A fungal infection that develops on the feet may be classified as athlete’s foot. There are noticeable symptoms consisting of itchiness between the toes and on the soles of the feet. Additionally, the skin may become dry and can begin to flake. This fungus lives in warm environments, such as public swimming pools and shower room floors. Athlete's foot is contagious, so it is suggested that you wear appropriate shoes while in these communal areas. It is also wise to refrain from sharing shoes, socks, and towels as this may help to reduce the spread of Athlete’s foot. If you find that the bottoms of your feet are itchy, red, or irritated you may have developed athlete’s foot. It is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat this condition and prescribe medication for relief.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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 and ankle needs.

Hard lumps that form on the soles of the feet may be indicative of Ledderhose disease. Ledderhose disease is considered to be a rare foot condition that affects the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the band of tissue connecting the heels to the toes and may cause pain while walking. The lumps that form are generally benign and typically affect people middle-aged and older. The ankle joints may be uncomfortable, and a tingling sensation may be felt. The exact reason this foot condition develops is unknown, however, people with certain medical ailments may be prone to Ledderhose disease. These can include diabetic patients, people who consume excess alcohol, and those who take specific medications. Wearing custom-made orthotics may help to relieve pressure on the bottom of the feet. If you have pain in the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose Ledderhose disease and offer the correct treatment options.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

It is a well-documented fact about pregnancy that the pregnant woman’s feet may be negatively impacted in some way. For example, a pregnant woman’s feet may commonly swell or become achy. If you are a pregnant woman experiencing these issues with your feet, seeing a podiatrist can help you treat these problems. Specifically, a podiatrist may recommend to you several different things for swelling or achy feet. First, the podiatrist might recommend that you reduce swelling in the feet and lower legs by elevating the feet. Second, the podiatrist might recommend that you wear more comfortable shoes that fit better. Third, the podiatrist might recommend that you use some kind of cooling cream made for the feet during pregnancy. Some of these creams are made with anti-inflammatory ingredients and promote anti-swelling. Some of them also create cooling sensations in the feet. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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 and ankle needs.

A force that is exerted on one or more bones in the foot may result in a broken foot. It can happen from falling, or from enduring a sudden injury. Most people know immediately if they have broken their foot by the amount of swelling and bruising that occurs. In severe breaks, the bone can protrude and may look deformed, possibly requiring surgery for proper placement. A  diagnosis is often performed by having an X-ray taken, which is generally successful in determining the severity of the fracture. This is often followed by beginning the correct treatment, which often means wearing a boot or a cast that can stabilize the foot as the healing process occurs. Recovery time can be up to 3 months, and crutches can be used which can aid in completing daily tasks. After the foot has healed, specific exercises can be performed to strengthen the entire foot. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you in regaining strength in your foot.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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 and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that typically starts between the toes. Oftentimes, this occurs in people whose feet have become sweaty while wearing tight-fitting shoes. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include a scaly rash that often causes itching, stinging, and burning. This fungal infection is contagious and can be spread from contaminated floors, towels, or clothing. Athlete’s foot can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications, but since it is an infection that frequently returns, it is better to obtain treatment from a podiatrist who has the newest medications in his or her arsenal.

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.

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.

Most people who are knowledgeable about the different ways to maintain proper foot health likely know the dangers of wearing flip-flops. One of the often overlooked negative impacts that flip-flops can have on the feet is potential toe pain. There are many different reasons for this. Most importantly, flip-flops can make the toes scrunch up into abnormal contortions to keep the shoe from slipping off of the foot. An individual who wears flip-flops might also experience toe pain because wearing this kind of shoe makes one more susceptible to stubbing the toes. Lastly, flip-flops can cause toe pain because they ultimately offer next to no toe support or cushion. If you are concerned about preventing toe pain, contact a podiatrist today, especially if you typically wear flip-flops.

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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain can cause misery to a runner’s daily routine. Many people who enjoy running or jogging have goals they like to meet, and this can become compromised with existing heel pain. It is important for runners to avoid getting the common foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis, and this can be done by implementing a few simple strategies. These consist of properly stretching the calf and heel before and after running, which can help to strengthen the ligaments that support the arch. Additionally, it is beneficial to gradually increase running speed and mileage, which can give the feet a chance to adapt to the changes. Allowing ample time for recovery is a key factor in preventing plantar fasciitis, and it helps to wear the right shoes for the desired style of running. There are certain people who may be prone to developing plantar fasciitis, including patients who are older, have had previous heel injuries, or have high arches. There are various treatments for heel pain, and it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose plantar fasciitis and offer correct pain relief options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

There are many differences of opinion concerning flip-flops and the feet. Despite the ease and choice of several designs and colors to choose from, wearing these types of shoes may have detrimental effects on the feet. Flip-flops are made of rubber material, with a thin piece separating the big toe from the other toes. They generally have little or no arch support, and the toes work harder than usual to keep the shoe on the foot. It is beneficial to wear flip-flops for a limited time, such as going to the beach or pool, followed by wearing a more supportive shoe at the end of the day. There are flip-flops that are made of sturdier materials, in addition to having a strap on the back. This may be helpful in preventing cracked heels from developing. Flip-flops can be fun to wear, and if you desire to do so, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the best type of this shoe to purchase.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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.