Items filtered by date: May 2025

Ingrown toenail surgery is a common procedure used to relieve pain and prevent recurring infections when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This condition often affects the big toe and can cause redness, swelling, and tenderness. When conservative care does not provide relief, surgical treatment may be recommended. One surgical approach involves removing a portion of the nail to ease pressure and allow healing. Another method includes removing the entire nail if the problem is severe or recurrent. In some cases, a chemical or laser is used to prevent the nail from growing back in the affected area. These procedures are typically performed in a clinical setting with minimal discomfort and a short recovery time. If you have an ingrown toenail that is bothersome or has become infected, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can determine if ingrown toenail surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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 and ankle needs.

Heel pain is a common foot complaint and can stem from several conditions, including plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, or neuromas. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, often causing sharp pain with your first steps in the morning. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the heel bone due to overuse or repetitive activity, leading to persistent, aching pain. Neuromas are nerve issues that may cause burning, tingling, or numbness in the heel or arch. These conditions may feel like stabbing pain, deep aches, or electric-like shocks, depending on the cause. Without treatment, heel pain can worsen and affect your mobility. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your heel pain through physical exams, imaging, and gait analysis. Treatment options include custom orthotics, targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, or, in some cases, minor procedures. If you are experiencing ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for 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 contact our office located in Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Poor circulation can cause significant issues for hikers, especially in the feet and ankles where blood flow is already challenged by prolonged standing and walking. Peripheral vascular disease and venous insufficiency can reduce the ability of blood to travel efficiently. This may cause cold feet, numbness, tingling, swelling, and muscle fatigue during or after a hike. These symptoms can make hiking uncomfortable and may increase the risk of injury or delayed healing. Poor circulation also increases vulnerability to cold-related foot problems, as inadequate blood flow prevents proper warmth from reaching the extremities. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation problems in the feet and ankles and recommend appropriate medical treatment to manage symptoms and help improve blood flow. Paying attention to persistent numbness, swelling, or pain is important when hiking. If you are experiencing foot, toe, or ankle problems from hiking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate  treatment.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Foot development in babies and toddlers follows a natural progression as they grow and begin to explore their environment. At birth, a baby’s feet are soft, flat, and mostly cartilage, with arches not yet fully formed. As babies start crawling and pulling up to stand, their feet strengthen and begin to take shape. During this stage, barefoot time is ideal for natural development and balance. When toddlers begin walking, soft-soled shoes that allow for flexibility and movement are recommended to protect the feet without restricting growth. As walking becomes more steady, supportive shoes with non-slip soles help provide stability. It is important to choose shoes that fit properly, offer enough room for the toes, and do not interfere with the natural growth and development of the feet. If you have concerns about your child’s foot development, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can address any questions you may have.

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