Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop due to  stress on the foot. They form as a protective response to repeated pressure or friction, and may affect gait and cause considerable pain. Hard corns are dense and typically appear on the tops of toes or pressure points. Soft corns develop between toes where moisture is present and often appear whitish and tender. Seed corns are small and form on the bottom of the foot, sometimes in clusters. Symptoms include localized pain, thickened skin, and discomfort while walking. Risk factors include wearing ill-fitting shoes, foot deformities, and repetitive friction. A podiatrist can safely remove corns, relieve pressure, and recommend proper footwear. If you have developed a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the nerve between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by repeated pressure or irritation from tight shoes, high heels, foot structure, or high impact activity that thickens the nerve tissue. Symptoms often include burning, tingling, numbness, and a sensation that feels like standing on a pebble. The foot may look normal from the outside, though mild swelling or tenderness can appear between the toes. The pain may worsen with walking and improve when shoes are removed. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful exam and imaging when needed to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may begin with shoe changes and custom orthotics, then progress to targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory care, or injections to calm the nerve. In persistent cases, surgery may be discussed. If you suspect you might have a Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Achilles tendinopathy is a tendon-related condition involving irritation and degeneration of the Achilles tendon, the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This structure plays an important role in walking, running, and lifting the heel from the ground. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and stiffness that is frequently worse in the morning or after periods of rest. Individuals may also experience reduced movement and loss of strength in the lower leg. Causes may involve a sudden change in exercise level, prolonged time on the feet, or long periods of sedentary activity that weaken the tendon. Risk factors include tight calf muscles and repetitive strain. A podiatrist can evaluate tendon health and guide treatment. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Achilles tendon injuries.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Pain in the ball of the foot can develop when excessive pressure is placed on the area beneath the toes. Common causes include repetitive exercise, running, and wearing shoes that are too tight. Morton's neuroma, bursitis, or a bunion that changes normal foot alignment may also play a role. Risk factors include high impact activities, poor footwear choices, foot structure changes, and prolonged standing or walking. Symptoms frequently include burning discomfort, tenderness, swelling, and increased pain during movement or weight bearing. Without proper care, this discomfort may interfere with daily activities and physical performance. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, identify the source of pain, and recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotic devices. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective 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.