Bunions can be particularly difficult for runners to deal with, as the big toe absorbs a great deal of force with every step taken. Luckily, there are a few measures that a runner with bunions can practice to reduce the effect of having this toe deformity. A bunion develops when the bottom of the big toe juts outward and the top of the big toe is pushed inward toward the other toes. This shift in bone structure then affects other parts of the foot and can lead to metatarsal pain in the ball of the foot, blisters, corns, and other painful foot or toe problems. Rest, orthotics, and ice are some ways to alleviate the pain of runners with bunions. But bunion surgery is often the last resort. Recovery time can be up to three months, and wearing protective boots or some type of cast is often recommended. A podiatrist can offer a realistic time frame for recovery from bunion surgery and recommend a plan for getting back to running. If your bunions are making running more and more painful, please consult a podiatrist for treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falling can wreak havoc in an individual’s life. Their lifestyle may have to be altered, possibly to care for foot problems the fall may have caused. Falls are common among elderly people for various reasons. These can include failing eyesight, weakened muscles, and possible side effects from medication. Additionally, falling may happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and having tripping hazards in the household. The feet are often affected when a fall happens, which can range from incurring a broken toe to enduring an ankle sprain. There are simple fall prevention methods that can be implemented, which may help to reduce the risk of falling. These can consist of installing grab bars in the toilet and shower area, removing clutter in the living area, and improving existing lighting. If you would like more information about the importance of having fall prevention techniques, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are various forms of running and most require a specific type of running shoe to be worn. Running can range from training for a marathon to a new hobby. Studies suggest that it is beneficial to begin the process of purchasing running shoes by examining the wear patterns on existing shoes. A person who pronates normally will often notice wear and tear on the sole where the ball of the foot is. If there is excessive wear on the inside of the sole, the runner may have overpronation. Conversely, wear on the outside of the sole can indicate underpronation, and knowing these patterns can make it easier to choose running shoes that fit correctly. Additionally, it is beneficial to decide what surface you will be running on, such as trail, road, or treadmill running. Buying running shoes can be overwhelming, so it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide additional information as well as their recommendation for you. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It’s easy to spot a person who has a hammertoe. It is a foot condition that is considered to be a deformity, and it is characterized by the middle toe that bends downward, forcing the joints up. It can be caused by various things, including wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in or from medical conditions such as arthritis. This condition may also develop for genetic reasons, and surgery may be necessary so the toes can be permanently straightened. If the toes are severely bent, corns may develop where the joint touches the shoe, and this can cause additional discomfort. Specific types of shoes may need to be purchased to accommodate the deformed toes, and this may prompt patients to seek medical advice. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist who can help you to remedy this condition. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The formal name that is given for pain in front of the ankle is referred to as anterior ankle pain. Patients can develop this type of pain suddenly from an injury, or it may happen gradually from overuse. Pain in this part of the ankle can occur from an inflammation of the tendon sheath. This can cause discomfort while bending the foot up, and the front of the ankle may be swollen and red. A bony growth in the front or back of the ankle can be an ankle impingement. This can cause a limited range of motion and may happen following an ankle sprain that has not fully healed. A proper diagnosis consists of how successfully the ankle is moved by the patient, and then compared to how freely the ankle moves with a podiatrist's help. If you have ankle pain for any reason, please contact this type of doctor who can determine the reason for the pain and offer you the correct treatment options. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet need to be pampered, and regularly pampering the feet can be fun. Making your foot care routine a ritual of self-care and luxury can make you feel good while you take care of your feet. One step that you might consider incorporating into your everyday foot care is treating calluses. Calluses on the feet can be removed in several different ways. For example, foot creams, gels, and pumice stones can all be used to address the calluses on the feet. Other devices can be used to this end. Namely, patches, peels, and soaks can all be used to get rid of calluses on the feet. If you are someone that enjoys pampering their feet and also has a lot of calluses, please contact your podiatrist today. This foot specialist will be able to help you incorporate callus care into your daily foot care routine.  

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet are a condition of the feet and its name is quite literal. Those with flat feet have a foot shape that causes the entire sole of the foot to rest flush against the floor. This condition is, for many different patients, mostly benign. However, it may be a source of pain for many other patients. There are several different exercises that you might be able to perform to mitigate the condition of flat feet. By performing certain foot exercises, it is possible to correct sunken arches. First, someone could consider performing heel stretches. This exercise consists of standing in a lunge-like position and slowly leaning or bending into the stretch several times on each side. A person might even consider rolling a golf ball or tennis ball underneath their feet while in a seated position. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about how performing certain exercises might help you correct flat feet.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is agreed upon by medical professionals that following a daily foot care routine is a necessity for diabetics. First, it is important to examine the feet and toes each day for cuts, sores, and bruises. Don’t forget about the soles of the feet, which may be examined by holding a mirror to them. If you are unable to carry out this inspection, it is suggested that you ask a family member or caregiver to help. Look specifically for red, blue, or black areas on the feet. Redness can signal irritation from shoes that are too tight, while blue or black areas can be caused by bruising or blood flow problems. Blisters may be caused from the skin rubbing against the inside of a shoe. It is important not to pierce a blister. If it turns red, oozes, or doesn't heal after four days, it is wise to seek the help of a podiatrist. Washing and thoroughly drying the feet is essential as moisture between the toes can invite bacterial or fungal infections. If you notice sores that take a long time to heal, please consult a podiatrist as quickly as possible, as these may develop into ulcers. Diabetics are wise to have regular checkups with a podiatrist to monitor the health of their feet.

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 one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.