Being overweight increases the risk of many health-related issues, including foot problems and pain. One’s gait can become altered from obesity, putting one at greater risk for foot, ankle, and other injuries. Eating healthy and exercising regularly is the recommended route to losing weight, however, it can be challenging to accomplish movement when experiencing foot pain. Tips to overcome this conundrum include starting an exercise program slowly. Wear well-fitting, comfortable, and supportive shoes along with padded socks to help protect the feet from injuries. Practice good foot hygiene to avoid potential trouble spots that might interfere with progress. If you are overweight and want to begin a movement program but are concerned about the ability of your feet to cooperate without excessive discomfort, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist about how to best proceed.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Ankle sprains are common, particularly among athletes. They can affect posture, muscles, and strength and when they recur or do not heal properly, ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability and related problems. One can feel persistent pain and have trouble bearing weight, doing strenuous activities, and walking on rugged surfaces. A brace or taping for sports and physical therapy to help with balance and strengthening of the ankle are often considered for such instability, but sometimes surgery is required as a treatment to repair injured ligaments. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist promptly. Proper diagnosis and treatment can ensue so that the ankle heals, and long-term ankle instability is prevented. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

People who have pain on the outside of their ankle may have cuboid syndrome. This ailment is defined as the cuboid bone moving outward while the heel bone moves inward. It is a foot condition that can be caused by twisting the ankle or from stepping off of a curb in the wrong way unexpectedly. It may also develop from running on hard or uneven surfaces or from wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support. The pain may increase when body weight is put on that side of the foot and may radiate to the other areas of the foot. Additional symptoms can consist of a reduced range of motion in the ankle and surrounding areas, and the toes may feel weak that are closest to the injury. Some patients may alter their gait, or walking style, to accommodate the pain by limping or swaying from side to side. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can confirm cuboid syndrome and offer correct treatment options.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

A bunion, termed hallux valgus, is a bone deformity of the big toe. This condition can cause the tip of the toe to push toward the smaller toes as the bottom of the toe joint juts outward from the foot. The resulting bump can prove to be painful as it changes the gait and rubs against the inside of the shoe. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be the only option for reducing pain. This may be successful in straightening out the joint, in addition to stabilizing the gait. It can also help to prevent hammertoe and other foot abnormalities from developing. Deciding on bunion surgery depends on various factors, such as the severity of the bunion, and whether it is related to osteoarthritis. Additionally, the impact it may have on completing daily activities or participating in sporting activities may contribute to making this decision. Side effects may include nerve damage, inflammation, and permanent stiffness. It is beneficial to explore this with a podiatrist before deciding on this type of surgery. To find out whether bunion surgery is the right option for you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

It is a well known fact that working on the feet all day and having to stand for prolonged periods of time can have negative health consequences for your feet. For example, if your job requires you to stand all day, you may be setting yourself up for an increased risk of experiencing foot pain, or possibly developing foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. In addition, standing on the feet all day may result in swollen feet or ankles. However, the negative health consequences of standing all day are not limited to the feet. Namely, an individual may also develop chronic back pain and neck or shoulder stiffness. Further, one’s risk of experiencing heart disease may possibly increase. If you are someone who must stand for prolonged periods of time, it is recommended that you contact a podiatrist today.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts and corns are two distinct, yet similar, foot conditions that often get confused with one another. Plantar warts are growths on the feet spread by the human papillomavirus, whereas corns are thickened areas of the skin that grow in response to pressure. In order to determine whether an area of the feet is technically a plantar wart or a corn, a medical professional may examine the location of the affected area of the skin. For example, corns are usually adjacent to bones whereas this is not always necessarily the case with a plantar wart. Also, a medical professional may perform a squeeze test where the sides of the affected skin are gently squeezed together. If the patient feels no pain, this might mean that they have a corn rather than a plantar wart. If you believe that you might have a plantar wart or a corn, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Recent studies have shown that falling episodes in seniors may be more prevalent in the fall and winter months. This may be a result of the changes the body undergoes in this type of weather, and people may not be able to react in time to prevent a fall from occurring. Falling is said to be a leading cause for a variety of injuries in people over 65 years old. Many seniors who fall can develop a fear of falling, which may lead to limiting everyday activities. This can limit mobility, and physical activity may be stopped. It is beneficial to learn about effective fall prevention methods to restore mobility and enjoyment in daily activities. These can include improving lighting in the household and removing worn rugs from the steps. Additionally, it is important to have routine physical and eye examinations to update existing medication and eyeglasses. Falling can impact the feet, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can inform you of practical fall-prevention techniques for foot protection.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

There is no mistaking the pain that comes from having gout. There are people that develop gout who experience pain that is so debilitating that they may not be able to walk up the steps. Gout is considered to be a form of arthritis that can happen from genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods include excessive amounts of shellfish, red meat, or drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. This may cause a build-up of uric acid in the blood, which converts into crystals, and can lodge in the joints of the big toe. People who have existing medical conditions may be prone to getting gout. These can include high blood pressure, diabetes, or who are overweight. Gout attacks can be prevented by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits into the daily regime. This can consist of engaging in a gentle stretching and exercise program, and drinking plenty of water. Additionally, it is important to include fruits and vegetables in the meals, while limiting foods with excess purines. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you treatment and prevention techniques.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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