Tuesday, 27 February 2024 18:15

shutterstock_1718524861.jpgPlantar warts are the annoying grainy growths that develop on the bottom of your foot. An infection in the foot causes the growth, and in some cases may cause pain and irritation. Warts are pain to treat and can take several years to remove naturally. The best treatment method for the growth is to simply prevent them from occurring. 

In this blog, the podiatrists at Physicians Footcare explain how to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Follow these five preventative tips and prioritize your foot health to avoid the inconveniences plantar warts bring. 

 

What is a Plantar Wart?

Plantar warts are caused by an HPV infection on the outer layers of the skin. They commonly develop on the bottom of the foot in highly calloused areas like the heel. The growth develops when the virus enters the foot through small cracks and cuts in the skin.

The virus is not highly contagious and does not easily spread from one person to another. However, the virus will spread through the skin after the first infection if left untreated. 

The HPV virus thrives in warm and damp areas. Making locker rooms, public showers, and pools a breeding ground for the virus. Individuals who frequent areas such as this are at a higher risk of contracting the virus, and people who have had a plantar wart before are more prone to redeveloping the infection. 

Warding Off Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are a pain to remove and can take several years to remove naturally. To avoid treatment and pesky procedures take the proper preventative measures to avoid contracting the virus altogether. Our podiatrists at Physicians Footcare have compiled a list of the five most effective ways to prevent plantar warts from showing up on your feet. 

Wear Protective Footwear

Avoid walking barefoot in public spaces, especially in swimming pools, locker rooms, communal showers, and gyms. All of which are areas where you are likely to contract HPV. Wear flip-flops, shower shoes, or water shoes to prevent your feet from touching the ground. Protective footwear decreases your chances of coming in direct contact with HPV. 

Keep Feet Clean and Dry

Proper foot care and maintenance are key to the health of your feet. An effective routine helps to prevent the growth of warts. 

Be sure to wash your feet daily with soap and warm water, and make sure to thoroughly dry the area when you are finished. Damp areas support the growth of viruses and plantar warts. Ensure that your feet are fully dried after swimming, showering, and sweating. 

Changing your socks regularly will help to keep your feet dry and prevent the spread of infection. Wear clean socks made of moisture-wicking material to prevent your feet from getting damp throughout the day. Remember to change your socks daily, especially after sweating. 

Protective Measures in High-Risk Areas

Always wear protective footwear in high-risk areas such as pools, public showers, and locker rooms. If you have plantar warts on your feet protect yourself from developing more and stop the spread of the virus through protective measures.

If you go to a high-risk area with a plantar wart, be sure to keep the infected area covered. You can cover the wart with a waterproof bandage, shoes, or with an over-the-counter salicylic treatment. Create a protective barrier between the wart and the public space to protect yourself and others. 

Avoid Sharing Personal Foot Care Items

To stop the spread of the infection refrain from sharing personal foot hygiene tools with others. This includes socks, nail files, nail trimmers, pumice stones, socks, and towels. Sharing hygienic tools allows the virus to spread from one person to another. Furthermore, if you are going to use one of these tools to remove your plantar wart, be sure to use a different tool when working with healthy skin and nails. 

If you have a plantar wart refrain from touching the infected area and then touching other parts of the foot and body. Touching the wart and then touching other parts of the body allows the infection to spread. 

It is important to be mindful when touching the area with your hands and with tools. Being careful will help to prevent the infection from spreading. 

Boost Your Immune System

A strong immune system makes all the difference when fighting off viruses. To strengthen your immune system it's important to maintain a healthy diet, incorporate exercise into your routine, and get enough sleep. Staying healthy will help your body fight off HPV and plantar warts. 

Keep Your Feet Healthy By Preventing Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are an annoying inconvenience and the best way to deal with them is to prevent them from growing in the first place. By following these preventative measures you will significantly reduce your chances of contracting the HPV virus associated with the plantar warts on your feet. However, if you notice a new growth or already have warts on your feet contact your local podiatry office for treatment options. At Physicians Footcare we offer expert advice, proper diagnosis, and effective treatment plans, schedule an appointment today.  

