Items filtered by date: March 2025

Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain due to inflammation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve discomfort and improve flexibility. A gentle calf stretch, performed by pressing the heel down while leaning against a wall, helps reduce tension in the plantar fascia. Rolling a ball or a frozen water bottle under the foot provides a deep stretch and massage to the arch. Toe stretches, where the toes are gently pulled back toward the shin, can improve mobility and relieve tightness. Additionally, strengthening exercises, such as towel scrunches and toe lifts, help support the foot structure. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and relief tips.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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 loose toenail often develops gradually, but may also occur suddenly due to trauma. The toenail is attached to the nail bed beneath it, and when this connection weakens, the nail may partially or completely detach. Trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on the toe or repeated pressure from ill-fitting footwear, can cause a toenail to loosen. A fungal infection may also lead to separation of the toenail from the nail bed, often accompanied by thickening, discoloration, and debris under the nail. Other causes of loose toenails include psoriasis, allergic reactions to nail products, hyperthyroidism, or side effects from certain medication. It is important to avoid pulling a loose toenail off, as this can lead to infection or improper regrowth. A podiatrist can assess the cause, trim away damaged portions, provide treatment for infections, and, if necessary, remove the nail to allow for healthy regrowth. If you have problems with loose toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Center. Our doctors 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 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.