Fairhope and Atmore
Phone (251) 928-6768
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the otherwise healthy cells that make up the linings of joints. Because each foot contains 33 joints, the feet, as well as the ankles, are often affected. RA can make other foot and ankle conditions more likely to occur. One such condition is tarsal tunnel syndrome, in which the posterior tibial nerve is compressed or damaged, causing burning pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is frequently seen in people with RA. If you have RA, it is suggested that you be under the care of a podiatrist who can monitor the health of your feet and treat any problems as they arise.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.
Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
Tinea Pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection that affects the feet and toes. The fungi that cause athlete’s foot thrive in warm and moist environments. The condition is very contagious and often spreads in areas such as communal locker rooms, pools, showers, and even sweaty footwear. Common signs of athlete’s foot include scaling, redness, itchiness, and in severe cases, fissuring (or deep cracking) of the skin. Since athlete’s foot can spread easily, patients who believe they have this condition would be wise to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. The infection will likely need to be treated with antifungal medications, and measures may need to be implemented to keep the feet clean and dry.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Corns are small, usually circular areas of dry, thickened, hardened skin. They often occur on or between the toes and are caused by excessive friction and pressure over the affected area. Corns on the pinky toes can be particularly uncomfortable, as the pinkies tend to rub against closed-toe shoes while walking. Treatments for pinky toe corns include soaking the feet and rubbing the area with a pumice stone, wearing medicated pads over the corns, and switching to wider and more comfortable footwear. Your podiatrist can also help by shaving or removing the corns. If you have corns that are bothering you, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.
Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:
Treating Corns
Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Cuboid syndrome is a condition that is caused by a partial dislocation of the cuboid bone, located in the center of the foot. When this bone is knocked out of place during an injury, it can cause symptoms such as pain along the outside of the foot, swelling, sensitivity, difficulty walking, and a reduced range of motion. Cuboid syndrome is most frequently caused by repetitive overuse during athletic activities, like tennis, basketball, or dancing. When excessive stress is placed on the feet over and over, cuboid syndrome is more likely to occur. This condition is often associated with sprained ankles. Having altered foot biomechanics, a pronated gait,or a tendency to wear ill-fitting shoes can also increase your risk of injuring the cuboid bone. If you are experiencing the symptoms of cuboid syndrome, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality podiatric treatment.
Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.
Causes
The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:
Symptoms
A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
One of the most common causes of serious injury in the elderly is falling. Among the reasons are chronic health conditions such as neuropathy (or numbness) in the feet, decreased bone density, being overweight, and reduced strength. In addition, certain medications and medical procedures can contribute to a general loss of balance. Falls at home can be prevented by making a few simple changes, such as removing throw rugs and loose carpeting, installing handrails, and wearing shoes with non-skid soles on slippery floors in your kitchen and bathrooms. Other measures include exercising to increase strength and improve balance, adequately lighting hallways, and removing clutter that is easy to trip over. Further, if your feet are frequently numb or it is painful to walk, falling may be a threat to your health. It may be a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist to evaluate your condition and discuss treatment options.
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 Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor 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:
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 Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
Heel pain is one of the most common reasons that people seek the care of a podiatrist. Because the heel is such a foundational part of the body, there are many potential reasons that your heel may hurt. Sometimes heel pain occurs as a natural consequence of aging. The fatty pad on the bottom of the heel, which provides cushioning and protection to the heels, slowly wears away with age, increasing the risk of heel pain. Various injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles’ tendonitis, fractures, sprains, and tarsal tunnel syndrome, can also make the heel hurt. Systemic conditions, including arthritis and peripheral neuropathy, may be to blame for your heel pain. Lifestyle factors, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes or standing or exercising excessively can contribute to heel pain as well. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.
