There is a rare foot condition that is known as Ledderhose disease, which causes hard lumps to develop on the bottom of the feet. It is a result of a build up of connective tissue, and can cause pain and discomfort. The lumps are generally benign, and can be related to other connective tissue diseases. Additional symptoms include foot and ankle pain, tight skin, and a sensation of pins and needles. There may be existing conditions that lead to Ledderhose disease, including chronic liver disease, prior foot injuries, and diabetes. Patients with a long history of alcohol use may experience symptoms of this condition. Mild relief may be found when soft shoe inserts are worn to provide adequate padding for the bumps. It can be beneficial to perform mild stretches, and many patients find it can help to get regular foot massages. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options that may involve surgery for permanent relief.

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.
 

Common symptoms of the foot condition that is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome can include pain, numbness, and weakness in the toes and foot. There is a part of the foot that is called the tarsal tunnel, and is found between the ligaments that run across the foot and the inside of the ankle. Movement and flexibility are made possible by the nerves, arteries, and tendons that are within this tunnel, and repeated pressure on the nerves can cause tarsal tunnel syndrome. This can happen as a result of wearing tight shoes, an existing bony overgrowth in the ankle, or from a foot injury. Additionally, there may be current medical conditions that can cause this condition, such as diabetes, arthritis, or a thyroid disorder. Other symptoms that patients can experience include foot or toe pain, a sensation of an electric shock around the ankle or sole of the foot, and possible swelling. Relief may be found when compression stockings are worn, and specific medicine is prescribed. If you have developed this ailment, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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 common foot infection is known as athlete’s foot. Its medical term is tinea pedis, and it is caused by a fungus. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, including public shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas, and to refrain from sharing socks, shoes, and towels. Common symptoms that are associated with athlete’s foot consist of itchy feet, the soles may turn red and become dry, and the skin may crack between the toes. A proper diagnosis can include having a podiatrist examine the feet, often followed by having a sample taken of infected skin. Many times medication is prescribed that can provide mild relief for the itching and scaling. Effective prevention methods include washing and drying the feet daily, followed by wearing a clean pair of socks, and alternating the shoes that are worn. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes that are made of breathable materials and to avoid wearing shoes made of vinyl. If you have questions about relief for athlete’s foot, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

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.

The arch contributes to making the human foot stiff. Medical research has indicated there are two arches,the MLA (medial longitudinal arch) and the TTA (transverse tarsal arch). The middle of the foot contains the TTA, and covers the width of the foot. The TTA plays a more significant role in how stiff the foot is. The MLA runs on the inside of the foot from the heel to the toes. Each foot is made up of 26-28 bones, and together they account for nearly a quarter of the bones in the body. The plantar fascia is found within the MLA, and is responsible for 25 percent of foot stiffness. There is a test that is performed on cadaveric feet, known as the three-point bending test. This involves cutting the tissue between the long bones of the feet, known as the metatarsals. When the tissue is severed, the stiffness in the foot is reduced by half. Patients who are interested in learning more about the arch and foot structure may wish to speak with a podiatrist for more information.

If you have any concerns 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Foot pain is common and can arise from many causes. Injury or trauma, like a fracture, or medical conditions, like diabetes, can affect the feet and cause pain. Some painful foot conditions are presented here.  Care must be taken that the tendon does not rupture. Plantar fasciitis happens when the ligament running across the bottom of the foot tightens or tears. With this condition, one feels heel pain that is worse after rising from sleep or prolonged sitting. A Morton’s neuroma is a nerve condition that impacts the nerve that carries sensation to the toes. Persistent inflammation of the nerve will lead one to feel as if there is a marble between the third and fourth toes. It causes ball of the foot pain or numbness in the toes. Gout is a painful form of arthritis that arises from a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and often starts in the big toe but can also affect the ankles and heels. A foot fracture is when one of the 26 bones in the foot break. Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder that can be a complication of diabetes and lead to problems in the feet. It causes numbness and tingling in the feet, as well as burning pain. If you have foot pain, it is important to see a podiatrist so that you obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

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.

Inspecting your child’s feet regularly, and from an early age, is a good way to prevent foot problems in the future. If you notice any structural abnormality, be sure to see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Most congenital conditions, such as intoeing, may not correct on their own, but can respond positively if treatment is begun as the child’s foot grows and develops. Watch how your child walks to see whether their feet turn in or out. Check to see if they have knock-knees or other gait problems. Allow your young children to go barefoot on soft surfaces as this helps their muscle development, but be aware of hazards that could cause an injury, insect bite, or infection. However, it is not recommended that a child diagnosed with diabetes go barefoot. It’s important to maintain proper foot hygiene for your child. Feet should be washed daily and carefully dried, especially between the toes to ward off infection. If your child is active in sports, padded socks may help to prevent heel injuries. Monitor your child’s weight, as obesity can severely affect their foot growth and health. If you have further questions about your child’s foot health, please consult a podiatrist.

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