Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked, reducing circulation. Causes include atherosclerosis, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol. PAD often affects the feet, leading to slow healing, cold or discolored skin, and increased risk of infections or ulcers. Symptoms may include leg pain, cramping, numbness, or tingling, particularly during activity. Risk factors include age, sedentary lifestyle, and cardiovascular disease. A podiatrist can monitor foot health, provide treatments to improve circulation, and prevent complications. If you have symptoms of PAD, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Bessel-Hagen disease, also called hereditary multiple osteochondromas, is a rare condition where bony growths called osteochondromas form near the ends of bones. These growths often appear in childhood and can affect many parts of the skeleton, including the feet and ankles. When present in the lower limbs, these bony outgrowths may alter alignment and put added stress on surrounding joints. In the feet, Bessel-Hagen disease can lead to pain, stiffness, and changes in the way a person walks. Growths that press on nerves or blood vessels may cause numbness, swelling, or tenderness. In children, osteochondromas near growth plates may interfere with normal bone development, sometimes leading to uneven limb lengths or changes in foot posture. Although these growths are benign, they can limit mobility and, in rare cases, may become malignant. Because the condition can create ongoing complications, regular monitoring is important. If symptoms affect daily movement or comfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and management.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.

A good running shoe provides proper cushioning to absorb impact, breathable materials to keep feet dry and comfortable, and a design that balances style with performance. Proper fit is essential, as shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause blisters, calluses, plantar fasciitis, or joint pain. Foot alignment and gait are also important considerations for injury prevention. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, recommend shoes that match your biomechanics, and provide orthotics or supportive modifications, if needed. Investing in the right running shoes and professional guidance ensures comfort, improves performance, and protects your long-term foot health. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong type of shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional qualities to look for in running shoes.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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.

Crooked toes are a problem that often develops gradually. They may be caused by wearing shoes that squeeze the toes, arthritis that affects joint alignment, or structural issues such as flat feet or high arches. Injuries and muscle imbalances can also contribute, especially when tendons and ligaments no longer hold the toes in their normal position. Conditions like hammertoes, claw toes, and mallet toes are all examples of crooked toe deformities. Treatment depends on the severity. In the early stages, wearing wider shoes, using protective padding, and adding custom orthotics can ease pressure and slow progression. Stretching and strengthening exercises may also help maintain flexibility. If pain and deformity worsen, surgical options can realign the toes and relieve discomfort. If you have painful crooked toes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.