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Plantar warts are growths that develop on the bottom of the foot when a virus enters through small breaks in the skin. A plantar wart may appear as a rough, thickened area with small dark dots from tiny clotted blood vessels. Walking pressure can cause soreness or a sharp sensation, especially when the wart forms on the heel or ball of the foot. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis and recommend medical treatment based on size, depth, and pain level. Options include prescription-strength topical medications, controlled chemical treatments, freezing techniques, laser therapy, or minor in-office procedures to remove the lesion. Follow-up care focuses on clearing any remaining virus and reducing recurrence while protecting healthy skin. If you believe you have a plantar wart on your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors 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 Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage lining the ankle joint wears down, limiting smooth motion and shock absorption. Symptoms include deep ankle pain that increases with walking or standing, and stiffness after periods of rest. Swelling, reduced flexibility, and difficulty maintaining a steady gait are other signs. In later stages, pain may be present even with minimal activity. A podiatrist evaluates ankle osteoarthritis through a detailed history, physical examination, and X-rays. Additional scans may be ordered when needed. Care may involve custom orthotics, supportive ankle braces, medication management, or injections to calm joint irritation. When joint damage becomes severe and daily movement is seriously inhibited, surgery may be considered to improve function and relieve pain. For help dealing with osteoarthritis of the ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendinitis affects the strong tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It often develops from repetitive strain, sudden increases in activity, tight calf muscles, or improper footwear. Pain is usually felt along the back of the ankle or heel and may be worse in the morning or after exercise. Swelling, stiffness, and tenderness are also common symptoms. Treatment focuses on reducing strain and supporting healing. This may include rest, stretching exercises, activity modification, and supportive shoes or orthotics. In some cases, targeted exercises or imaging may be needed to evaluate tendon health. Early care helps prevent progression, reduce pain, and support a safe return to walking and daily activities. If you have pain in your heel or the back of your ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the severity of the condition and guide an appropriate treatment plan. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors 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 offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toe pain caused by capsulitis occurs when the ligament that surrounds a toe joint becomes inflamed due to repeated stress or pressure. This problem most often affects the joint at the base of the second toe, where excessive load on the front of the foot can reduce joint stability. People may notice aching, swelling, stiffness, or pain that increases with walking or prolonged standing. Changes in foot structure, uneven weight distribution, toe length differences, or increased activity can all contribute to capsulitis. If it is not addressed, the affected toe may gradually shift position, leading to persistent discomfort and difficulty wearing shoes. A podiatrist can assess toe alignment, joint function, and walking mechanics to confirm the cause of pain. Treatment options aim to reduce strain on the joint and support proper toe positioning. If you are experiencing such toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical 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 contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.