Plantar warts are small growths that develop on the bottom of the feet and are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus, or HPV. These warts often appear as rough, thickened areas of skin on parts of the foot that bear weight, such as the heel or the ball of the foot. Plantar warts may have a grainy texture and sometimes contain small dark pinpoint spots within the lesion. Symptoms include localized tenderness, discomfort while walking, and pressure-related pain. Risk factors include walking barefoot in warm moist environments, such as locker rooms or public pool areas, minor skin breaks, and weakened skin protection. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts and provide safe targeted treatment. Plantar warts can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed this type of wart, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

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

Sports-related foot and ankle injuries can affect an athlete’s ability to run, jump, or change direction. Football places demands on the lower limbs because players make explosive movements and experience contact. Ankle sprains are frequent injuries and happen when the ankle twists beyond its normal range. Other problems include ankle fractures and Achilles tendon tears. A fracture is a break in a bone, while an Achilles tear damages the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. A podiatric evaluation can help determine the injury’s severity and guide a safe return to activity.

The midfoot and toes can also suffer sports injuries. A Lisfranc injury damages the joints or supporting tissues in the middle of the foot and can cause pain and swelling. It can also cause difficulty putting weight on the foot. Turf toe affects the joint at the base of the big toe. It develops when the toe bends too far upward, which can damage supporting tissues. Jones fractures affect the fifth metatarsal, the long bone along the outside of the foot. These injuries can limit athletic performance, and some can resemble less-serious sprains.

A podiatrist can examine the foot or ankle, assess stability, and determine which structures are injured. Imaging can help identify fractures or more serious damage when appropriate. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury. Options include immobilization, custom orthotics, or medication for pain and inflammation. Some severe injuries require surgery to restore stability or repair damaged tissue. A podiatrist can also guide recovery and determine when returning to sports is appropriate. Returning too soon can increase the chance of another injury or lasting instability. If you have symptoms of a sports-related foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Heel pain can range from a mild ache to discomfort that makes walking difficult. The heel is the largest bone in the foot and handles significant pressure with each step. Pain can develop after injury or repeated stress. Plantar fasciitis occurs when excessive pressure damages the thick band of tissue that supports the bottom of the foot, leading to pain and stiffness. Achilles tendonitis can also cause heel pain when the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated from overuse.

Other causes of heel pain include sprains, fractures, and bursitis. Bursitis affects small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion areas where tissues meet bone. Certain forms of arthritis can also produce heel discomfort. Symptoms deserve prompt attention when pain begins suddenly or becomes severe. Redness and swelling are other warning signs. Heel pain can change the way a person walks, which can affect balance and increase the risk of falling. Finding the cause is important because different heel problems require different approaches to treatment.

A podiatrist can evaluate heel pain by examining the foot and asking when the symptoms started. The examination can help determine whether the problem involves the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, or another structure. Imaging, like an X-ray, can provide more information when a bone injury or another problem is suspected. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain. A podiatrist can recommend supportive devices that reduce pressure on painful areas and improve foot support. Proper treatment can help protect mobility and reduce the chance of further injury. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, damp environments. The infection can develop between the toes, along the soles, or on other areas of the foot. Common symptoms include itching, burning, and cracked skin. Some people may also develop small blisters or soreness. Although athlete’s foot is usually manageable, untreated infections can spread to the toenails or other areas of the body.

There are several ways a person may develop athlete’s foot. Walking barefoot in damp public areas can increase exposure to fungi. Wearing sweaty shoes and socks for long periods creates an environment where fungal organisms thrive. Sharing footwear, socks, or towels with someone who has a fungal infection can also increase the risk. Athletes may be particularly vulnerable because sports often involve sweating, shared facilities, and prolonged periods in enclosed shoes. Other risk factors include excessive foot sweating, minor skin damage, and keeping the feet damp after bathing or exercise.

A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot by examining the affected skin and reviewing symptoms. In some cases, a small skin sample may be tested to confirm a fungal infection when the diagnosis is uncertain. The podiatrist may recommend an appropriate antifungal medication and provide guidance about footwear and foot hygiene. If the skin is cracked or severely irritated, additional care may be needed to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Persistent infections may require further evaluation.

Preventing athlete’s foot involves keeping the feet clean and dry and changing damp socks or shoes promptly. Patients should also avoid sharing personal items that contact the feet and should use appropriate footwear in communal wet areas. Seeking treatment early can reduce discomfort and help prevent the infection from spreading. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication. 

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