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August 2020

Monday, 31 August 2020 00:00

Plantar Warts Grow Inward

A plantar wart is defined as a wart on the sole of the foot. It grows inward as a result of the pressure the feet endure on a daily basis, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. They appear to be flat, and many plantar warts have small, black specs in the center that are tiny blood vessels. Warts can be contagious, and are caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These environments include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. It is important to refrain from sharing shoes, socks, and towels, as this may limit the spread of plantar warts. There are effective treatment methods available, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine which one is best for you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about All About Plantar Warts
Published in Blog
Monday, 24 August 2020 00:00

Types of Ankle Sprains

Many people who participate in sporting activities that involve running and jumping may experience ankle sprains. A low ankle sprain occurs on the outside of the ankle, and is considered to be a common type of sprain. When the affected ligaments are above the ankle, it is categorized as a high ankle sprain. Common symptoms in both types of sprains include severe pain and discomfort, and it is often difficult to walk. Effective treatment for mild sprains include resting and elevating the affected foot, and this may be helpful in reducing existing swelling. Sprains that are moderate may require the patient to wear a boot, which can be beneficial in stabilizing the ankle as the healing process occurs. Severe sprains may require the patient to undergo physical therapy. If you have endured an ankle sprain, please speak to a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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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Published in Blog
Monday, 17 August 2020 00:00

Surgical Treatment of Corns

A corn is a thick layer of skin that forms due to excess pressure and friction. They work as the body’s mechanism for protection of the skin. Corns can form due to an enlarged joint, tight shoes or a toe deformity. While more conservative treatment options can be used on a corn, surgery may be necessary to remove the corn. Surgery usually involves a small incision (of about 2 cm), removal of the head of the corn, and then repairing the skin. After the surgery, your podiatrist will be able to provide recommendations for caring for the surgical wound. If you have a corn that is painful, consult with your podiatrist on what treatment options are best for 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:

  • 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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them
Published in Blog
Wednesday, 12 August 2020 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

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.

Published in Blog
Monday, 10 August 2020 00:00

Why Biomechanics Are Important

In podiatry, biomechanics involves assessing the structure, alignment and function of the feet. The foot provides us with the ability to walk upright and has developed to adapt to whatever surfaces we walk on. Because the average person takes between 5,000 and 18,000 steps in a single day, the foot can experience stress from repetitiveness, resulting in injury. While options such as orthotics can help prevent injury, paying special attention to the strength and flexibility of the feet allow their function to improve. Therefore, if you are actively on your feet, make sure to consult with a podiatrist to help find any predisposed issues.

If you have any concerns 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

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Sever’s disease is an injury of the growth plate in the heel bone that is caused by overuse. This condition is most common in children, especially boys between the ages of 8 and 14. The usual symptoms of Sever’s disease are pain and tenderness in the heel, discomfort in the foot upon walking first thing in the morning, limping while walking, and increased heel pain during and after physical activity. Your child may have an increased risk of developing Sever’s disease if they are heavier and taller than average for their age, have over-pronated feet or flat feet, play sports like soccer, football, or hockey, run barefoot or run on hard surfaces, suddenly increase their level of physical activity, or wear footwear without adequate cushioning and support. If your child complains of heel pain, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
Published in Blog
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