October 2022

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot, and it connects the toes to the heel. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis can develop. Causes of plantar fasciitis may include frequently participating in running and jumping activities, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and sustaining a foot injury. Standing on hard surfaces for most of the day may also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. This condition may happen gradually or suddenly, but this depends on the cause of the inflamed plantar fascia. The heel pain associated may be controlled by maintaining a healthy weight, wearing shoes that support the arch, and performing stretches that can help to strengthen the entire foot. If you have heel pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

The medical term for swelling is called edema. Edema can be caused for several reasons and it is common in the feet and ankles. Many pregnant women can have swollen feet, and this symptom may become more pronounced during the third trimester. Additionally, existing kidney disease may contribute to developing edema, and diabetic patients may see evidence of this on their feet. Sitting on a plane or in a car for extended periods may cause this condition to occur due to a lack of movement, which may cause reduced blood circulation. People who have edema may have skin that is shiny around the affected area and gravity can increase the swelling in the feet. Edema may be controlled by implementing lifestyle changes. These can include reducing salt intake, wearing compression stockings, and elevating the feet above the heart. If you are experiencing swollen feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A toenail infection is often the result of a fungus growing on or under the nail. This turns the toenail a yellow or brownish color, causes it to thicken and crumble, and possibly separate the nail from the skin beneath it. Fungi grow best in moist, warm settings, such as gym locker rooms, swimming pool changing areas, and wet or moist socks and shoes. Prevention from a toenail fungal infection consists of keeping your feet clean and dry and your toenails trimmed properly. Wearing protective shoes or flip flops in areas where the fungus might be spread and using antifungal sprays in your shoes are other ways to protect your toes. Treatment of a toenail fungus involves taking antifungal medication, use of antifungal paints, and in some cases, removal of the nail. If you have a toenail infection that persists or becomes painful, please see a podiatrist for advanced treatment options.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are bony bumps that can develop on the outside of a toe. Commonly, bunions form at the side of the big toe; however, when they develop on the pinky toe, they are called bunionettes. Also referred to as a tailor’s bunion, a bunionette often develops when the structure of the bones in the foot changes and the pinky toe begins to point inward. Individuals who have a bunionette can experience any number of symptoms. For example, bunionettes can cause redness, pain, and inflammation at the affected area. When diagnosing your bunionette a podiatrist may want to do an X-ray, because this procedure can reveal important information about the underlying bone structure in your feet. A bunionette may be treated in many ways, such as modifying one’s footwear or utilizing orthotics. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about bunionettes.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.