Items filtered by date: July 2025

Ankle sprains are common injuries caused by sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle, often during sports or uneven walking. Inversion sprains affect the outer ligaments of the ankle, while eversion sprains impact the inner ones. Sprains are categorized into three grades. A mild sprain, or Grade 1, causes slight swelling and discomfort. A moderate sprain, or Grade 2, results in partial tearing with pain, bruising, and difficulty walking. A severe sprain, or Grade 3, involves complete tearing of ligaments, significant swelling, and ankle instability. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity, provide targeted treatment, and recommend therapies to restore strength and mobility. If you have sustained an ankle sprain, it is recommended that you schedule an emergency visit with a podiatrist today for a comprehensive evaluation and expert care.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Larry Slomowitz, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It involves a thickening of the tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to the toes, often caused by pressure or irritation. Common culprits include wearing tight shoes, high heels, or participating in high-impact sports. Morton’s neuroma is more common in women, likely due to footwear choices. Symptoms typically include a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, and the sensation of standing on a pebble. There is usually no visible swelling, but the discomfort can be intense and persistent. Podiatrists may recommend footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, or corticosteroid injections. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected nerve. If you have pain in this part of your foot,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton's neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Larry Slomowitz, DPM of California. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

The Achilles tendon is the thick band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It plays a key role in walking, running, and jumping by allowing the foot to push off the ground. Located at the back of the lower leg, it is the strongest tendon in the body, yet it is still vulnerable to injury. Tight calf muscles, poor footwear, or sudden increases in activity can place too much strain on this tendon. Common issues include inflammation, known as tendonitis, or small tears that can worsen over time. In more severe cases, the tendon may rupture, causing sharp pain and difficulty walking. Early care can prevent further damage and improve healing. If you are experiencing stiffness, swelling, or pain along the back of your leg near the heel, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Achilles tendon injuries need 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Toe pain can result from many causes, including injury, joint problems, nail issues, or pressure from shoes that do not fit properly. It may come on suddenly or develop gradually, depending on the source. Common reasons include bunions, hammertoes, ingrown nails, arthritis, or stress from overuse. The affected toe may appear swollen, stiff, or red, and walking can become difficult. Choosing supportive shoes with a wide toe box and avoiding high heels can ease pressure and resting the foot may help reduce discomfort. Stretching and gentle movement can improve flexibility if stiffness is a problem. In some cases, padding, orthotics, or splints may be recommended to protect the toe and promote healing. While many cases respond to simple care, pain that does not improve should be evaluated. If toe discomfort is limiting your mobility or continues to worsen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

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 Westlake Village, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the heel bone, often linked to plantar fasciitis. They can cause sharp pain and discomfort, especially with the first steps of the day. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce tension and improve mobility. The plantar fascia stretch and massage target the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Additionally, the wall calf stretch helps relieve tightness in the lower leg muscles that contribute to heel strain. A podiatrist can assess the condition, recommend custom exercises, provide supportive devices, and offer long-term care strategies. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for an expert diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan to restore comfort.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Larry Slomowitz, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.