June 2021
Tuesday, 22 June 2021 00:00
MLS Laser Therapy
MLS Laser Therapy is an FDA-approved technology designed to treat various painful conditions. It is often sought out as a successful alternative to surgical treatment and prescription medication that may otherwise bring about negative side effects. During MLS Laser Therapy, light energy enters the damaged cells to stimulate intercellular activity, reducing pain in the affected area and accelerating the recovery process.
MLS Laser Therapy is used in podiatry to treat various conditions. These include heel pain, plantar fasciitis, sports injuries, wounds, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis, neuromas, neurological pain, musculoskeletal disorders, and sore muscles. Aside from the specific conditions MLS Laser Therapy treats, patients can also gain from the treatment’s general benefits. These benefits include a rapid relief of pain, the reduction of swelling caused by inflammation or bruising, faster healing, improved blood circulation, the reduction of scar tissue, and improved nerve function.
MLS Laser Therapy is a non-surgical treatment with no side effects. The treatment process is painless and typically takes a short amount of time to complete. Several treatments may be required depending on the specific condition.
Tuesday, 22 June 2021 00:00
How Laser Treatment Works to Kill Toenail Fungus
Fungal nail infections can be caused by many different types of fungi (yeasts or molds) that live in the environment. Small cracks in your nail or the surrounding skin can allow these germs to enter and cause an infection. Because nails get brittle with age, older adults are more prone to developing a fungal nail infection, as are those with a weakened immune system, circulation problems, diabetes, athlete’s foot, or who have recently experienced a nail injury or nail surgery. Laser therapy can often be effective in the treatment of this resilient fungal infection by targeting a laser light beam through the nail to kill the fungi without affecting the healthy parts of the nail and surrounding skin. If you have toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist to see if laser therapy treatment is right for you.
MLS Laser Therapy is a successful alternative for treating any pain you may be experiencing related to certain podiatric conditions. If you are interested in MLS Laser Therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
MLS Laser Therapy
Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy is a patented, FDA-cleared technology that helps relieve pain and inflammation from a number of podiatric conditions, including:
- Heel Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Sports Injuries
- Wounds
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Neuropathy
- Neuromas
MLS Laser Therapy is an ideal alternative to surgery and prescription medication, as it has no negative side effects and encourages accelerated healing. Among its many clinical benefits, MLS Laser Therapy also:
- Reduces swelling due to bruising or inflammation
- Blocks pain
- Reduces formation of scar tissue
- Improves nerve function
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tuesday, 15 June 2021 00:00
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Blood vessels located all over the body are damaged due to diabetes—even the blood vessels of the feet. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can result from slower blood flow in the legs and feet. In diabetic patients, neuropathy is very important to monitor, as diabetics are at risk for developing ulcers.
Always washing and thoroughly drying the feet are pertinent parts of diabetic foot care. There should be a focus on cleaning between the toes. Even if no pain is felt, the entire foot should be examined for redness and sores. Neuropathy can often mask the pain of sores and ulcers and can cause these conditions to be overlooked. Use a mirror to examine the underside of your feet if needed. It is recommended that diabetics wear well-fitting socks.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised. It is very important to keep your blood sugar levels in the normal range, which can be determined by your physician. There are medications that may be prescribed to help with any neuropathy experienced by the diabetic patient. It is also advisable to visit a podiatrist if one is experiencing any conditions involving the feet, such as ingrown toenails, which in more severe cases can cause infection.
Diabetic feet must be inspected daily. Diabetic foot care at home is possible if a patient is provided with instructions from their podiatrist. Patients can relieve dry heels with creams or ointments. Suspected wounds should warrant an immediate call to the podiatrist. Gangrene is a serious problem for diabetics and can lead to sepsis and amputation in its worst cases. Early treatment and daily inspection of diabetic feet are keys to staying healthy.
Tuesday, 15 June 2021 00:00
Diabetic Foot Problems
Diabetes is a systemic condition, meaning that it can affect the entire body. One of the often overlooked parts of the body that diabetes can affect are the feet. People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from various foot conditions. Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the lower limbs and poor circulation. This combination of problems can lead to the development of poorly-healing foot wounds that are at risk of becoming infected. Other problems more common in diabetic feet include athlete’s foot and fungal nail infections, plantar warts, corns, calluses, cracked heels, blisters, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, and bunions. Inspecting your feet daily for any changes or abnormalities can help detect potential problems early, and seeking prompt treatment can improve your prognosis. If you have diabetes consult with a podiatrist, who can help you manage and maintain the health of your feet.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
- Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
- Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 15 June 2021 00:00
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.
