External fixators play a vital role in treating ankle and foot injuries by providing stability from a biomechanical perspective. External fixators are special devices that help treat serious ankle and foot injuries. They work like an outside frame, using pins and rods to keep broken bones steady and in the right position. By holding the bones still, the fixator takes pressure off the injured area, prevents harmful movement, and gives the foot a better chance to heal. This support also helps keep the joints balanced so patients can move more normally once recovery begins. A podiatrist carefully places the fixator and monitors the healing process. They guide rehabilitation to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility while lowering the risk of problems. With this expert care, patients can safely return to daily activities with more confidence. If you are dealing with an ankle or foot injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to find out if external fixation is the right treatment for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

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.