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A plantar wart, which is a growth on the sole of your foot, is caused by exposure to the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Although this type of infection is more common among children and young adults, it can affect anyone. You might wonder how you end up with this unwelcome visitor. It's simple, the infection is caused by direct contact with the virus through a break in your skin. Sometimes, it can take months after exposure for a plantar wart to appear. The wart often starts as a small, rough patch on your foot's sole but can expand over time.…

Falling presents a significant threat to the well-being of older adults, often leading to severe injuries, hospitalization, and sometimes death. With age, the risk of falling can increase as a result of health issues such as arthritis, muscle weakness, and poor balance. Tips for preventing falls can start with evaluating prescription medications that may affect balance. It is beneficial to create a safer home environment by keeping pathways clear of cords and removing loose carpets or rugs. Installing additional lighting in dim areas and staircases, and placing nightlights in key locations are effective fall prevention techniques. Additional methods can consist…

Neuropathic foot ulcers, commonly occurring in individuals with conditions like diabetes or spinal cord injuries, pose significant challenges to foot health. Ulcers form at the site of wounds that won’t heal, causing redness, pain, and inflammation. Treating neuropathic foot ulcers involves several strategies to ensure successful healing and avoid complications. Wound care is essential, involving regular cleansing, dead tissue removal, and proper dressing application to help prevent infections. Specialized shoes or casts can minimize pressure and enhance the healing process. Medications, such as antibiotics and analgesics, can aid in pain control, ward off infection, and accelerate wound healing. Proper management…

Sever's disease is a common condition that causes heel pain in children experiencing growth spurts. It primarily affects active kids involved in sports and physical activities. This condition occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and tension on the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone. As children grow, the bones often grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, leading to this painful condition. Sever's disease usually affects children and young teenagers between the ages of 8 to 14 years old. The treatment for Sever's disease focuses…

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Much attention is placed on finding the proper running shoes for your feet and the type of running you will be doing. However, finding the right socks can be equally important to avoid discomfort and injury while running. The right running socks can help to prevent blisters, pad the feet, offer support, and wick away moisture. Running socks have certain attributes that normal socks don’t have. First, they are seamless, which can help to eliminate the rubbing and friction that encourages the formation of blisters. Second, while wearing running socks may not be the same as having insoles, many will…

Many people experience some kind of foot, toe, heel, or ankle pain for which they may require medical assistance. A podiatrist is a foot doctor who is educated and trained to examine, diagnose, and treat such problems as plantar fasciitis, bunions, gout, and sports-related injuries. This type of doctor can also help with issues that persist or worsen, including ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, athlete’s foot, blisters, and cracked heels. A podiatrist is specially trained to help patients deal with foot problems caused by diabetes, such as peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease. These conditions can lead to serious problems,…

Different types of orthotics offer varying levels of support and relief for foot discomfort. Understanding the distinctions between rigid and soft orthotics can help you determine which type is best suited for your needs. Orthotics' stiffness depends on the materials used, such as flexible foam or solid hard plastic. While rigid orthotics provide enhanced stability and support, they may require a break-in period and are commonly made of hard plastic. They are ideal for conditions like plantar fasciitis or flat feet that require arch support. On the other hand, soft orthotics, typically composed of EVA, a soft elastic type of…

Practicing elderly foot care is one of the most important things seniors can do. The feet are the foundation of the body, and minor changes may gradually develop as the aging process occurs. Many elderly people enjoy getting pedicures, to make sure the toenails are being cut properly. Having regular pedicures also may help to soften the nails, which can make them easier to trim. It is beneficial to inspect the soles of the feet for any cuts that have developed. Many people choose to use a mirror to accomplish this, or to have a family member or caregiver help…

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail of the big toe grows into the surrounding nail bed instead of over it. The main symptom of an ingrown toenail is pain, especially when wearing tight shoes and socks or putting pressure on the toe. If left untreated, the area around the ingrown toenail can become inflamed and red, while fluid builds up as a protective measure. If infected, white or yellow pus may form. The major cause of an ingrown toenail is improper foot care, particularly when the toenails are cut too short or rounded on the edges instead of straight…

Research has shown seniors may be more prone to falling in the colder months than at other times of the year. The body may change with the shorter days, and people may be uncomfortable in the fall and winter months. While walking outside, it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit well and have textured soles, such as sneakers. Fall prevention techniques can be implemented in the household, and can be effective in keeping the home safe. These can include putting brighter bulbs in the lighting fixtures and removing worn rugs from the living area. It is beneficial to clear…

The majority of people who have foot pain may suffer through their day, and seek relief when the pain and discomfort becomes worse. Foot pain may happen for a variety of reasons, including being overweight, having endured an injury, or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, the aging process can cause foot pain, and many elderly people find the need to rest their feet during the day. Foot pain can also be caused by bunions, hammertoe, or arthritis. Plantar fasciitis is a common reason to have foot pain, which affects the heel. Anyone who has suffered from a…

A puncture wound can be a small hole in the foot that can be caused by stepping on a sharp, pointed object. It often produces discomfort, and the foot can also become bruised and swollen. Additionally, some patients have difficulty moving the affected area, and it is beneficial to seek medical attention. An animal bite also may cause a puncture wound, and an X-ray may be taken that can determine the depth of the wound. It is important that the wound is properly cleaned, and this can begin with removing existing dirt and debris. This can be followed by applying…

The plantar fascia is found on the sole of the foot. It is the band of tissue that connects the toes to the heel, and it is instrumental in pointing and flexing the foot. An injury or overuse can cause this tissue to become torn or irritated, which may lead to getting plantar fasciitis. Patients who are afflicted with this condition often have difficulty in walking, and will seek the advice of a medical professional for relief. The pain is felt in the heel which can cause severe discomfort. Runners may be prone to developing plantar fasciitis as a result…

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Limb salvage can be done to preserve function when diabetics have chronic ulceration. Chronic ulcerations of the feet can occur due to an abnormal gait, surgical incisions that do not heal or take a long time to heal, and from wounds on the feet that have not been treated. Sometimes joint immobility in a person with diabetes can lead to bony prominences on the sole of the foot, which will often cause ulcerations. A stiff foot can cause pressure to be applied in a diabetic foot which will also lead to ulcerations. If you have diabetes and problems with your…

Falls are serious. They are the second cause of unintentional injuries leading to death in the world. They can also cause permanent disability. As might be expected, seniors, especially women, incur the greatest number of falls. Aging people are less steady on their feet, and have other physical, cognitive, and sensory age-related changes that can make falling a more likely occurrence. Falls among those in this population can greatly interfere with mobility, quality of life, and independence. Additionally, many environments are not age friendly. Implementation of effective fall prevention strategies among seniors can save heartache in their limited years. These…

Lower back pain is not something to take lightly, as it can dramatically affect your overall health and well being. Interestingly, lower back pain has a notable connection to the feet, since the feet are essentially the foundation of the entire human body. Orthotics, or shoe inserts that are custom or over-the-counter, can be used to address lower back pain. Orthotics are a non-surgical, non-invasive option that might be used by patients to address their lower back pain without undergoing a surgical procedure. The orthotics can be used to put the feet in optimal alignment and motion, thereby supporting the…

A stress fracture in the foot is generally accompanied by consistent aching, and it can be difficult to walk. It happens as a result of overuse that can gradually weaken the foot bones. The second metatarsal is a common place to suffer a stress fracture in the foot. This is defined as the long bone that is attached to the second toe, and is found in the middle of the foot. The navicular is one of the bones that forms the arch in the foot and is also a frequent place for a stress fracture. A diagnosis consists of having…