June 2022

Inspecting your child’s feet regularly, and from an early age, is a good way to prevent foot problems in the future. If you notice any structural abnormality, be sure to see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Most congenital conditions, such as intoeing, may not correct on their own, but can respond positively if treatment is begun as the child’s foot grows and develops. Watch how your child walks to see whether their feet turn in or out. Check to see if they have knock-knees or other gait problems. Allow your young children to go barefoot on soft surfaces as this helps their muscle development, but be aware of hazards that could cause an injury, insect bite, or infection. However, it is not recommended that a child diagnosed with diabetes go barefoot. It’s important to maintain proper foot hygiene for your child. Feet should be washed daily and carefully dried, especially between the toes to ward off infection. If your child is active in sports, padded socks may help to prevent heel injuries. Monitor your child’s weight, as obesity can severely affect their foot growth and health. If you have further questions about your child’s foot health, please consult a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Patients who have heel spurs may describe the feeling as stepping on a thumb tack. The pain may be worse in the morning upon arising and it is often difficult to walk. A heel spur is defined as a bony protrusion that develops on the bottom of the heel and can be diagnosed by having an X-ray performed. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include pain that travels from the heel to the lower leg and the affected heel may feel warm. It can gradually develop as a result of standing on hard surfaces for extended periods or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many people who have heel spurs also have an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes. These two conditions have similar symptoms and need to be properly diagnosed for effective treatment to begin. Mild relief may come from taking frequent breaks and elevating the feet, and it can help to massage the heel. Different types of shoes may need to be purchased that can accommodate the heel spur and provide additional comfort. If you have a heel spur, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer the best treatment options for you which may include surgery.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

The foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis affects the heel and the arch. It happens as a result of an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that is located on the sole of the foot. It connects the heel to the toe. This problem is often painful. This is a common foot condition among athletes or in people who stand for long periods of time throughout the day. Plantar fasciitis gradually develops, and can cause pain while walking upon arising in the morning. Additionally, it may occur from genetic factors, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from running on uneven surfaces. Many patients are aware of stretches that can be practiced which may bring mild relief. These can include a heel drop which is done by standing on a step, and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. Range of motion exercises can be done that may help to generally increase the strength of the overall foot. If you are afflicted with plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. 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 one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

Getting a toenail infection can be easy, mainly because the fungus that causes it is very contagious. Spotting it is also easy. Infected toenails may change color to white, yellow, brown or green. They may become thickened, raise up off the toe, or crumble. Luckily, a number of simple precautions can help to keep fungal infections at bay. First, protect your feet by wearing shower slippers at pools, public showers, spas or gym locker rooms, all of which are common breeding grounds for fungi. If you have recently had a fungal infection, don’t wear shoes or slippers you wore during that time. Change your socks when they get sweaty. Keep your feet clean and dry, and wear canvas or mesh shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Give your shoes at least 24 hours to dry out before wearing them again. Avoid sharing personal items, such as nail clippers, shoes or towels, that may have picked up a fungus. Keep your feet moisturized, as fungi can enter through cracks or sores in the skin. Finally, be vigilant and check your toenails at least once a month for symptoms. If you need help in dealing with toenail infections, please consult a podiatrist. 

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.