Items filtered by date: December 2022

One of the best ways to heal from an ankle sprain is by using a brace. These orthotic devices not only accelerate healing, but they may help to prevent re-injury. An ankle sprain brace allows you to move the ankle, which is deemed important to the healing process, while providing stability to the joint. Research shows that moving the ankle joint stimulates the repair of injured tissue. A brace allows you to move the joint while simultaneously protecting the ligaments from becoming over stretched. These types of devices help to reduce swelling and pain, in addition to increasing the joint’s ability to know where it is, called proprioception. At the same time, a brace allows the ankle to move up and down, but prevents it from moving inward or outward. As a result, you can walk without reinjuring the sprained ligament. Because there is not a one-size fits-all ankle sprain device, choosing the one that is best for you can be a challenge. In order for your sprained ankle to safely heal, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance in choosing an ankle sprain bracing device. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . 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 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.

The foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis is considered to be the most common cause of heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, which is the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. It is located on the bottom of the foot and can become weak and swollen when torn or irritated. This condition can happen for various reasons, including standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. People who frequently run may be prone to developing plantar fasciitis, as a result of the consistent pressure the plantar fascia endures. Additionally, existing medical conditions may gradually lead to getting this ailment, consisting of obesity, having tight calves, or a shortened Achilles tendon. Some patients find relief in performing the heel raise stretch, which is done by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle pull is felt. Rolling the foot on a tennis ball may help to stretch the bottom of the foot while strengthening it at the same time. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can help you to find relief.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Research has shown the majority of falls happen at home. This can invoke a fear of falling and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. The feet are often affected during and after a fall and may result in incurring a broken toe, ankle, or foot. Many people can prevent falls from occurring when they implement specific methods, in addition to getting regular physical and eye examinations. These can include improving the lighting in the household, removing worn rugs from the steps, and clearing clutter from the common areas. Some patients find it beneficial to have a grab bar installed in the toilet and shower area, and using a non-slip bath mat in and out of the shower can be helpful in preventing falls. A podiatrist is qualified in informing you of how the feet are often affected by falling and can steer you toward fall prevention techniques that are customized to your home. For more information, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist at your earliest convenience.

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

An ingrown toenail is often difficult to ignore. It is easy to notice, as the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. The symptoms include severe pain where the nail meets the skin, and it is often red and swollen. Shoes may be painful to wear, and relief is often sought. A temporary remedy consists of soaking the affected foot in warm water, and this can help to soften the skin. At this point, a small piece of cotton can be used to gently pull the skin away from the nail. The pain can return once the skin has hardened, and it is advised to seek professional medical attention which can help to provide a permanent solution. A common reason why ingrown toenails develop can be from the shoes that are worn, which may be too tight. Additionally, it may happen from trimming the toenails incorrectly, possibly causing the nail to cut into the skin. If you have developed this painful foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide effective treatment methods and relieve painful symptoms. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact the foot specialists of Physicians Footcare . 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 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.