Items filtered by date: April 2022

It can be easy to notice a plantar wart, which is a small, hardened area on the bottom of the foot. They may have tiny black dots in the center and grow into the foot as a result of the pressure that is exerted by standing and walking. The medical term for this ailment is verruca plantaris, and it is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is considered to be contagious, and enters the body through small cracks in the skin of the feet. Research has shown there are two types of plantar warts. A single plantar wart is classified as a solitary plantar wart, though smaller warts may form from it. Mosaic plantar warts are found in clusters and may require more extensive treatment methods. Patients who have compromised immune systems may be susceptible to developing these types of warts, in addition to children and older people. Prevention techniques can include wearing appropriate footwear while in public shower rooms, locker rooms, or swimming pools. If you think you have plantar warts, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with correct treatment options. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

It’s easy to depend on our feet to stand, walk, run, exercise, play sports, and dance. But even though our feet are such an important part of our lives, they are, quite frankly, often either taken for granted or ignored. The foot is a complex collection of 26 bones, 33 joints, more than 100 ligaments, and a number of muscles. These work to get us where we want to go and do what we want them to do, most of the time without any real conscious thought. As you age, or if you are extremely active, however, caring for your feet becomes more important. Parts wear out, bones get thinner, padding starts to disappear, and injury can follow. Some simple basics can keep your feet healthy: keeping your feet clean, dry and moisturized daily is a good idea. Checking for calluses and corns and having them removed is recommended. Keeping toenails in good trim and straight across, helps prevent ingrown toenails. Proper footwear that offers room for your toes, support for your arches, padding for your heels, and avoiding high heels are other ways to protect your feet. It is suggested that you make regular appointments for a checkup with a podiatrist, especially if you have any foot pain or deformities, to promote good foot health.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

People who are diabetic often have to be concerned about their foot health. This disease can cause neuropathy, which is defined as a loss of feeling in the feet. When this occurs, it is often difficult to feel any cuts, bruises, or wounds that have occurred. These types of injuries can become infected, and may lead to foot ulcers, and possibly amputation, if not immediately treated. It may take longer for diabetics to heal, as a result of reduced blood flow to the feet. Preventative measures can include washing the feet daily, trimming the toenails properly, and always wearing shoes and socks. Additionally, checking the feet daily for minor cuts may help to avoid infections. If you are diabetic, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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.

Crystals that form between the joints in the big toe can lead to a condition that is known as gout. It can travel to other parts of the body, and it generally begins with the big toe. It is caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream and lodges between the joints. It often causes debilitating pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking. Uric acid build-ups can be caused by eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods include shellfish, red meat, excess alcohol, and drinks that have a high sugar content. Additionally, gout attacks may be caused by genetic factors, and it is helpful to take measures that can control these episodes. Gout can possibly be controlled by maintaining a healthy weight, and incorporating an exercise routine into the daily regime. It is important that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose gout, and offer the best treatment solutions for you.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors 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 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.