Tuesday, 08 June 2021 00:00
Foot Care for Pregnant Women
The natural weight that pregnant women gain causes their center of gravity to be completely altered. This causes them to have a new weight-bearing stance which adds pressure to the knees and feet. As a result, pregnant women often experience severe foot pain. The two most common foot issues experienced by women in their pregnancies are edema and over-pronation. It is important for all pregnant women to learn more about how to take care of their feet so they are more comfortable during their pregnancy.
Over-pronation, which is commonly referred to as flat feet, is caused when a person’s arch flattens out upon weight bearing. This causes the person’s feet to roll inward while walking. Pregnant women often experience this due to the sudden weight they gain.
Edema, also referred as swelling in the feet, typically occurs in the later part of the pregnancy. It is the result of the extra blood accumulated in the pregnant woman’s body. The enlarged uterus puts more pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis which causes leg circulation to slow down. This causes blood to pool in the lower extremities.
Fortunately, there are ways to treat both edema and over-pronation. Edema can be treated by elevating the foot as often as possible. Wearing proper fitting footwear will also be helpful for those with edema. A treatment method for over-pronation could be orthotics. Orthotic inserts should be designed with appropriate arch support and medial rear foot for your foot.
It is best for pregnant women to buy new shoes during the day, because this is the time where swelling is at its peak. Pregnant women also shouldn’t rush when buying shoes. It is always advised that you make sure your shoes fit properly but this is especially important during pregnancy.
If you are a pregnant woman, you should consult with a podiatrist in order to make sure your feet are healthy throughout the entirety of your pregnancy.
Tuesday, 08 June 2021 00:00
Edema Is a Common Foot Condition During Pregnancy
Swelling, or edema is a common side effect of pregnancy. It can affect the feet and is typically very uncomfortable. This condition occurs as a result of the growing fetus that can put lots of pressure on the pelvis while pregnancy hormones can contribute to swollen feet. Larger shoes may need to be purchased to accommodate feet that swell and get bigger, in addition to sitting with the feet elevated as often as possible. Mild relief may also be found when water intake is increased and it can help to eat foods that are natural diuretics. Some women wear compression stockings as this can be beneficial in providing additional support to the feet as well. If you would like to learn other reasons why edema may develop during pregnancy and how it affects the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 01 June 2021 00:00
Understanding Corns and Calluses
Corns and Calluses are both hardened layers of thickened skin that develop because of friction. Both ailments are typically found on the feet and may be unsightly. Although they have similarities, corns and calluses are different from each other.
Some causes of corns and calluses may be wearing ill-fitting shoes and not wearing socks. If you wear tight shoes, your feet will constantly be forced to rub against the shoes, causing friction. If you fail to wear socks, you are also causing your feet to endure excess friction.
There are some signs that may help you determine whether you have one of these two conditions. The first symptom is a thick, rough area of skin. Another common symptom is a hardened, raised bump on the foot. You may also experience tenderness or pain under the skin in addition to flaky, dry, or waxy skin.
There are also risk factors that may make someone more prone to developing corns and calluses. If you are already dealing with bunions or hammertoe, you may be more vulnerable to having corns and calluses as well. Other risk factors are foot deformities such as bone spurs, which can cause constant rubbing inside the shoe.
Corns tend to be smaller than calluses and they usually have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. They also tend to develop on the parts of the body that don’t bear as much weight such as the tops and sides of toes. Corns may also be painful for those who have them. On the other hand, calluses are rarely painful. These tend to develop on the bottom of the feet and may vary in size and shape.
Fortunately, most people only need treatment for corns and calluses if they are experiencing discomfort. At home treatments for corns and calluses should be avoided, because they will likely lead to infection. If you have either of these ailments it is advised that you consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for you.
Tuesday, 01 June 2021 00:00
Is It a Corn, or a Callus?
Corns and calluses are similar in that they are both patches of dry skin that can appear on the feet in response to friction. Corns are small lumps of hardened skin that resemble a corn kernel in appearance. They often form on the soles of the feet or in between the toes and can be yellowish in color. Calluses are larger patches of rough, thick skin that often appear on the balls or heels of the feet. While both corns and calluses can usually be treated with conservative methods such as wearing wider, more comfortable shoes, moisturizing the skin, and wearing thicker, cushioned socks, certain cases may require medical intervention. If you have diabetes, circulatory problems, notice signs of infection such as bleeding or pus discharge, or are in severe pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
