July 2023

Research indicates that approximately one-third of the American population is obese. The feet can be impacted when extra weight is placed on them, and various foot conditions can develop. Obesity can cause the misalignment of various areas in the body, and the feet can feel the brunt of this. It is said that one pound of weight can increase the pressure on the feet and ankles by as much as eight pounds. This can become uncomfortable as the weight increases and may worsen while walking up the steps. A common foot condition that can occur from being obese is overpronation. This is described as the foot rolling inward while walking, which can result from flattened arches. Stress on the joints in the feet may evolve into osteoarthritis caused by excessive wear and tear. The chances of losing weight are increased when a gentle exercise routine is frequently followed. If you have questions about any foot pain you may be experiencing with weight gain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward a healthier lifestyle.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

Distance runners often experience problems with their toenails, and the three main types are thick nails, bruised nails, and toenail loss. While in many cases the appearance of thick toenails can indicate a fungal infection, in runners they can also be a result of pressure from their shoes and socks, or wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. A toenail that looks blue or black is likely to be caused by a bruise underneath it. The change in color is caused by blood forming under the nail, often from direct trauma to the toe. In some cases, the blood will need to be drained in a medical procedure conducted by a podiatrist. Many runners are surprised when one of their toenails falls off. In most cases, a new nail will form. To avoid losing a toenail, experts recommend being sure that your running shoes fit well, keeping toenails properly trimmed, and making sure your shoes are completely dry before a run. If you notice a bruise, a thick nail, or a loose toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist sooner rather than later, before the matter worsens and prohibits you from running. 

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 Piedmont Podiatry Associates. 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 Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown that approximately 25 percent of Americans who are 65 years or older fall every year. Physical harm may happen as a result of falling, and the feet are often affected.  A broken foot or toe are common injuries after a fall has occurred, which can limit the ability to complete daily activities. People who fall and are fortunate enough to not become hurt may develop a fear of falling. This can lead to becoming inactive and sedentary, which may be a gateway into other physical conditions. There are simple methods that can be implemented that can effectively prevent falling. These can include having routine physical and eye examinations that help update existing medications and eyeglasses. Additionally, it is beneficial to install grab bars in the toilet and shower area and to improve lighting in the household. If you require more knowledge about fall prevention strategies, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful tips on foot protection.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Professional pedicures are an obvious step to take if you want to have more attractive feet, but sometimes this is not possible. There are routines that can be done at home that an individual can follow to help to ensure their feet are healthy and looking nice  Following these steps for everyday foot care can save you time and money. This can begin with soaking the feet. Adding Epsom salts to warm water can cleanse the feet, soften them, and make the toenails easier to trim. After drying the feet, a foot file or large nail file can be used to file corns or calluses. This can be done gently until the skin feels smoother. Next, the feet can be exfoliated with an appropriate scrub that can remove dead skin cells and soften dry skin. It is important to trim the toenails straight across and smooth the edges with a nail file. This can be followed by moisturizing the feet and completed by polishing your toenails. In performing this process, if you encounter any wounds on your feet or areas of infection, it is suggested to see a podiatrist who can examine your feet and tend to any problem areas.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.