Items filtered by date: December 2021

Many people who have diabetes also end up developing foot problems. The best way to avoid them is to control blood sugar levels everyday, which can help to keep nerve and blood vessel damage from increasing. There are also several ways to help avoid foot sores and infection. Check the feet each day, looking for cuts, redness and changes to the skin and toenails. Wash the feet daily and be sure to dry them thoroughly to avoid buildup of moisture. Put your feet up as much as possible, and wriggle the toes and circle the feet. Avoid wearing tight socks that can restrict circulation to the feet. If you notice sores or blisters that won’t heal, if the skin is red, warm and painful, or if you start to notice an odor emanating from the feet, it would be wise to consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and two offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

More than one in three people age 65 and older fall each year. Many factors that can lead to a fall at home, and some of the most common are muscle weakness, loose throw rugs on the floor, numbness in the feet, and unsafe footwear, such as backless shoes and high heels. With a few preventative measures implemented, you can reduce the chances of falling and maintain an active life as a senior. Staying physically active is especially important as one ages. Regular exercise improves muscle strength and can help keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. Stand up slowly after lying down or sitting for a prolonged period of time. Use a cane or walker as needed to aid in balance. Wear shoes or slippers with non-skid soles that fully support the feet. If you feel that you have an increased risk for falls, or are planning a new exercise regime, please consult a podiatrist for more information on prevention and various treatment options.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and two offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itching and sometimes painful sores or flaking skin, most commonly between the toes. While there are a number of topical remedies to treat Athlete’s foot at home, they are not always foolproof. This fungus is highly contagious and can be transferred to another person, as well as yourself, by direct contact. It is commonly spread in public shower areas and changing rooms. The best way to reduce or eliminate Athlete’s foot is to keep your feet and toes clean. Pat the affected areas dry, rather than rubbing them. Use a separate towel for the feet to reduce the chances of spreading the infection to other body parts. Apply non-prescription sprays, creams and powders as directed, and wear cotton socks to absorb moisture that is a fungal breeding ground. Further, avoid wearing the same pair of shoes more than two days in a row. If the treatment doesn’t work, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, please don’t hesitate to seek the advice of a podiatrist for advanced treatment. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and two offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis can occur when the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed or torn. The most common sign of plantar fasciitis is pain and swelling in the heel that is worse in the morning or after standing for long periods of time. As patients get older, the plantar fascia loses its ability to stretch, and the fat pad of the heel begins to wear. This results in a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Other factors for developing plantar fasciitis include being overweight and having high arches or tight calf muscles. Patients who believe that they have plantar fasciitis should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in various cities throughout South Carolina and two offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.