Running outdoors and on a treadmill each place different demands on the feet, toes, and ankles. Treadmill running offers a flat, cushioned surface that may reduce impact and be easier on the joints, but it can also limit the engagement of stabilizing muscles in the ankles and feet. Because the treadmill belt assists forward movement, runners may experience shorter strides and reduced ankle flexing movement. In contrast, outdoor running requires the body to adapt to uneven terrain, which strengthens the smaller muscles in the feet and ankles, but may also increase the risk of sprains, stress fractures, and tendon strain. Foot positioning, stride length, and ankle alignment can vary significantly depending on the running surface, and these differences can affect the arches, toes, and heel strike. Plus, improper footwear or technique in either setting can lead to pain or injury over time. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, identify imbalances, and recommend running strategies or footwear to help prevent injuries for either running surface. If you have foot problems related to running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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 foot blister is a small, fluid-filled sac that forms on the skin due to irritation or damage. It is often caused by friction, which occurs when shoes or socks repeatedly rub against the skin. Heat and moisture can also contribute to blister formation, especially in warm environments where excessive sweating softens the skin. Allergic reactions to certain materials in footwear or socks may trigger blisters as well. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, eczema, or infections, can make individuals more prone to developing blisters. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and a sensation of warmth surrounding the affected area. Blisters can become infected and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have a blister anywhere on your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who offers safe and sterile treatment before it becomes infected.

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.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA, is a type of arthritis that affects children and adolescents. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger an autoimmune response. In JIA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation and pain. The condition can affect one or multiple joints, often leading to swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. Common symptoms include joint pain, especially in the morning, fever, and fatigue. Some children may also experience growth problems and eye inflammation. JIA can be classified into different types based on the number of joints affected and other features. If your child’s feet are affected by any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide the necessary care for relief.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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 bunion, medically known as hallux valgus, is a bony prominence that forms at the base of the big toe when the top of the toe shifts inward toward the others. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. As a bunion progresses, the joint may become stiff, making simple movement uncomfortable. Some people also develop corns or calluses due to increased friction on the affected area. Contributing factors to bunion formation include inherited foot structure, flat feet, joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and aging. Although wearing tight or high-heeled shoes do not directly cause bunions, they can place additional stress on the foot, worsening symptoms. A podiatrist can assess the severity of a bunion and offer treatment to relieve pain and improve foot function. Options include padding, custom orthotics, or footwear modifications. In cases where pain is persistent or mobility is limited, surgery may be necessary to realign the toe. If you have a bunion that is interfering with daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options, which may include surgery.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.