Blogs
Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
It's Time for Beautiful Feet
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
Heel Pain Can Be Treated!
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
January 2024 Newsletter!
Subject: Step into the New Year with Healthy Feet!
As we bid farewell to 2023, we express our gratitude for entrusting us with your foot and ankle health. This year holds the promise of new beginnings, and what better way to start afresh than by taking proactive steps towards optimal foot care!
1. Prioritize Your Foot Health: The foundation of overall well-being often begins with healthy feet. Consider scheduling a routine check-up to ensure your feet are in top shape for the adventures that lie ahead.
2. Diabetic Foot Care: For our diabetic patients, maintaining foot health is of paramount importance. Did you know that many payers cover diabetic shoes when qualifying conditions are present? These specialized shoes are designed to provide the support and protection needed to prevent complications associated with diabetes. Schedule an appointment with us to discuss your eligibility and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
3. New Year, New Shoes: Investing in proper footwear can make a significant difference in your daily comfort and mobility. Whether you're an athlete, a fashion enthusiast, or simply seeking comfortable options for everyday wear, our podiatry experts are here to guide you toward the right choices.
4. Tips for Healthy Feet in 2024:
- Maintain good hygiene by washing and thoroughly drying your feet daily.
- Trim your toenails regularly, cutting straight across to prevent ingrown nails.
- Stay active with exercises that promote foot strength and flexibility.
- Choose supportive and comfortable shoes for different activities.
5. Schedule Your Appointment:
To kickstart the New Year on the right foot, literally, book your appointment today. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care to ensure you step into the future with confidence. Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and happy New Year!
Can Foot Conditions Be Caused From Wearing High Heels?
Research has indicated that when high heels are worn frequently, damage may be done to the feet. The calf muscles may become shorter, which may cause Achilles tendon injuries. Additionally, uncomfortable foot conditions may develop as a result of inadequate room in the front of the shoe for yur toes. These can include bunions, hammertoes, corns, and blisters. Many women balance the desire to wear high heels by alternating with shoes that have a lower heel. Additionally, falling may be prevented when specific foot and ankle stretches are practiced, which can help the overall foot to become stronger. If you would like more information about how the feet are impacted by high heels, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Huntersville Office | 16419 Northcross Dr Suite A, Huntersville, NC 28078; Mooresvillle Office | 206 Joe Knox Avenue Suite D, Mooresville, NC 28117; and Mountain Island | 10310 Couloak Drive Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28216 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Does My Broken Toe Require Surgery?
The noticeable symptoms of a broken toe often include bruising, swelling, and redness. In severe cases, the affected toe may appear deformed, and surgery may be required for complete healing.This type of injury generally happens as a result of stubbing the toe into a piece of furniture, or from a heavy object dropping on it. It can be beneficial to elevate the foot as often as possible, and this may help to reduce existing swelling. A common treatment method is known as buddy taping. This is implemented by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, and this may be helpful in providing the necessary support as the healing process takes place. A broken toe requires a proper diagnosis and prompt treatment. If you have endured this type of injury, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat broken toes.
Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is a Broken Toe?
A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- Swelling
- Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
- Stiffness
- Nail Injury
Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Huntersville Office | 16419 Northcross Dr Suite A, Huntersville, NC 28078; Mooresvillle Office | 206 Joe Knox Avenue Suite D, Mooresville, NC 28117; and Mountain Island | 10310 Couloak Drive Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28216 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Foot Conditions Which May Affect Children
The majority of children are born with flat feet. The arch generally develops normally as the child grows, and it is important to have shoes and socks that fit properly as the feet get larger. Children may experience specific foot conditions as the aging process occurs, and it is beneficial for parents to be aware of how their child walks. Some of these ailments can include limping, permanent flat feet, walking on tip-toes, or walking may begin later than average. It is beneficial to measure your child’s feet approximately every three months, and this can help to determine what the proper size shoe is. If you would like additional information about specific foot conditions that can affect children, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can answer any concerns you may have.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Huntersville Office | 16419 Northcross Dr Suite A, Huntersville, NC 28078; Mooresvillle Office | 206 Joe Knox Avenue Suite D, Mooresville, NC 28117; and Mountain Island | 10310 Couloak Drive Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28216 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Warming Up and Cooling Down
Research has indicated the sport of running is a popular form of exercise among all groups of people. Many children and teenagers enjoy participating in track and field during school, and generally will perform proper warm up and cool down techniques. These can be helpful in preventing running injuries, and should be incorporated into a daily routine if you regularly run. It is beneficial to slowly increase the mileage and the time running is practiced, which can help to prevent stress fractures and injuries from overuse. Additionally, eating healthy foods may help the body to maintain strength, and it is necessary to get adequate sleep as often as possible as well. Many runners know the importance of resting between runs, which can allow the body to recover. If you would like more information about injury prevention, and how the feet may become affected by running injuries, please consult with a podiatrist.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
- Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
- Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
- “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
- Cross-Training is Crucial
- Wear Proper Running Shoes
- Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Huntersville Office | 16419 Northcross Dr Suite A, Huntersville, NC 28078; Mooresvillle Office | 206 Joe Knox Avenue Suite D, Mooresville, NC 28117; and Mountain Island | 10310 Couloak Drive Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28216 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Painful Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain may occur after suddenly twisting it. This may happen from falling, or from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. It occurs as a result of ligaments stretching beyond their normal capabilities, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Many people who enjoy running may ignore the symptoms of a sprained ankle, and will continue to run. This is not recommended, as it may impact the gait, which can lead to changes in the running style. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which generally involves having an X-ray taken, proper treatment can begin. This may consist of wrapping the ankle in an elastic bandage, which can provide the stability that is necessary as the healing process begins. Gentle stretching exercises may gradually be introduced, which may be helpful in strengthening the overall foot. Please consult with a podiatrist if you have sprained your ankle so they can recommend the best type of treatment method for you.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Huntersville Office | 16419 Northcross Dr Suite A, Huntersville, NC 28078; Mooresvillle Office | 206 Joe Knox Avenue Suite D, Mooresville, NC 28117; and Mountain Island | 10310 Couloak Drive Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28216 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