Tuesday, 06 February 2024 18:07

shutterstock_1408206383.jpgCorns on the feet, also known as clavi, helomas, or focal intractable plantar hyperkeratosis, are a common occurrence, yet they can cause considerable discomfort and inconvenience if not properly addressed. These small, thickened areas of skin develop due to repeated pressure or friction on specific areas of the feet, often resulting from ill-fitting footwear, foot deformities, or biomechanical issues. While typically not serious, corns can become painful and affect one's quality of life if left untreated. In this comprehensive guide, we will address the identification, treatment, and prevention of clavi, empowering you to take proactive steps towards healthier, pain-free feet.

Identifying Corns

Recognizing and identifying a corn on your feet is the first step toward effective management and treatment. Corns typically present as small, round areas of thickened skin, ranging from white to yellowish or grayish in color. They can occur on various parts of the foot, including the tops or sides of the toes, the balls of the feet, and even between the toes. Unlike calluses, which are generally flat and diffuse, corns have a more defined, concentrated appearance.

Corns are often confused with other common foot conditions, like calluses, plantar warts, or bunions. One distinguishing feature of corns is their propensity to cause discomfort or pain, especially when pressure is applied directly to them. This discomfort may manifest as a sharp or burning sensation, making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. Corns can also become inflamed or infected if subjected to continued friction or pressure, leading to redness, swelling, and even drainage of pus in severe cases.

Corns vs. Calluses

Corns on the feet and calluses are both thickened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or friction, but they have distinct characteristics. Corns are smaller, more defined, and often have a conical shape with a central core, which distinguishes them from calluses. They typically occur on areas of the feet where pressure is concentrated, such as the tops or sides of toes, and can be painful when pressed. 

In contrast, calluses are larger, more diffuse areas of thickened skin that form on weight-bearing areas of the feet, such as the heels or balls. While calluses may cause discomfort, they are usually painless and do not have a central core. Understanding the differences between corns and calluses is essential for proper treatment and management, as they may require different approaches for effective relief.

Corns vs. Plantar Warts

Corns on the feet and plantar warts are two distinct foot conditions that can often be confused due to their similar appearance. However, there are key differences between the two. Corns are small, thickened areas of skin that develop in response to pressure or friction, often appearing on the tops or sides of toes. They typically have a conical shape with a central core and can be painful when pressed. 

In contrast, plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and appear as small, rough growths on the soles of the feet. Unlike corns, plantar warts may have tiny black dots, known as "seed warts," in the center and can cause discomfort or pain, especially when squeezed from the sides. Proper diagnosis by a podiatrist is necessary to differentiate between corns and plantar warts, as they require different treatments and pain relief techniques.

Corns vs. Bunions

Corns and bunions are two common foot conditions that affect different areas of the foot and present with distinct characteristics. Corns are small, thickened areas of skin that develop in response to pressure or friction, often occurring on the tops or sides of toes. They can be painful and are typically caused by external factors such as ill-fitting shoes or repetitive motion. 

In contrast, bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, causing it to lean inward towards the other toes. Bunions, often exacerbated by genetic predispositions or biomechanical issues, result from a misalignment of the joint and can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. While both corns and bunions can cause discomfort and affect mobility, they require different treatment approaches, with bunions often demanding more extensive interventions such as orthotic devices or surgery to correct the underlying structural issues.

If you suspect you have a corn on your foot, it is advised that you seek professional evaluation from a healthcare provider, such as a podiatrist. A foot doctor can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Treating Corns

Treating corns effectively involves a multifaceted approach aimed at relieving pain, reducing pressure, and promoting healing. Depending on the severity and location of the corns on your feet, your podiatrist or foot doctor may recommend various treatment options.

