Items filtered by date: March 2024

Tailor's bunions, also known as bunionettes, are bony protrusions that develop on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. Similar to traditional bunions, they can cause pain, inflammation, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Tailor's bunions are often caused by pressure and friction, leading to the misalignment of the fifth metatarsal bone and the little toe. The discomfort and limitations caused by tailor's bunions can significantly impact one's quality of life, especially in terms of footwear choices and mobility. Simple activities such as walking or standing can become painful and challenging. If you have such a bunion and it is causing severe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for interventions that can help.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Anderson, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As temperatures plummet, the need for foot protection becomes vital for those individuals working outdoors in winter. Working in cold weather poses unique challenges, especially for your extremities, which are susceptible to frostbite and injury if not properly shielded. Robust footwear emerges as the frontline defense against the elements. Thick, insulated boots crafted from durable materials, such as leather or synthetic fabrics, offer warmth and resilience against icy terrain. Ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit prevents chafing and discomfort during prolonged exposure to the cold. Additionally, layering socks proves instrumental in maintaining optimal foot temperature, with moisture-wicking fabrics serving to keep feet dry and insulated. Incorporating moisture-absorbing insoles also enhances both comfort and warmth, reducing the risk of frostbite and related ailments. If you are suffering from foot ailments brought on by working outdoors in winter, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

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 Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. 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 our office located in Anderson, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Healing wounds properly involves cells moving and tissue rebuilding in a coordinated way. But in some wounds, like those in diabetes, this process does not work well due to various issues like poor blood flow, infections, and ongoing damage. There's hope for treating such wounds better. By understanding and fixing these issues, following proper care, and using new medical technology, there can be improvement for people with stubborn wounds. If you are diabetic and have chronic foot wounds, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss any new medical technology that might be applied to your case and provide you with relief.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Anderson, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When it comes to new shoes, avoiding foot blisters is essential for comfort and enjoyment. Start by selecting shoes made of breathable materials that conform to the shape of your foot. Before wearing them for extended periods, gradually break in your shoes by wearing them for short intervals around the house. Consider using protective products like blister patches on areas prone to rubbing, such as the heels or toes. Ensure a proper fit by leaving enough space for your toes to wiggle and avoiding shoes that are too tight or too loose. Opt for socks made of moisture-wicking materials to keep your feet dry and reduce friction. Additionally, consider applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to areas prone to blistering before putting on your shoes. By following these tips and being mindful of potential hot spots, you can prevent foot blisters and enjoy your new shoes comfortably from the start. If you have developed problematic blisters from wearing new shoes, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist for treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Anderson, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.