Items filtered by date: May 2022

The ankle is a complex structure of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that work together to help you stand, walk, and run. A tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscles to bones. Two peroneal tendons are located on the outer side of the ankle. One connects the bone to the metatarsal on the outside of the foot, and the other runs beneath the foot and connects to the arch. Their job is to stabilize the foot and ankle muscles, helping to prevent strains. Injury to these tendons is common among athletes and people with high arches. The three main categories of peroneal tendon injuries are tendonitis, acute tears, and subluxation. Tendonitis, or inflammation, is most likely the result of repetitive use or overuse that causes pain, swelling, and warmth to the touch. Acute tears are commonly caused by repetitive activity or trauma that results in pain, swelling, and ankle joint instability. Subluxation occurs when the tendon slips out of position, often after an ankle sprain. Symptoms include a snapping feeling in the ankle, along with weakness and instability. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for an exam and diagnosis. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with the foot specialists  from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Patients who are obese may notice their feet have become larger. This can cause foot pain and the added weight the body endures can wear away at the fat pads on the bottom of the feet. People who have lost a significant amount of weight may find their shoes looser, despite the fact that the foot structure remains the same. The feet can reap the rewards when additional weight is lost. It may help to prevent gout, which is a painful foot condition. foot pain and foot inflammation due to circulatory issues may also improve. Additionally, the risk of getting osteoarthritis may be reduced when weight is lost. Minimal pain in the feet may lead to an increase in performing a frequent exercise, which can add strength to the feet. If you would like more information about how losing weight can benefit the feet please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

A corn on the foot is defined as a small area of thickened skin. It can form on top of the toes, on the bottom of the feet, or between the toes. Corns are caused by excess friction that can come from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Corns that are found between the toes are referred to as soft corns, and constant moisture keeps them soft. Hard corns are often found on the side of the pinky toe, or on top of the toes. This type of corn can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to walk and complete daily activities. Mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the corn, and it is suggested that larger shoes are worn. Some people have medical conditions that can consist of bunions and hammertoes, and corns can develop on top of the affected toes or on the side of the bunion. If you have corns on your feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this type of foot condition.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact the foot specialists of Physicians Footcare . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the joints of the feet. One who has RA of the feet often experiences pain and swelling in the feet, which can impair functioning and quality of life. Though there is no cure for this condition, treatments focus on preventing the disease from progressing by reducing or stopping joint inflammation. One might experience relief from one or a combination of RA management regimens, such as anti-inflammatory medication, more supportive footwear, orthotics, physical or occupational therapy, and even surgery. If you are experiencing pain from RA of the feet, consult with a podiatrist who can help devise a treatment plan to help relieve uncomfortable symptoms and preserve joint structure and function.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact the foot specialists of Physicians Footcare . Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

When a person has diabetes, it is important to have annual foot checks, which might include vascular and possibly other testing of the feet. Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that interferes with feeling in the feet. This can lead to undetected foot sores or ulcers that are left untreated and can lead to foot amputation. A qualified podiatrist will palpate the Dorsal Pedis and Posterior Tibial arteries looking for pulses, review the skin quality, and check capillaries. Things like hair loss, thin, smooth, shiny skin, thick, brittle nails, and tapering toes are noted as they might indicate changes in artery function. Fissuring, particularly in the heels and oedema are checked as these may indicate “ischaemia” or buildup or blockage in the arteries. Diabetics can take action to protect their feet from vascular issues by wearing properly fitting shoes and socks, regular exercise, taking medications as prescribed, and weight management. Regular visits to a podiatrist should be scheduled to stay on top of foot health of diabetics. 

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

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.