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Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Sunday, 30 November 2025

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Why Does My Toe Hurt?

Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Toe pain can result from a variety of conditions that affect daily comfort and mobility. Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe pain, swelling, and redness in the toes. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint inflammation, stiffness, and chronic discomfort. Diabetes can cause nerve damage, numbness, or infections that increase the risk of toe pain. Trauma such as a broken toe causes immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Corns and blisters form from friction or pressure, resulting in localized pain and irritation. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause of toe pain, provide effective treatment options, recommend protective footwear or orthotics, and develop a preventive care plan. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

Trauma
Sports injury
Wearing shoes that are too tight
Arthritis
Gout
Corns and calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Blisters
Ingrown toenails
Sprains
Fractures (broken bones)
Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

Severe pain
Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
Signs of infection
Continued swelling
Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

The Hidden Strain Beneath the Big Toe

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

The sesamoid bones are two small pea shaped structures located under the big toe joint. They act like pulleys to assist with movement and balance. When these bones become irritated or injured, pain develops directly beneath the big toe and often worsens with walking or high impact activity. This condition, known as sesamoiditis, is frequently linked to running, dancing, or wearing shoes that place pressure on the forefoot. In some cases, a sesamoid bone may fracture, creating more intense discomfort. Rest, wearing cushioned footwear, and protective padding can ease strain, but the pain should not be ignored. Addressing the problem early can shorten recovery and prevent long term limitations. If you are experiencing ongoing pain under your big toe, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a clear diagnosis and appropriate care.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

Sudden increase in activity
Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Understanding Athlete's Foot and Foot Bumps

Tuesday, 11 November 2025

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that causes itching, burning, and peeling skin, often between the toes or on the soles. It is typically caused by exposure to warm, moist environments like locker rooms, showers, or sweaty footwear, where the fungus thrives. In some cases, small red bumps or blisters may appear, adding discomfort and making walking painful. These bumps can also be caused by blocked sweat glands, clogged pores, or other skin conditions. The infected areas may look dry, scaly, cracked, or inflamed. A podiatrist can check the affected skin and identify the exact cause through a physical exam and possible lab tests. Treatment options include antifungal creams, oral medications, foot hygiene recommendations, and custom care plans for more persistent cases. Ignoring symptoms can lead to the infection worsening or spreading. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis and effective treatment before the condition progresses.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

Thoroughly washing and drying feet
Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
Using shower shoes in public showers
Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

Redness
Burning
Itching
Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

Obesity May Affect Foot Structure

Tuesday, 04 November 2025

Research has indicated that an elevated body mass index may affect the structure of the foot. A common foot condition in overweight people is plantar fasciitis. This can happen as a result of the feet enduring the weight of the body, and the arches are generally affected. Obesity may lead to diabetes and poor circulation, and these ailments can cause serious foot conditions. It is beneficial to implement a healthy lifestyle which is conducive to maintaining a normal weight. This can consist of performing a gentle exercise routine, drinking plenty of water daily, and eating fruits and vegetables. If you are overweight and have pain in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage your foot pain.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.

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