Items filtered by date: September 2021

Tuesday, 28 September 2021 00:00

What Is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis is a common cause of foot and ankle pain. It occurs when there is inflammation or irritation to the tendons that run along the feet and ankles, helping them move properly. When these tendons are injured through a sudden impact, repetitive overuse, or from biomechanical or medical conditions, the result is tendonitis, which can cause foot pain, swelling, stiffness, and changes in the shape of the feet. There are several different types of tendonitis, including Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, posterior tibial tendonitis, extensor tendonitis, and anterior tibial tendonitis. If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Muscle strains
  • Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
  • Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

  • Bruising
  • Inflammation/ Swelling
  • Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

Read more about Foot and Ankle Trauma

Fall is the start of the season for many sporting events. If you're trying a new physical activity or sport, it's important to practice injury prevention.

Have a foot or ankle injury? Don't wait to get treated.

Tuesday, 21 September 2021 00:00

Foot Care Tips for Diabetic Patients

Because of the potential loss of feeling in the feet, diabetic patients must be mindful of their everyday foot health in order to avoid more serious issues. First, diabetic patients should check their feet daily for any cuts, blisters, nail problems, or wounds in general. Second, they should moisturize their feet regularly to prevent cracking. Lastly, they should schedule regular check-ups with a podiatrist for a foot exam to prevent further complications. In fact, regular checkups with a podiatrist can reduce the risk of amputation from anywhere between 45 and 85 percent. There are also a few things diabetic patients should avoid in order to take care of their feet. Heating pads and electric blankets shouldn’t be used in order to prevent the feet from getting burned. They should also make sure to not remove any corns or calluses on their own, but instead consult with a podiatrist. If you are a diabetic patient and have issues with your feet, or you need a checkup, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care
Tuesday, 14 September 2021 00:00

Should I See a Doctor for My Heel Pain?

Heel pain is one of the most common conditions podiatrists help treat, and it can have a variety of causes. Common causes of heel pain include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, a ruptured Achilles tendon, or a heel fracture. There are a few key signs that your heel pain may be serious and needs to be checked by a podiatrist. If the pain continually worsens, stops you from doing daily activities, has not improved after a couple of weeks, or causes a tingling sensation in the heel, there may be a more serious issue at play that should be checked by a podiatrist. If the pain is severe, hinders your ability to walk, or was accompanied by a popping sensation at the time of injury, these may be signs of an even more serious injury that should be treated immediately.  

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact the foot specialists of Physicians Footcare . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Read more about Heel Pain
Thursday, 09 September 2021 00:00

Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle

Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.

Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.

Tuesday, 07 September 2021 00:00

Heel Pain in a Growing Child

Growth plates are discs of cartilage that a developing child has at the end of their bones, which allow bone growth until the plate closes. The growth plate located at the heel bone can become overly stressed during growth spurts, or through athletics involving running and jumping—such as soccer, gymnastics, and basketball. These things may cause the Achilles tendon to pull excessively on the heel bone and irritate the growth plate, triggering inflammation and pain. This condition is known as Sever’s disease: named after the doctor who first identified it in 1912. Sever’s disease typically affects girls between the ages of 8-10, and boys between 10-12 years of age. A podiatrist can help ease the pain of Sever’s disease with RICE (resting, icing, compression, and elevation), as well as immobilization, medication, and prescribed supportive devices to reduce stress on the heel. If your child is complaining about heel pain, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact the foot specialists of Physicians Footcare . 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 various cities throughout South Carolina and several offices located in Georgia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

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