Regular moisturizing of the feet can also help prevent corns by keeping the skin soft and supple. Additionally, protective padding or cushioning inserts can be used in shoes to reduce friction and pressure on vulnerable areas of the feet, thus preventing the formation of new corns. Over-the-counter corn pads or cushions are commonly used to provide cushioning and reduce pressure on the affected area. These pads can help alleviate pain and discomfort by redistributing pressure away from the corn. However, it is essential to ensure that the pads are applied correctly to avoid exacerbating the problem. 

For more stubborn or painful corns, gentle paring down of the thickened skin may be necessary. This can be done using a pumice stone or emery board, but it is very important to exercise caution to avoid causing further damage to the surrounding skin. Additionally, topical treatments containing salicylic acid may be prescribed to help soften the corn and facilitate its removal over time.

In some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgical removal of the corn may be warranted, particularly if conservative measures have been ineffective or if the corn is causing significant pain or mobility issues. However, these interventions are typically reserved for more severe or recurrent cases and should be performed by a qualified podiatrist.

Regardless of the chosen treatment approach, it is essential to follow up with proper foot care practices to prevent the recurrence of corns. This includes wearing comfortable, properly fitting shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning. Avoid shoes that are too tight or narrow, as they can increase pressure on specific areas of the feet and contribute to the development of corns.

Preventing Corns

Prevention is key when it comes to managing corns on your feet and minimizing their impact on your daily life. By adopting simple preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of developing corns and maintain healthier, pain-free feet.

One of the most effective preventive measures is wearing properly fitting shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning. Avoid shoes that are too tight or narrow, as they can increase pressure on specific areas of the feet and contribute to the development of corns. Opt for shoes with a wide toe box and sufficient arch support to minimize pressure points. Furthermore, consider using protective padding or cushioning inserts in your shoes to reduce friction and pressure on vulnerable areas of the feet. These inserts can help distribute weight more evenly and prevent the formation of new corns.

Maintaining good foot hygiene is also essential for preventing corns and other foot problems. Keep your feet clean and dry, and regularly moisturize the skin to prevent dryness and cracking, which can make the feet more susceptible to corns. Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails, which can also contribute to corn formation.

Lastly, be mindful of activities or habits that may increase your risk of developing corns, such as wearing high heels for extended periods or participating in activities that put repetitive pressure on the feet, such as running or hiking. If possible, take breaks to rest your feet and relieve pressure periodically.

Corns on the feet are a common foot problem that can cause discomfort and pain if not properly managed. By learning how to identify, treat, and prevent corns, you can take proactive steps towards maintaining healthier, pain-free feet. If you have corns, bunions, plantar warts, persistent foot pain or concerns about your foot health, consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation and treatment. 

You don’t have to live with constant pain from corns on your feet. With proper care and attention, you can keep your feet healthy and comfortable for years to come make an easy appointment with a Physicians Footcare podiatrist today!

Monday, 15 January 2024 17:59

shutterstock_1827145538.jpgAs we age complications from arthritis can begin to affect mobility and make foot pain a daily occurrence. Arthritic foot care is essential to preserving mobility and will help you get back to doing what you love without the burden of pain. By incorporating natural remedies, strengthening exercises, and pain-relieving medications you will feel some relief. 

In this blog, our team of podiatrists shares several tips that can be added to your daily routine to help relieve pain. If you feel that the pain caused by arthritis is affecting your mobility and quality of life consult with your local podiatrist. Your pain is manageable, take the steps to preserve and preserve your mobility today.  

Strengthening Exercises

A simple way to manage your pain is through incorporating daily exercise to help strengthen and stretch the muscles around your joints. Increasing flexibility and strengthening the area is proven to reduce pain throughout the body, we suggest the following exercises. 

