April 2025

Bunion surgery is a procedure performed to correct the misalignment of the big toe joint and relieve discomfort caused by a bunion. It is usually considered when non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief and the pain begins to interfere with daily activities. There are various surgical techniques available, and the choice depends on the severity of the bunion and the overall foot structure. Recovery may take several weeks, during which limited weight-bearing and proper foot care are essential. Many patients experience significant improvement in pain and function following the procedure. The goal is long-term relief and it is important to follow postoperative instructions to prevent recurrence. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is appropriate, and what to expect during the healing process for optimal results.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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 and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. One helpful treatment is a gutter splint. This is a small, smooth tube placed under the edge of the nail to gently lift it away from the skin. The splint takes pressure off the sore area and gives the skin a chance to heal. Over time, the nail grows out in a better position. Gutter splints are used when the problem keeps coming back or when surgery is not the best option. They are safe, do not hurt, and can be a good choice for both children and adults. A podiatrist will make sure the splint fits right and teach you how to care for your toe at home. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

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 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.

An acute ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle are suddenly stretched or torn due to excessive force. This injury often happens during activities that involve sudden changes in direction, jumping, or an awkward landing. Rolling or twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion is a common cause, leading to pain, swelling, and instability. Walking on uneven surfaces or wearing improper footwear can increase the risk of sprains. Sports such as basketball, soccer, and running frequently contribute to these injuries. Weak muscles and previous ankle injuries may also make the joint more vulnerable. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can accurately treat this painful condition.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.

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 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.

Child athletes frequently experience foot and ankle injuries due to the physical demands of sports. Activities such as soccer, basketball, and gymnastics place significant stress on these areas, increasing the risk of sprains, fractures, and overuse injuries. Ankle sprains are particularly common, often resulting from sudden changes in direction or missteps. Overuse injuries in child athletes, such as stress fractures and tendon inflammation, can develop when repetitive motions strain the bones and soft tissues without adequate recovery time. Growth plate injuries are another concern, as the developing bones in children are more vulnerable to damage, which may affect long-term growth. Ignoring persistent pain or swelling may lead to chronic issues and a higher risk of re-injury. A podiatrist can evaluate your child’s condition, provide treatment to manage the pain and swelling, and recommend ways to prevent future injuries, such as wearing proper footwear and activity modifications. If your child experiences foot pain after sports activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.