Items filtered by date: August 2025

Athlete’s foot is a stubborn fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty socks, shoes, or public places like locker rooms and around swimming pools. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, peeling skin, and sometimes blisters or cracking, which can cause discomfort and make walking painful. Athlete’s foot often recurs because the fungi are difficult to completely eliminate and can survive in shoes, socks, or on skin, especially if moisture and warmth persist. Poor foot hygiene, wearing tight shoes, or not fully treating the infection also contribute to recurrence. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot by examining the affected skin and samples may be taken to confirm the fungal infection. Treatment includes antifungal creams, powders, and advice on proper foot care and hygiene to prevent reinfection. If you have athlete's foot that keeps recurring, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. for effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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.

When choosing high heels, the most important measurement is the heel-to-ball length, not the overall foot size. This ensures proper alignment, allowing the ball of the foot to rest where the shoe bends. A poor fit in this area can cause instability, discomfort, and long-term issues. To improve stability, select heels with a pitch that remains perpendicular to the ground and a base that supports balance. Proper fit and posture reduce strain on the feet and lower legs. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure and recommend strategies or custom inserts to improve comfort in high heels. If you have developed a foot or ankle injury from frequently wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot injuries, and guide you how to choose high heels that properly fit your foot.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Larry Slomowitz, DPM from California. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often resulting in pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. It may appear inflamed, feel tender to the touch, and may produce drainage, if infected. Contributing factors include improper nail trimming, wearing ill-fitting footwear, or trauma to the toe. Podiatrists treat ingrown toenails using various methods, including partial or full nail removal, topical or oral antibiotics, and, in some cases, a surgical procedure to permanently prevent regrowth of the problematic portion of the nail. Following surgical treatment, it is important to follow your podiatrist’s postoperative instructions carefully. This typically includes keeping the foot clean and dry and avoiding strenuous activity for up to two weeks, or as advised. Wearing open-toed or loose-fitting shoes helps to reduce pressure on the healing toe. Your podiatrist will provide guidance on proper nail care to prevent recurrence, such as trimming nails straight across and avoiding wearing overly tight footwear. It is suggested that you contact your podiatrist promptly if you experience increased pain, redness, swelling, drainage, or signs of fever post-surgery.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Larry Slomowitz, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Losing weight can have a direct impact on the feet by reducing the pressure they endure with every step. Excess body weight places strain on the arches, toes, and heels, often increasing plantar pressure, particularly under the middle of the foot and the ball of the foot. When people lose weight, this pressure tends to decrease, which may help relieve discomfort or lower the risk of painful foot conditions. While walking patterns and stride length generally do not shift much with moderate weight loss, studies show that even a small reduction in weight can ease the pressure on certain areas of the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate how weight changes affect the feet, identify areas of concern, and provide orthotics or other treatments, as necessary. If you are experiencing pain associated with your weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom 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.