  • Toe salutes: This exercise targets the muscles in your feet, while sitting in a chair, lift your big toe and hold for a few seconds, relax your toe, and repeat. 
  • Toe splaying: To target the muscles in your foot, spread your toes apart as far as you can comfortably, then relax your toes and repeat the motion. 
  • Calf stretch: This exercise will target the calf, heel, and bottom of the foot. Simply face a wall with your feet flat on the floor, then place your hands on the wall and lean into the stretch. 

For other forms of exercise, low-impact workouts are key to preserving mobility and preventing pain for individuals with arthritis. Walking, biking, swimming, and water aerobics are all great low-impact exercises allowing you to protect your joints and get your body moving. Experts suggest incorporating around 150 minutes of exercise into your week, if that seems too challenging try starting with ten minutes per day. 

Natural Remedies

Several natural and alternative remedies also help manage arthritis and foot pain. These remedies are most helpful in relieving stiffness, increase flexibility, and decrease swelling in the affected area. To relieve foot and heel pain we recommend using the following remedies. 

  • Cold therapy: This will help to target pain in your joints, swelling, and inflammation, and will also work to numb the area. Use a cold compress or an ice pack and apply it to the skin. 
  • Heat therapy: Heat will work to loosen your joints and release stiffness. We suggest taking a warm shower or bath in the morning and using a heating pad or electric blanket at night. 
  • Acupuncture: This Chinese medical treatment uses thin needles to redirect and relieve pain in the body. Consult with a licensed practitioner to learn more about how the practice and see if acupuncture is right for you. 

All three of these practices are known to help manage arthritis pain and preserve mobility. As always be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any treatments to your arthritic foot care routine. 

Pain medication 

Several over-the-counter and prescribed pain medications help to manage the symptoms of arthritis and promote mobility. We have put together a list of medications that may help to alleviate your pain. As always, consult your podiatrist or healthcare provider before starting any new medications. 

  • For pain and inflammation relief Doctors suggest Aleve (Naproxen), Motrin or Advil (Ibuprofen), and Aspirin.
  • Topical creams and ointments will provide localized pain relief.
  • Steroid injections can help to provide joint pain relief. 
  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), are a class of medications used to treat forms of arthritis. 

Preserve Your Mobility With Self-Care

Staying vigilant and protecting your joints from further damage is one of the most important parts of arthritic foot care. There are several techniques and additions to your daily routine to maintain and increase your mobility. Lifestyle changes and self-care are an important part of pain management, try out the following tips. 

  • Protect your joints with assistive devices and vigilance during daily activities to reduce pain and prevent further joint damage. 
  • Custom foot orthotics can be used to redistribute weight and release pressure on the more sensitive areas of your feet. Orthotic inserts are known to decrease foot pain that has spread to other areas of the body. 
  • Professional or self-massage will also work to reduce pain caused by arthritis. The key to an effective massage in this case is moderate pressure to relax the muscles surrounding the affected joints. 
  • An effective foot care routine can help with the pain of arthritis as well. As always, remember to clean your feet daily, trim your toenails, fully dry, and moisturize your feet. Proper maintenance and care can make all the difference. 

The Importance of Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis affects your mobility, causing pain and stiffness in your joints, altering your daily life. With a strong and effective care routine, you can manage pain caused by arthritis and preserve mobility in your joints. Arthritis can be treated with strengthening exercises, natural remedies, pain medication, and lifestyle changes. 

The key is to work with your healthcare provider to see what methods are best for you and to stay on top of your routine. The podiatrists at Physicians Footcare are here to help manage your arthritis pain and preserve your mobility. We have several offices throughout Georgia and South Carolina, schedule an appointment with us to get back on your feet today. 

Monday, 08 January 2024 17:40

Screenshot 2024-02-29 at 12.50.01 PM.pngDo you experience pain or swelling in your arches, heels, or ankles after a long day? This pain is likely due to the flattening of your foot’s arch, which is a condition known as flat foot syndrome. This common condition occurs when the mechanics of the foot are worn down and the arch begins to fall. If left untreated the condition may worsen, leading to foot pain and possibly impairing your mobility. 

