Items filtered by date: January 2022

Raynaud’s disease (also known as Raynaud's phenomenon) is a vascular condition where small blood vessels in the extremities constrict suddenly (vasospasm) in response to cold temperatures or stress. This can cause the toes to suddenly feel icy, numb or painful, and possibly even turn blue or white. As the spasms subside, a pins and needles sensation may be present and the affected area may turn red. Certain diseases, injuries or conditions may increase a person’s risk of developing Raynaud’s disease. Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy is a possible treatment option for some patients suffering from Raynaud’s disease. MLS laser therapy is an FDA cleared, non-invasive treatment modality that utilizes a combination of specific wavelengths to help repair damaged cells and accelerate the body’s natural healing mechanism. Many believe that MLS laser therapy can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks of Raynaud’s disease. If you suffer from Raynaud’s disease, consult with a podiatrist to learn more and to discuss if you may be a good candidate for MLS laser therapy.

MLS Laser Therapy is a successful alternative for treating any pain you may be experiencing related to certain podiatric conditions.  If you are interested in MLS Laser Therapy, consult with Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

MLS Laser Therapy

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy is a patented, FDA-cleared technology that helps relieve pain and inflammation from a number of podiatric conditions, including:

• Heel Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Sports Injuries
• Wounds
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Neuropathy
• Neuromas

MLS Laser Therapy is an ideal alternative to surgery and prescription medication, as it has no negative side effects and encourages accelerated healing. Among its many clinical benefits, MLS Laser Therapy also:

• Reduces swelling due to bruising or inflammation
• Blocks pain
• Reduces formation of scar tissue
• Improves nerve function

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are rough growths that appear on the skin of the foot in response to a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This virus can enter the body through cuts or cracks in the skin. You can come in contact with HPV through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, or through indirect contact with an infected surface, such as the towels, socks, shoes, or personal hygiene products of somebody who is carrying the virus. Warmth and moisture contribute to the virus’ growth, which is why people who wear closed shoes and socks and those who have sweaty feet are more likely to develop plantar warts. Plantar warts typically occur on parts of the foot that experience pressure and friction, such as the balls and heels of the feet. If you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When the corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it, an ingrown toenail can form. While an ingrown toenail can happen to any of the toes, it usually occurs on the big toe. Ingrown toenails can develop for several reasons like cutting the toenail too short, rounding the corner of the nail when cutting it, wearing shoes that are too tight, or trauma, such as stubbing the toe. The most prevalent symptom of an ingrown toenail is pain where the nail is growing into the skin, and a red or swollen appearance to the affected skin. Ingrown toenails can also get infected and may drain pus. If you have an infected ingrown toenail or one that is very painful, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many runners develop a condition known as Morton’s neuroma which is a thickening of a nerve in the foot. It usually affects the large nerve between the third and fourth toe, which is more susceptible to pressure, irritation and injury, and results in painful inflammation. Runners and people playing sports that involve pressure on the ball of the foot are more apt to develop this condition. Also, women wearing high heels, with a lack of room in the toe box and improper cushioning are susceptible. People with flat feet, high arches, bunions or hammertoes are also at risk. Morton’s neuroma is thought to be a progressive ailment, and for that reason diagnosis is often delayed until the condition becomes more severe. At some point, the symptoms become more painful and frequent and last longer. Many people complain of having a pebble in their shoe or feel like their sock is bunched up. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist at the earliest onset of such symptoms for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Leonora Fihman, 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 offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.