Items filtered by date: March 2025

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness. This condition occurs when the body either produces too much uric acid or cannot eliminate it efficiently. Common causes include a diet high in purine-rich foods, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease. Genetic factors can also contribute to the risk of developing gout. This condition affects millions of people worldwide, with higher prevalence in regions where diets are rich in red meat and seafood. Gout is more common in men but can also affect postmenopausal women. Gout can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have had one or more gout flare-ups, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and prevention solutions.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Arkady Kaplansky, DPM from California. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 and ankle needs.

Sudden ankle pain without an obvious injury can stem from various conditions, including arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and structural issues in the foot. Osteoarthritis develops over time from joint wear, while rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can cause inflammation in both ankles. Reactive arthritis, often triggered by an infection, leads to joint pain and swelling. Gout, caused by excess uric acid, can bring sudden, severe pain to the ankle joints. Flat feet or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can strain the ankle, causing discomfort and instability. Additionally, bursitis, an inflammation of fluid-filled sacs near the joint, can cause swelling and tenderness. A podiatrist can identify the root cause of your ankle pain through a thorough examination and diagnostic tests. They can recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and suggest targeted exercises or medication to relieve pain and improve mobility. In some cases, surgery may be advised. If you are experiencing sudden ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Arkady Kaplansky, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Skier's toe is a common condition that occurs when repeated pressure or trauma causes bleeding under the toenail. It is often seen in skiers and other athletes who engage in activities that involve prolonged pressure on the toes. This condition develops when the toenail repeatedly strikes the inside of a boot, leading to bruising and discoloration beneath the nail. One of the main causes is wearing boots that are either too big or too snug, allowing excessive movement or creating excessive compression. Extreme cold temperatures can also contribute by reducing circulation in the toes, making them more vulnerable to injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a darkened appearance of the nail. Skier's toe can be painful and uncomfortable. If you have toe pain from skiing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat skier’s toe. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Arkady Kaplansky, DPM of California. Our doctor 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.

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue around a nerve becomes thickened, leading to irritation and discomfort. The exact cause of Morton’s neuroma is not always clear, but it is commonly linked to repetitive stress or pressure on the foot, such as from wearing tight shoes or engaging in high-impact activities. Symptoms often include sharp, burning pain, a feeling of something being stuck in the shoe, and numbness in the affected toes. The pain may worsen when walking or standing for long periods. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on. 

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