In this blog, the expert podiatrists at Physicians Footcare will explain the causes, symptoms, treatments, and preventative measures associated with the condition. Follow along as we explore the ins and outs of flat feet and help you regain comfort and control in your life. 

What Causes Flat Feet?

Flat feet are a condition in which you have little to no arch in your feet. This means when you stand there is no gap between the bottom inner part of your foot and the floor. This condition can be caused by overuse, genetics, injury, and weak arches. The condition is fairly common and affects about 26% of the worldwide population according to the National Library of Medicine. 

Flat feet are more common in children and adolescents, but the condition can develop in adults with age. In most cases, the condition is due to the underdevelopment or complete absence of an arch in the foot, meaning most children with the condition often have flat feet before their foot muscles are fully developed. Through the aging process, the muscles and tendons supporting the foot arch weaken which is when the condition can develop in adults — years of wear and tear cause the arch to fall, leading to the flattening of the foot. 

In more serious cases, injury can force the arch to fall suddenly. These injuries are common in the running community especially, as the arch weakens with overuse. Injuries in the foot can also lead to conditions such as arthritis and other forms of foot pain, which can also be a result of pre-existing conditions. For example, the following conditions may increase the risk of flat feet and other foot-related conditions. 

  • Obesity
  • Injury to the foot or ankle
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Age
  • Diabetes

Symptoms to Look Out For

The most common symptom of flat feet is the absence of an arch, which generally should not lead to any form of pain or discomfort. However, with continued stress and strain, painful symptoms are likely to arise.  Flat-footed individuals may experience pain or swelling in the arch and heel area while walking, running, or standing. This pain may begin to affect other areas of the body such as the back, hips, and knees if left untreated. 

It is important to contact your podiatrist or primary care physician if you begin to experience foot pain. The condition is in most cases painless but, if you feel that it is limiting your mobility it is important to find a support solution. 

Effective Solutions For Flat Feet 

If your flat feet are not causing you pain or discomfort, there is no need to seek treatment. For minor pain in your heel or arch, you may treat it with rest, or pain relieving medication. If the condition worsens it is time to make an appointment with your podiatrist, who may suggest the following remedies. 

Arch Support

Orthotic insoles are an effective solution for foot pain and are increasingly useful when the source of pain is due to the falling of your foot's arch. Custom-designed orthotics are molded to the unique shape of your foot and are most effective in this situation. Generic arch support insoles are also available and are known to relieve flat foot pain. 

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

The Achilles tendon runs through the arch of the foot and plays a key role in providing the foot with structure and support, and stretching and strengthening this tendon will help alleviate foot pain. By incorporating the following exercises into your daily routine you can strengthen the arch and structure of your feet.

  • Arch lifts
  • Heel raises
  • Toe lifts
  • Calf stretch 

Physical Therapy

If you believe that your flat foot pain is due to or was worsened by injury, more serious treatment such as physical therapy may be most beneficial. Flat foot injuries are often due to overuse and weakening of the arch and are commonly seen with runners and other athletes. A physical therapist can provide more intensive training to rebuild and strengthen the musculature in the foot. 

Prevention Tips

The most effective solution to pain caused by flat feet is to prevent the condition from getting to the point of discomfort. To prevent general foot pain and strengthen your arch, wear supportive foot care that prioritizes arch support. Along with footwear, avoid activities that cause excessive stress and strain on your feet. Switch to low-impact workouts such as swimming or cycling if your foot pain is aggravated by exercise. 

Understanding Your Symptoms and Solutions

This condition is very common and should not be painful or bring discomfort into your everyday life. The key to combating flat foot symptoms is prioritizing daily arch support, strengthening exercises, and sticking to your podiatrist’s treatment plan. If you are experiencing pain related to flat feet, consult a podiatrist or foot pain specialist. At Physicians Footcare we provide personalized guidance and treatment options to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Don’t let the pain of flat feet hold you back, contact us today and get back on your feet.

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