Items filtered by date: May 2022

The medical term for a condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease is known as calcaneal apophysitis. It can typically happen to children who are between 9 and 12 years of age. Young adults who actively participate in sporting events may develop Sever’s disease. It is defined as heel pain that occurs in the growth plate, where the Achilles tendon inserts into the heel. It could happen as a result of a sudden growth spurt, or if there is a significant increase in a running or jumping activity. This condition often causes severe pain and discomfort, and it is beneficial to rest the affected foot as often as possible. Many parents encourage their children to temporarily refrain from practicing the activities that caused the injury, until the symptoms diminish. It may help to wear custom made orthotics depending upon the severity of the pain. If you feel your child may have Sever’s disease, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Calluses develop as the result of continued pressure on the skin that causes it to harden as a way of protecting itself. Anyone can develop a callus, regardless of their age. While calluses are not particularly dangerous, and not contagious, they can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. In many cases, they do not require medical attention. Some home remedies, such as using a pumice stone to file them down and rubbing in creams that help to soften them, are common. Unlike blisters and corns that form by rubbing against something solid, like a hard shoe, calluses are caused by pressure. If a bone in the foot is out of alignment, such as from a bunion or metatarsal malformation, a callus may form in the area. They also can be caused by poorly fitting shoes, walking, running, and other repetitive exercises. They commonly develop on the feet and heels, usually near a bony prominence. If a callus becomes painful and uncomfortable, it might be wise to see a podiatrist for an evaluation and safe removal procedure. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Women are more prone to developing bunions than men. This may be a result of wearing high heels or shoes that do not have adequate room in the toe area. A bunion appears as a bony lump on the side of the big toe and is considered to be a foot deformity. This protrusion causes the bone in the big toe to gradually move toward the other toes and can produce pain and discomfort. People who develop bunions may eventually get osteoarthritis in the big toe, which can be the source of chronic pain. Additionally, the risk of getting a bunion may increase in patients who have short calf muscles or a shortened Achilles tendon, and medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and flat feet. Bunions may be prevented by wearing shoes that are comfortable and flat. It may help to frequently walk barefoot, which may be beneficial in strengthening the muscles in the overall foot. If you have developed a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can provide you with correct treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal. 

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

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Most people who enjoy hiking are familiar with blisters. They are considered to be a common injury and typically develop on the feet as a result of excess friction. Friction is often caused from wearing socks or shoes that do not fit correctly. At first, the skin will become red and irritated and then a small bubble that is filled with liquid will form. This is actually the body’s natural method for protecting raw skin. The blister will gradually drain when new skin will form underneath it. Many people find blisters to be painful, and may find mild relief when it is covered with a protective pad. Effective prevention methods can include wearing shoes and socks that fit properly, and many hikers wear a liner sock under their regular socks. It is important that the blister does not drain before it is time as this may help to prevent a painful infection. As tempting as it may be to some, do not pop it. If you have developed a blister and it has become infected, or more knowledge is needed for proper healing, please consult a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Summit Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Circulatory problems in the legs and feet can occur simply from sitting or standing in the same position for a prolonged time or not moving your toes enough. Unfortunately, this can lead to blood clots or deep vein thrombosis – two possibly fatal conditions. Poor blood circulation can also result from thickened arteries caused by age, family history, diabetes, or high cholesterol. A healthy diet and regular exercise (including wiggling your toes and rotating your ankles daily) are the best things you can do to improve your chances of good blood flow to your lower extremities. Signs that you may be suffering from poor circulation can include numbness, tingling, pain in your feet, cold toes or fingers, and/or pale or blue-tinged skin. If you suspect you have poor circulation, speak to a podiatrist about solutions and treatment available.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Summit Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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