Items filtered by date: February 2025

Plantar warts are small, hard growths that appear on the bottom of the feet, often on the heel or the ball of the foot. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. While these warts are generally harmless, they can be painful, especially when pressure is applied while standing or walking. Plantar warts are contagious and can spread from person to person, typically in damp, warm environments like public showers or swimming pools. These warts often appear as rough, thickened areas of skin with tiny black dots, which are small blood vessels. Although they may go away on their own, plantar warts can take months or even years to disappear. Relief options include mild removal applications, cryotherapy, or in some cases, surgical removal. Plantar warts can cause pain and discomfort, and may lead to difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment and relief solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Clubfoot, or talipes equinovarus, is a congenital condition where a baby’s foot turns downward and inward, often affecting the alignment and mobility of the foot and ankle. In true clubfoot, structural abnormalities in the bones or underdevelopment of the calf muscles are present. In positional clubfoot, this condition is the result of how the baby was positioned in the womb. Other congenital foot deformities include metatarsus adductus, where the foot turns inward and joint mobility may be limited, and metatarsus varus, which causes the foot’s bottom surface to turn inward, raising the arch. Talipes calcaneovalgus presents with a backward-bent foot and outward-facing heel. These congenital abnormalities can affect a child’s ability to bear weight and walk as they grow. A podiatrist can assess the severity of these conditions and recommend corrective casting, bracing, or surgery, if needed. If your child is born with a foot abnormality, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Anderson, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper foot care is essential for individuals with diabetes to prevent complications such as infections, ulcers, and nerve damage. Diabetes can lead to nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, which can cause a loss of sensation in the feet. This makes it difficult to detect injuries, blisters, or cuts, increasing the risk of infection. Foot deformities, such as hammertoes or bunions, are also common in diabetic patients and can create pressure points, leading to sores and ulcers. Poor circulation, another concern for diabetics, reduces the blood flow to the feet, impairing the body’s ability to heal wounds and increasing the risk of infections. Those individuals with a history of past foot ulcers are particularly at risk, as the skin and tissues may be weaker, making them more prone to further damage. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you schedule regular visits with a podiatrist who can help you manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.