Items filtered by date: August 2021

The sesamoid bones are located in the ball of the foot, just behind the big toe. These two tiny pea-sized bones support tendons in the feet and allow downward motion of the big toe. When the sesamoids are inflamed it is known as sesamoiditis. This condition usually arises as a result of a sudden injury that bends the big toe upwards. People who participate in sports that put stress on the sesamoid bones, such as football, soccer, and dance, are at an increased risk of sesamoid injuries. Suddenly increasing the intensity of your workouts or wearing ill-fitted shoes or shoes with excessively high heels can also make sesamoiditis more likely. Symptoms of this condition include pain under the ball of the foot, a restricted range of motion in the big toe, and a popping sensation in your big toe when you walk. If you suspect that you may have sesamoiditis, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

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 Podiatry Health Center. 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 our office located in Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

A fungal infection of the toenails is a common condition that affects as much as 10% of the population. There are various types of toenail fungus, better known among medical professionals as onychomycosis. The most common type is distal or lateral subungual onychomycosis. It frequently affects the big toenails and causes yellow, white, or brown discoloration that starts at the end or side of a toenail before spreading to the rest of the nail. Proximal subungual onychomycosis starts at the base of the toenail and spreads outwards. Superficial onychomycosis first infects the top layers of the toenails and then spreads to deeper layers. Regardless of the type of toenail fungus you may have, treatment methods such as oral and topical antifungal medications or laser therapy can help. To learn more about toenail fungus and available treatment options, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you. 

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot care needs.

The excessive weight gain and hormonal surges women experience during pregnancy can cause swollen feet and ankles, pain in the heel, arch, and balls of the feet, as well as cramping, and varicose veins in the legs. Pregnant women can also be more prone to rolling their feet inwardly while walking (over-pronating), and their feet usually lengthen and flatten out. Their balance can also be affected throughout pregnancy. If you are pregnant and notice any of these symptoms within your feet, consulting with a podiatrist is suggested. A podiatrist can help ease these symptoms during pregnancy with practical tips, foot exercises, shoe recommendations, as well as custom orthotics to disburse weight more evenly across the foot, relieve pressure points, and correct alignment.

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 Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care 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 our office located in Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Common warts that form on the bottom of the foot are known as plantar warts. Plantar warts form as a result of the human papilloma virus, (also known as HPV) which tends to thrive in warm and moist environments like locker rooms, shower floors, and swimming pools. Common signs that the skin growth on the foot is a plantar wart include the growth being raised, feeling hard, having a rough surface, or possibly having small black dots near the center. Plantar warts may also be painful when standing or applying pressure to the wart. While many warts eventually go away on their own, plantar warts that persist should be looked at by a podiatrist. Patients with diabetes, circulatory problems, or vascular disease should also have their plantar wart checked by a podiatrist.  

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot care 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 office located in Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe is not only painful, it can also be very inconvenient because the toes help with walking and balance. Common signs of a broken toe include the inability to walk, throbbing, bruising, swelling, redness, tenderness, or the toe appears crooked. While the toe bones are small, and a broken toe may seem minor, any toe fracture should be looked at by a podiatrist. If a broken toe is left untreated, complications such as long term pain, arthritis, permanent bone deformity, or an infection may occur. Upon visiting a podiatrist, they will be able to help provide a proper treatment method for the injury. Common treatment methods for a broken toe include icing, resting, buddy taping, or surgery, and in some cases, antibiotics may be necessary if an infection has occurred.  

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot care needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.