Cold feet can be a symptom of several underlying conditions that affect circulation and nerve function. Raynaud's syndrome is a condition where blood vessels narrow excessively in response to cold or stress, reducing blood flow to the feet. Neuropathy involves nerve damage that can alter temperature sensation and cause persistent coldness. Vascular disease reduces circulation due to narrowed or blocked arteries.  Buerger's disease, an inflammatory condition that damages blood vessels, is often linked to tobacco use. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, and poor circulation. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, identify underlying causes, and coordinate appropriate care to improve foot health. If your feet are cold for the majority of the time, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most often affecting the big toe. It differs from a bunion, which is a structural deformity where the big toe gradually shifts inward due to joint misalignment. Gout commonly affects men, postmenopausal women, and individuals who consume high purine foods such as red meat and certain seafood. Symptoms include sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint. Risk factors include obesity, kidney disease, alcohol intake, and genetics. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, manage flare ups, recommend dietary changes, and provide medications or supportive footwear to reduce pressure on the joint. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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.

Taking care of your feet during spring and summer is important to keep them healthy, comfortable, and looking their best. Warm weather and increased activity can lead to dryness, calluses, and irritation. Regular foot soaks can help soften the skin and relax tired feet. Using a foot scrub can remove buildup and keep skin smooth. Applying moisturizer daily helps prevent dryness and cracking. Proper nail trimming supports healthy nail growth and reduces the risk of ingrown nails. Wearing breathable footwear can also help maintain overall foot health. A podiatrist can help by addressing concerns, providing professional care, and recommending personalized treatments. If you have concerning foot conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and guide you on additional everyday foot care tips.

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 care needs.

Footwear for soccer players plays a critical role in performance, comfort, and injury prevention. Comfort ensures that the shoe supports natural foot movement and allows athletes to perform without distraction. Proprioception, or the ability to sense movement and position, is influenced by how well the shoe fits and interacts with the foot. Shoe mechanical characteristics such as flexibility, traction, and stability must match the demands of the sport and the type of field surfaces. Cleats are designed to provide grip and control, but poor design or improper fit can increase the risk of injury. A podiatrist can help evaluate foot structure and recommend appropriate footwear. If you have sustained a foot injury and want to improve performance and protect your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer relief solutions and guide you toward the right soccer footwear for your needs.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.