Items filtered by date: October 2024

Corns on the pinky toe are thickened areas of skin that form in response to pressure or friction. They often develop on the outer side of the pinky toe due to constant rubbing against tight or ill-fitting shoes. Corns can be hard or soft, with hard corns typically forming on the bony areas, and soft corns appearing between toes where moisture is present. Symptoms include a hardened, raised bump that can be painful when pressed, redness, and irritation. The pain can intensify with continued friction, making walking uncomfortable. To prevent corns, wear properly fitting shoes with a wide toe box and cushioned insoles. Regularly moisturizing and using a pumice stone on your feet can also help keep the skin soft. If you have a painful or infected corn on any toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide care, which might include shaving or safely removing the corn.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Brain Middleton, DPM of Medical Foot Care Center. 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:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

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 our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Lateral ankle injuries involve damage to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. They are often caused by rolling or twisting the foot during activities like running, jumping, or walking on uneven surfaces. Such ankle injuries are common in athletes but can happen to anyone, especially during sudden movements or improper foot placement. The most frequent type of lateral ankle injury is an ankle sprain, where the ligaments stretch or tear. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the injured foot. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans to rule out fractures and assess ligament damage. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Severe sprains may require bracing or targeted exercises to restore strength and mobility. If you have pain on the outside of your ankle, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a diagnosis and proper care so as to prevent long-term ankle instability.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Measuring feet for proper shoe sizing is imperative for comfort and preventing foot problems. To get the most accurate size, measure your feet at the end of the day when they are at their largest. Use a ruler or foot-measuring tool to assess the length from heel to toe and the width at the widest point. It is important to measure both feet, as one foot is often slightly larger. Shoes should fit the larger foot. A podiatrist can provide expert guidance in finding the right shoe size, especially if you have foot issues like bunions, hammertoes, or flat arches. They can assess your foot structure and recommend orthotics or custom shoes for optimal support. A podiatrist can also help treat any foot-related problems that arise from wearing improper footwear and offer advice on the best shoes for different activities to prevent future discomfort or injury. If you have foot problems or need help in selecting well-fitting shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints, including those in the feet and ankles. It can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformities such as hammertoes, bunions, and collapsed arches. Over time, the cartilage in the foot joints may erode, causing joint damage, reduced mobility, and difficulty walking. The constant inflammation can also affect soft tissues, leading to tendon damage and further deformities. A podiatrist plays a vital role in managing foot symptoms associated with RA. They can provide treatments like custom orthotics to support foot alignment, relieve pressure, and improve comfort. They can also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or provide corticosteroid injections to manage pain. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct deformities. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist regularly for treatment to prevent further joint damage and maintain mobility.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Brain Middleton, DPM of Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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