Many people can get confused while trying to determine their correct shoe size. The size of the shoe may vary from styles and manufacturers, and it is beneficial to try on several pairs so you can choose the right size. Two important features to look for are the width and flex point. This is defined as the shoe flexing at the widest part, which can help to ensure a comfortable fit. Additionally, the type of materials the shoes are made of can significantly contribute to how it fits your foot. Existing foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis and bunions need to be taken into consideration when looking for the right size shoe. Larger shoes or shoes that have additional cushioning in the heel area may need to be considered to accommodate these specific issues. Also, it is important to purchase shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. Please consult with a podiatrist if you have questions about how to determine what your right shoe size is.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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.

Blisters can form on the feet for a variety of reasons, and blisters can come in many different forms or types. Commonly, when the foot is subject to repeated pressure, blisters can form in response to this pressure. Sometimes, blisters can even form in response to pressure from shoes. It is important to note that under certain conditions, blisters can become infected, which can cause all kinds of problems for an individual. An infected blister on a foot can feel hot to the touch. Additionally, blisters that are infected can appear to have pus that has a green or yellow tint. Sometimes, the skin that surrounds the infected blister might also be discolored. The surrounding skin, for instance, might look slightly red. Contact a podiatrist today if you have questions about infected blisters.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Ankle arthritis can cause chronic inflammation and patients may opt to have ankle fusion surgery done. The inflammation that is found in arthritic patients affects the ankle joint, and it is often difficult to complete daily activities. Ankle fusion surgery may help to limit ankle movement, often resulting in ankle pain relief. This type of surgery can also be effective with improving pain from medical conditions, including a failed ankle replacement or deformity, a bone infection, and degenerative joint diseases. Many patients who have had this type of surgery done notice their gait has improved, their pain has diminished, and their foot has increased stability. The procedure consists of removing the cartilage from the bones, followed by using plates, screws, or bone graft material to fuse them together. A cast is placed on the affected ankle after the surgery, and this is successful in limiting ankle movement. If you have ankle pain for any reason, a podiatrist may guide you toward having this type of foot surgery done that can help to alleviate existing ankle pain from arthritis.

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.

Many people experience various foot conditions during their lifetime, and this may be prevalent among elderly people. Reasons this can happen may include general weakness, a change in walking style, or balance difficulties. After many years of walking and standing, it is not surprising that seniors may develop unwanted foot conditions. These can include toenail disorders, bunions, hammertoe, and corns. The feet have fat pads that provide shock absorption to the body, and these may decrease as the aging process occurs. This can lead to forcing other parts of the foot to absorb the pressure which has no protection, causing pain and discomfort. Poor circulation is a common ailment among elderly people and can result in feet that become numb. It is beneficial for seniors to implement simple practices into their daily routines that can protect their feet. These can include washing and drying the feet, followed by looking at the soles of the feet in a mirror for existing cuts and scrapes. Wearing the proper shoes will allow the toes to have ample room to move freely, and this can help prevent bunions and hammertoe. If you would like more information about how to care for an elderly person’s feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you helpful tips.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.