating from the nail bed. Patients who notice these symptoms should consult with a podiatrist for treatment options, especially diabetic patients since the infection can lead to further complications. Upon visiting a podiatrist, they will check the nail and suggest a treatment option. Common treatment options include antifungal medications, removing the nail, or antifungal nail paints.

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 Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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 Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common source of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot that connects the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis is usually a result of repetitive overstretching of the plantar fascia. Common contributing factors include having high arches or flat feet, standing on hard surfaces for a long period of time, age (between 40 and 60), being overweight, wearing high heels, and a sudden change in activity level. Plantar fasciitis pain is most prevalent in the middle of the heel and it is usually worse after waking up in the morning or after taking a long rest. Patients who are experiencing heel pain should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine what route of treatment should be implemented.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM  from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Ankle pain can occur due to various medical conditions or injuries such as sprains and strains—where the ligaments, muscles or tendons supporting the ankle become overstretched, torn, or otherwise injured. Ankle fractures—where one or more bones in the ankle break or shatter—can also be extremely painful, depending on the severity of the injury. When the Achilles tendon—which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone—becomes overstretched or torn, an Achilles tendon rupture can occur. Fallen arches can cause painful shifts in the ankle bone. Systemic illnesses can also be to blame for ankle pain. For instance, gout causes painful uric acid crystals to form on the ankle joint, osteoarthritis wears down cartilage and creates bone-on-bone friction, and rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which can attack healthy joints, like those in the ankle. A podiatrist can examine you and perform various tests to diagnose your ankle pain and use a variety of treatments and procedures to heal it.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.