March 2024

Arthritis, a condition characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints, can significantly impact one's quality of life. While medications and therapies are commonly prescribed to manage arthritis symptoms, the power of exercise in providing relief cannot be overstated. Regular physical activity helps to maintain joint flexibility, strengthen muscles surrounding the joints, and improve overall mobility. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling are particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis, as they minimize stress on the joints while promoting cardiovascular health and muscle strength. Additionally, exercises focusing on range of motion and flexibility, such as yoga and tai chi, can help alleviate stiffness and improve joint function. Engaging in consistent exercise routines not only reduces pain and inflammation but also enhances mood and promotes a sense of well-being. If you have arthritis and it is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with specific stretches and treatment targeted for relief.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method 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.

Construction sites are bustling hubs of activity, where safety should always be first and foremost. Among the many precautions taken, ensuring adequate foot protection stands as a cornerstone of construction site safety protocols. Heavy materials, sharp objects, and unpredictable terrain pose constant threats to the feet of workers. To mitigate these risks, wearing sturdy footwear is essential. Boots with reinforced toes and soles provide an essential barrier against falling objects and punctures from nails or debris. Additionally, non-slip soles offer stability on slippery surfaces, reducing the likelihood of slips and falls, which can lead to serious injuries. Wearing footwear that fits properly is equally important. Ill-fitting boots can cause discomfort, blisters, and fatigue. Regular inspection of footwear for signs of wear and tear is also necessary to ensure continued protection. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to help with foot problems related to working in construction environments. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Peripheral artery disease, PAD, is a circulatory condition that significantly impairs the flow of blood to the extremities, particularly the feet. PAD can pose serious health risks and include symptoms that can drastically affect daily living. This condition results from the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries, causing them to narrow. This also causes a reduction in blood supply. People with PAD may experience various symptoms in their feet, including a notable decrease in temperature compared to the rest of the body, a change in skin color to a pale or bluish hue, diminished hair growth, delayed wound healing, and sores. Furthermore, PAD can lead to pain or cramping in the lower limbs during physical activities. This typically subsides with rest. The risks of PAD go beyond discomfort because the decreased blood flow heightens the risk of infection. Severe cases can lead to gangrene and the possibility of amputation. If you are suffering from PAD, it is suggested you seek the help of a podiatrist, or foot doctor, who can provide a personalized treatment plan and address any foot-related concerns. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Ankle pain can be debilitating, impacting daily activities and mobility. Incorporating targeted exercises into your routine can help alleviate discomfort and strengthen the ankle joint. Start with ankle circles, gently rotating the ankle clockwise and then counterclockwise to improve flexibility and range of motion. Calf raises are another beneficial exercise, where you rise onto your toes and lower back down, strengthening the calf muscles and stabilizing the ankle. Towel scrunches involve placing a towel on the floor and using your toes to scrunch it toward you, enhancing toe and foot strength. These simple yet effective exercises can be performed regularly to promote ankle stability, reduce pain, and enhance overall function. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you additional treatment and relief options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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.