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Fairhope and Atmore Phone (251) 928-6768

Items filtered by date: May 2025

Thursday, 29 May 2025 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 27 May 2025 00:00

Diagnosing Cuboid Syndrome in Athletes

Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone in the foot becomes misaligned or partially dislocated, often leading to pain along the outer edge of the foot. It is commonly seen in athletes who engage in activities that involve repetitive stress, jumping, or quick directional changes. The condition can develop suddenly after an ankle injury or gradually due to overuse. Symptoms may include aching, weakness, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected side. Diagnosing cuboid syndrome can be challenging because it may not show up on standard imaging studies. Podiatrists often rely on a physical examination, medical history, and specific manipulation tests to confirm the diagnosis.  If you are an athlete and have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome, allowing you to return safely to activity.

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 foot and ankle 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:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

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 and Atmore, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Cuboid Syndrome

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.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated or inflamed. This ligament supports the arch and absorbs pressure during walking. Repeated strain from activities like running, long periods of standing, or wearing shoes that lack proper support can lead to small tears where the fascia connects to the heel bone. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis often include sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The pain may recede with movement but often returns later in the day. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis by examining the foot and reviewing activity history. Treatment options include prescribed orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, night splints, or, in some cases, corticosteroid injections. Surgery may be considered if other options fail. If you have pain on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope and Atmore, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

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.

Tuesday, 13 May 2025 00:00

Ankle Exercises After a Sprain

Recovering from a sprained ankle involves a gradual process of restoring motion, building strength, and improving balance to protect the joint from future injury. A podiatrist may recommend ankle exercises, starting with light range-of-motion exercises like flexing the foot upward and downward or tracing the alphabet with the toes within the first 48 hours to encourage flexibility. Strengthening exercises are added as healing progresses, including ankle eversion and inversion movements. Ankle eversion strengthens the muscles on the outer side of the ankle by turning the foot outward against resistance, while ankle inversion works the muscles on the inner side by turning the foot inward. These exercises help stabilize the ankle and prevent chronic sprains. By the third or fourth week, a patient may perform standing stretches to loosen tight calf muscles and practice toe rises to build endurance. Moving too quickly can place unnecessary stress on healing tissues, so guidance from a foot specialist is important. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for initial treatment as well as a recovery plan.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope and Atmore, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Ankle Sprains
Thursday, 08 May 2025 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

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!

Tuesday, 06 May 2025 00:00

Risk Factors for Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe as the top of the toe leans inward toward the others. This deformity develops over time due to pressure on the big toe joint, leading to changes in the bone structure. Common causes of bunions include wearing tight or narrow shoes, genetic predisposition, and conditions like arthritis that affect the joints. Risk factors include having a family history of bunions, flat feet, and occupations that involve long periods of standing or walking. Symptoms of a bunion often include swelling, redness, tenderness, and pain surrounding the big toe joint. Over time, the discomfort can worsen, making it difficult to wear shoes comfortably and affecting overall foot function. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer treatment options to manage this condition.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Brent Harwood, DPM of Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Fairhope and Atmore, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Bunions

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.

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