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.
Corns are small lumps of thickened, hardened skin that occur due to friction or pressure on an area of the foot. They are most often located in between the toes, on top of the toes, or on the soles of the feet. Corns can be uncomfortable or even painful, but non-surgical treatment is usually successful. Most of these treatments work by off-loading, or taking the pressure off of, the corn. Your doctor may ask you to wear a padded corn sleeve over the corn if it is located on your toe. If the corn is located between the toes, you may be asked to wear a toe spacer between the affected toes to take pressure and friction off the corn. A corn donut, which is a padded, donut-shaped device, can be placed around the corn to off-load it. If it is associated with a large callus, your doctor can also trim the corn. If you suffer from painful foot corns, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.
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:
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 and ankle needs.
Walking is a great low-impact way to lose weight, strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and more. However, it is important to use footwear designed specifically for the biomechanics of walking. Walking is done with a steady heel-to-toe stride, transferring body weight evenly from the heel to the toe. This motion begins with the heel striking the ground first, followed by a rolling motion through the heel to the toes, and then a pushing out of the stride with the toes. A good walking shoe will support and facilitate this motion in a few ways. Walking shoes should be flexible at the forefoot to allow the foot to flex during the heel-to-toe walking stride. A walking shoe should provide adequate cushioning, but not as much in the forefoot as a running shoe. This makes walking shoes lighter in weight, which help keep you comfortable. Regarding the heel, straight (or undercut) heels are best for walking shoes—as opposed to wider, higher, or flared heels in running shoes which may interfere with the walking stride. Before embarking on any fitness walking regimen, consult with a podiatrist for additional footwear/foot health advice—particularly if you have an existing medical condition.
For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.
Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes
There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.
You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.
Differences
Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.
Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.
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.
The ankle is a complex joint composed of bones and ligaments. It is critical for movement and balance. Because the ankle works so hard during walking, running, and jumping, it can become sprained, or fractured—especially during sports and other physical activities. Sprains occur when the ligaments that connect ankle bones and provide stability become injured. This can happen when the ligaments are overly stretched, partially torn, or completely torn. Ankle sprains can cause inflammation, bruising, swelling, and pain of varying degrees. Fractures are actual breaks in one or more of the ankle bones and are usually due to acute trauma. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that develop over time. Both types of fractures cause pain and swelling, although stress fractures may produce more gradual pain and less swelling than a regular break in the bone. A podiatrist can assess and diagnose any pain in the ankle and treat it accordingly.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
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.
Heel pain can have a variety of causes, but the most common cause of it is plantar fasciitis. This occurs when the long band of tissue on the sole of the foot becomes inflamed. Women late in their pregnancy and people who waitress or work on their feet all day may be more at risk for developing this type of heel pain. Other causes of heel pain can include: a small crack in the heel bone, compressed nerves, worn down heel pads, nerve damage, thickened tissue surrounding a nerve, inflammation of the tendon that connects the heel bone with the calf muscles, plantar warts, and abnormalities in the bone which can causes inflammation of the bursa sac. There may also be injury to the tunnel between the heel and talus bones known as Sinus Tarsi Syndrome. If you are struggling with any type of pain in your heel it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.
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?
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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
There are five long metatarsal bones in the front of the foot which connect the toes with the tarsal bones of the mid-and-hind-foot. These metatarsals bear a great deal of weight during walking, running and jumping, which makes them more susceptible to tiny cracks known as stress fractures. These stress fractures occur over time through repetitive activity which first weakens, and eventually cracks these metatarsals. Stress fractures in the metatarsals can be caused by osteoporosis or other activities that can weaken bones, irregular body mechanics (how the body moves), or a sudden change in physical activity. Symptoms of a stress fracture can include discomfort ranging from a dull ache to a sharp pain which may wax and wane, along with bruising or swelling. If you are experiencing pain in the front of your foot, or any part of your foot, a podiatrist can help diagnose and treat your condition.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
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 and ankle needs.
A broken ankle bone often takes at least six weeks to fully heal. During the recovery period, your doctor may require you to wear a support device to limit the ankle’s movement and protect it. Usually a support device for an ankle fracture is either a brace, cast, or splint. Ankle braces are typically lightweight, pull-on garments that immobilize the joint and provide heat and compression. A splint may be more restrictive and minimizes movement while stabilizing the ankle joint. A cast is the most restrictive, encasing the affected ankle, and is designed to keep the ankle completely immobile. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions to achieve full recovery. If you have fractured your ankle, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
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.
You may have heard of bunions, which sometimes pop up at the base of the big toe joint, but what is a bunionette? Bunionettes, also known as tailor’s bunions, are small, bony bumps that occur at the base of the pinky toe joints. Much like regular bunions, bunionettes can be painful, swollen, and red. Finding comfortable shoes that don’t rub up against the affected area may be difficult. Without treatment, bunionettes usually worsen over time. Fortunately, conservative treatments such as wearing wider shoes, a toe spacer, padding, and activity modifications, are often effective in managing the condition. Surgery to correct a bunionette may be beneficial for a smaller percentage of people. To learn more about bunionettes and what treatment methods are best for you, please consult with a podiatrist.
If you are suffering from bunions, 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.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
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.
While the feet can often be ignored in self care, taking care of your feet is a big part of being healthy and avoiding problems down the road. Proper foot care can help prevent fungal infections, cracked heels, corns, calluses, bunions, ingrown toenails and much more from developing. Since bacteria and fungi thrive in damp areas, it is important to wash and dry your feet thoroughly—especially between the toes. Moisturize your heels to prevent them from becoming dry, chapped, or cracked. Pamper your feet occasionally by soaking them to keep them soft and supple. Trim toenails straight across but not so short that ingrown toenails can occur. Wear moisture-wicking socks to keep the feet dry, and comfortable shoes that support your heels and arches as well as fit properly. It is also suggested that you have your feet checked by a podiatrist to help you maintain the best overall foot health.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
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 and ankle needs.
