Items filtered by date: October 2022

The majority of people often notice immediately if they have broken their ankle. There are many moving parts each ankle has, ranging from ligaments and tissues that are connected to the bones. The ankle is key to moving the foot forward, and extreme pain and discomfort may occur if it is broken. Most patients experience symptoms that include swelling, bruising, and redness, and it is often impossible to walk. A protruding bone may happen with a severely broken ankle, and it can look displaced. If this happens, surgery may be necessary to realign the bone back to its natural position. A broken ankle is typically diagnosed by having an X-ray taken. This is a successful method for determining the extent of the fracture. At this point, treatment often begins with placing the foot in a protective boot or cast, which can provide adequate stability as the healing process occurs. A broken ankle can be treated by a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition, and it is strongly suggested that you contact this type of doctor for an appointment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

A common cause of foot pain can come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The shoes may be too tight, or they may be large in width and length. When shoes don’t fit properly, they can be uncomfortable and cause various foot conditions to arise. Bunions can easily develop from wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in, and larger shoes may have to be purchased to accommodate the bunion. Hammertoe is a deformity, and the muscle imbalance in the toes may cause them to shift toward each other. A corn can cause debilitating foot pain when it develops on the side of the pinky toe. An ingrown toenail can develop when the toe constantly rubs against the top of the shoe and can become infected if not promptly treated. Many people develop gout which is a form of arthritis, and this can happen from eating foods that have high amounts of purines. This can contribute to having excess uric acid levels and may cause crystals to form in the joints of the big toe. If you are suffering from foot pain for any reason, please consult a podiatrist who can help you determine what the cause is and treat it appropriately.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the foot specialists  from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

High top sneakers were once worn primarily by basketball players to protect their ankles from getting injured. The jury is still out among experts on whether high tops are beneficial or detrimental to the athletes they were designed to protect. But now, high tops have become a fashion statement and are worn by many children who do not participate in sports. It is thought by some that wearing high tops can actually decrease the child’s development of ankle strength, flexibility and stability. On the other hand, some experts believe that wearing low top sneakers actually helps to develop ankle strength without exterior support. It is believed by some that continued wear of high tops by young people can increase the likelihood of restricted mobility in the ankle, as well as the weakening of ankle tendons, muscles, and ligaments. All this, they say, may add up to an increased chance of injury. For more information on the footwear that is most beneficial for your child, please consult with a podiatrist.

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.

As a diabetic, foot problems can become a major concern. The result of long-term high blood sugar levels often leads to neuropathy, which can endanger the health of the feet and lower limbs. A daily foot care routine is imperative to help avoid foot ulcers and other conditions that could lead to gangrene or limb removal. Experts recommend the following measures that can help to protect your feet. Reserve time each day to check the feet for sores, wounds, and cuts, especially those that seem to be taking a long time to heal. Wear shoes that fit properly and do not rub or pinch. Keep your feet elevated whenever possible. Do mild foot and toe exercises to keep them moving and encourage blood flow to the area. Check for signs of inflammation or infection by being aware of unusual changes in the temperature of your feet. Avoid wearing anything tight around the legs and ankles, as that can restrict blood flow. Also, avoid smoking, which increases the risk of serious problems. It is strongly suggested that as a diabetic you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist who is equipped to help manage foot-related complications from this disease.

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.