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How Being Overweight Can Affect the Feet

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Carrying extra body weight puts added strain on the feet every day. With each step, the heels and arches absorb more pressure than they are designed to handle. This can lead to heel pain, flattening of the arch, and aching in the ball of the foot. The joints may become stiff, tendons may feel sore, and the risk of arthritis increases over time. Some people also notice burning, swelling, or tired feet after standing or walking for short periods. Body fat can also affect how tissues function, which may increase discomfort beyond simple pressure alone. A podiatrist can examine how you stand and walk, check foot alignment, and measure areas of high pressure. Treatment includes custom orthotics, supportive bracing, and guidance to reduce stress on the feet and prevent further damage. If you have foot pain that may be related to excess weight, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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 Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

How Children Learn to Walk With Confidence

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Children do not move like small adults. Early walking patterns evolve as bones lengthen, muscles strengthen, and coordination improves. During growth spurts, legs may seem awkward, feet may turn in or out, and balance may temporarily change. These shifts are usually part of healthy growth, but some patterns persist longer than expected. Frequent tripping, uneven shoe wear, toe walking, or complaints or signaling of leg fatigue can show that movement mechanics need attention. Sports, footwear choices, and surface demands also influence how forces travel through the feet and ankles. Addressing concerns early can support comfort, confidence, and efficient movement as children mature. Early guidance helps prevent strain and injury. If a child shows ongoing walking difficulties, pain, or unusual shoe wear patterns, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Symptoms and Causes of Fungal Toenails

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Fungal toenails develop gradually and affect the appearance and health of nails. Symptoms include thickened nails, discoloration ranging from yellow to brown, brittle edges, and changes in nail shape. Some people notice lifting of the nail from the nail bed, surface debris, or an unpleasant odor. Discomfort can occur when pressure is applied. Causes are linked to fungal organisms that thrive in warm, moist environments and enter through small breaks in the nail or surrounding skin. Risk factors include nail trauma, reduced circulation, and advancing age. Certain medical conditions and prolonged exposure to damp footwear or communal surfaces are other factors. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis through examination and testing and rule out other nail disorders. Medical treatment is aimed at clearing infection and protecting nail growth. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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 Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns and When to Seek Podiatric Care

Tuesday, 03 February 2026

Corns are areas of thickened skin that develop as a response to ongoing friction and pressure on the feet. They commonly form on the tops and sides of toes or between toes where shoes rub repeatedly. Wearing tight footwear, abnormal toe positioning, and foot deformities are frequent causes that increase stress on the skin. There are different types of corns, including hard corns on bony areas and soft corns that appear between toes and may stay moist. Corns can be quite painful, especially when pressure is applied during walking or standing. A podiatrist can safely treat corns, relieve discomfort, and address the underlying cause. If you have developed a corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

Well-fitting socks
Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

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