Big toe fusion is a surgical procedure used to treat severe arthritis in the main joint of the big toe. This joint plays an important role in walking because it helps the foot push off the ground with each step. Arthritis can damage the joint surfaces, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. When symptoms become severe and other treatment options have not provided enough relief, surgery may be considered. During big toe fusion, the damaged joint surfaces are removed, and the bones are positioned together so they can heal as one solid structure. This stops painful movement within the arthritic joint.

The procedure is designed to reduce pain and provide a more stable big toe. Metal screws or a plate may be used to hold the bones in the correct position while they join together. Because the joint is permanently fused, it will no longer bend normally after surgery. However, the end joint of the big toe can still move. Most people are able to return to normal walking once healing is complete. The procedure may also help improve the position of a severely deformed big toe. As with any surgery, possible complications can occur, including infection, nerve irritation, or problems with the bones joining together.

A podiatrist can evaluate ongoing big toe joint pain and determine whether arthritis or another foot problem is affecting movement. The evaluation can help determine whether surgical treatment, including big toe fusion, may be appropriate. A podiatrist can explain how the procedure affects joint movement and discuss what to expect during recovery. The decision to have foot surgery depends on the severity of the arthritis and its effect on everyday activities. If severe big toe pain or stiffness is making walking increasingly difficult, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with Larry Slomowitz, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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

Toe and forefoot fractures can happen after a direct injury, like hitting the foot against a hard object or dropping something on the toes. A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. The forefoot contains five long bones called metatarsals, with the smaller bones that form the toes. Fractures can develop from repeated stress or after a sudden increase in physical activity. Pain and swelling are common signs. Bruising,  pain while walking, and a change in the shape of a toe can also occur. A fracture does not always look obvious, so an evaluation is important when foot pain follows an injury or continues with activity.

A podiatrist can examine the foot and ask how the injury happened. The examination focuses on swelling, tenderness, bruising, changes in shape, and other signs of injury. X-rays can help show most toe and forefoot fractures. However, a stress fracture can be difficult to see on an early X-ray because it can begin as a small crack. When a stress fracture is suspected but does not appear on an X-ray, a podiatrist can determine whether additional imaging is appropriate. A diagnosis helps identify the location and type of fracture and guides treatment.

Treatment for toe and forefoot fractures depends on the location, type, and position of the broken bone. Many fractures can heal without surgery. A podiatrist can provide treatment that supports the bone while it heals, which can include a walking boot, cast, or other form of immobilization. Some fractures require the bone to be moved back into proper position, while more serious or unstable fractures can require surgery. Follow-up visits can help a podiatrist check whether the bone is staying aligned and healing properly. Recovery can take several weeks, and some fractures require a longer period of time before normal activity is safe. If you have symptoms of toe and forefoot fractures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Larry Slomowitz, DPM from California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity in which one or both feet are turned inward and downward. The medical term is talipes equinovarus. The affected foot may appear smaller than expected, with the heel turned inward and the front of the foot angled toward the opposite leg. The ankle may also have limited movement. Clubfoot is usually present at birth and can be identified during a routine newborn examination. In some cases, it can be seen during a prenatal ultrasound. Although the foot may look significantly different, clubfoot is treatable, and early care can help a child develop a functional foot for walking.

The exact cause of clubfoot is not always known. It may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect the development of the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues of the foot. Having a family history of clubfoot can increase risk. Symptoms are primarily related to the foot position and stiffness rather than pain in a newborn. Without treatment, the child may eventually have difficulty placing the foot flat on the ground and developing a normal walking pattern.

The Ponseti method is a widely used treatment for clubfoot. Treatment usually begins soon after birth and involves gentle manipulation followed by a series of casts that gradually guide the foot into a more appropriate position. A podiatrist changes the cast regularly while monitoring correction. The foot is then maintained in its corrected position with a brace according to the treatment plan.

Follow-up care is important because clubfoot can return as a child grows. The podiatrist monitors foot position, flexibility, and development during follow-up visits. Parents are given instructions about brace use and are encouraged to attend scheduled appointments so changes can be identified early. If your child has clubfoot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help support healthy foot development.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Larry Slomowitz, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. Despite its name, a person does not have to be an athlete to develop it. The fungus grows well in warm, damp places and can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Risk factors include walking barefoot in locker rooms, showers, or swimming-pool areas. Sharing socks or towels with an infected person can also spread the fungus. Tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes and sweaty feet can create conditions that allow the infection to grow. Symptoms include itching, stinging, and burning between the toes or on the soles.

The skin affected by athlete’s foot can crack, peel, or develop itchy blisters. The infection can also spread beyond the original area. Touching or scratching infected skin can transfer the fungus to the hands. The fungus can spread to the toenails, where the infection can become harder to treat. Because several skin problems can look similar, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins. A podiatrist can examine the skin closely and determine whether the symptoms are caused by athlete’s foot or another foot condition.

A podiatrist can recommend treatment based on the location and severity of the infection. Treatment includes antifungal products that target the fungus and help clear the affected skin. More severe infections can require stronger antifungal medication. A podiatrist can also check for toenail involvement and other complications that could make treatment more difficult. Patients with diabetes or circulation problems can benefit from prompt evaluation because foot infections can create added concerns. Athlete’s foot that persists or keeps returning deserves professional attention. Proper diagnosis helps ensure that treatment targets the actual cause of the symptoms. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Larry Slomowitz, DPM from California.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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