Palmoplantar keratodermas are a group of inherited conditions that cause thickening of the skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The skin may appear yellowish, hardened, or cracked, which can make walking painful and daily activities uncomfortable. In some cases, the thickened skin may extend beyond the soles, and fissures can increase the risk of infection. These conditions are genetic, meaning they are passed down through families, and symptoms often begin in childhood. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on reducing discomfort and improving skin health. Regular use of emollients, keratolytic creams, and careful debridement can soften thickened areas. Wearing supportive footwear helps decrease pressure and friction. If painful skin changes are limiting your mobility or quality of life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and guidance on long-term management. 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.

A bunionette, also called a tailor’s bunion, is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. It may appear red, swollen, or irritated, and often becomes painful, especially when wearing tight or narrow shoes. The area may feel tender, sore, or produce a burning sensation during walking or standing. Common causes include inherited foot structure, improper footwear, pressure on the outer edge of the foot, or abnormal foot mechanics. A podiatrist can diagnose a bunionette with a physical examination and may use X-rays to assess the alignment of the bones. Treatment options depend on the severity and include wider shoes, padding, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics to relieve pressure. In more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the toe and remove the bony prominence. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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.

Flat feet are common among babies. The arch generally develops at approximately age six, but flat feet can continue in ten percent of children through the teenage years. The noticeable signs your child may have flat feet often include stiff joints, the entire foot lying flat on the floor while standing, and possible pain while participating in sporting activities. There are patients who may develop arthritis from having flat feet, and this may be evident in the middle of the foot. If you have symptoms of flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper management.

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 care needs.

A podiatrist is a medical specialist trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Podiatrists care for patients of all ages and offer specialties such as general podiatry, sports medicine, and pediatric foot care. Common issues include heel pain, ingrown toenails, bunions, flat feet, and sports injuries. Symptoms may include swelling, pain while walking, stiffness, or changes in foot structure or skin. Causes can range from genetics and poor footwear to overuse, injury, or underlying conditions like diabetes and arthritis. These problems may feel like dull aches, sharp pains, or persistent discomfort and can affect daily movement and quality of life. A podiatrist can perform a physical examination, order imaging if needed,  provide custom orthotics, perform minor procedures, or suggest preventive care. Pediatric podiatrists address growing feet, while sports podiatrists treat athletic injuries. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to keep your feet healthy and active.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.