Items filtered by date: July 2025

Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can lead to a range of painful foot conditions, including blisters, bunions, corns, and even long-term joint problems. Wearing tight or unsupportive footwear places stress on the foot’s structure, often causing inflammation, discomfort, and changes in gait. Choosing the right shoes is essential for maintaining foot health, especially for those who stand or walk for long periods of time. Proper fit includes adequate room for toes, good arch support, and a secure heel. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot type and recommend footwear that promotes comfort and prevents injury. If you are experiencing foot pain or are unsure about your shoe choices, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for expert guidance and relief.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Health Center. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.

Exercise can support healing and strength for many foot conditions when done at the right level. Gentle stretching and strengthening movements may help improve flexibility and reduce discomfort. It is important to aim for minimal or acceptable pain during activity, which means a mild ache that does not increase or linger. Excessive pain, sharp discomfort, or swelling after exercise may signal overuse or improper technique. A podiatrist can recommend specific exercises based on your condition, monitor progress, and guide you on safe intensity. If you have ongoing foot pain or are unsure of which stretches are best, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to create a plan that supports recovery, mobility, and long-term foot health.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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.

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common infection that causes discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nail. It often starts as a white or yellow spot under the nail and can spread, if left untreated. Risk factors include increasing age, excess weight, diabetes, psoriasis, and a weakened immune system. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments and can be difficult to eliminate without medical care. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, trim affected nails, and provide antifungal treatments or advanced therapies to restore nail health. If you notice changes in your toenails or have persistent foot infections, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for expert care and personalized treatment to improve nail appearance and overall foot health.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Pickleball is increasingly popular across America, but it can lead to various foot, toe and ankle injuries that warrant attention. Common acute injuries include ankle sprains from sudden pivots, Achilles tendon strains, and occasional tendon ruptures that require surgery. These pickleball injuries often result in pain, swelling and difficulty walking or bearing weight. Plantar fasciitis and heel bruising may develop from repetitive impacts on hard pickleball courts, causing persistent heel and arch pain. Players may also develop blisters from footwear friction during long matches. A podiatrist can evaluate structural issues, provide diagnostic imaging, recommend custom orthotics and footwear adjustments, and determine whether surgery is necessary for severe tendon tears. Early attention helps prevent long‑term complications and supports a faster return to play. If you have foot pain related to pickleball activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for 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 feel free to contact our office located in Dothan, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.