Blog

Safe Toenail Trimming as You Age

Toenail trimming is a basic part of foot care, but it can become more difficult with age. Reduced flexibility, joint stiffness, and vision changes can make it harder to reach the feet or see the nails clearly. This may lead to nails being cut unevenly or too short, which can cause pain or increase the risk of ingrown nails and infection. Thickened nails are also more common with age, adding another challenge. What begins as a simple task can turn into a source of discomfort if not done properly. A podiatrist can safely trim nails, assess nail health, and identify early signs of fungal infection or other concerns. Regular visits can help prevent complications and maintain comfort while walking. If you have developed toenail problems or if it has become difficult to properly trim your nails, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you with this important task. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care

Burning Pain Between the Toes

Morton’s neuroma develops when tissue surrounding a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes thickened and irritated. Pain is most commonly felt between the third and fourth toes. This irritation can cause burning pain, tingling, numbness, or the feeling that there is a pebble inside the shoe. Some patients notice sharp shooting pain that worsens while walking, standing for long periods of time, or wearing tight or narrow footwear. The front of the foot may feel swollen or sensitive, even when there is little visible change. Repeated pressure on the nerve from high heels, certain sports, or abnormal foot structure can contribute to the problem. A podiatrist can evaluate the symptoms, examine the foot, and determine whether the nerve is compressed or inflamed. Treatment may include footwear changes, targeted exercises, and injections. If you have symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

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 Piedmont Podiatry Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

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!

Walking Shoes Versus Running Shoes and Why the Difference Matters

Walking shoes and running shoes are designed to support different movement patterns and impact levels. Walking involves a smooth rolling motion from heel to toe with consistent ground contact, while running creates greater impact forces that require more cushioning and shock absorption. Walking shoes tend to offer flexibility and support for steady motion, while running shoes provide enhanced cushioning and stability for higher intensity activity. Wearing the wrong type of shoe can lead to foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, shin discomfort, blisters, and joint strain. Choosing the correct footwear helps improve comfort and performance. A podiatrist can assess gait, recommend proper shoes, and provide custom orthotics, if needed. If you have developed foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes for your desired activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Differences between Walking and Running Shoes

When Foot and Ankle Structures Are Not Working as They Should

The foot and ankle are made up of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that must work together for smooth movement and balance. When any of these structures are strained, injured, or not aligned properly, pain and limited mobility can follow. Common concerns include tendon irritation, joint stiffness, ligament sprains, and structural changes that develop over time. A careful evaluation helps identify where the problem is coming from, and how it affects the way you walk or stand. This may include examining movement patterns, checking strength and flexibility, and reviewing your activity level and footwear. Treatment depends on the specific cause and may involve rest, supportive devices, targeted exercises, or other non-surgical options. In more advanced cases, additional procedures may be considered to restore function and reduce discomfort. If foot or ankle pain is interfering with daily activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Connect With Us