Items filtered by date: March 2023

A verruca is a wart that appears on the feet. Such warts have tiny black dots under hard skin. While warts are generally harmless, some cause itchiness and pain. Depending on one’s personality, a person with a verruca might also experience embarrassment. A verruca or foot wart is caused by a virus, and it can therefore be contagious through contaminated surfaces or skin contact. It is important to keep the feet dry, wear foot coverings in public places, and not pick or scratch a foot wart. A verruca can be frozen off the foot, and though it may take a few sessions, this treatment should cause the wart to fall off. If you have a verruca, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet carry the weight of the body, and they help to maintain balance. The heels and balls of the feet absorb the majority of the body’s weight. Proper balance can be achieved from the foot and leg muscles that provide stabilizing movements. Each foot consists of 26 bones that are connected by tendons and ligaments, which are part of the foot’s complex structure. The ankle connects the foot and lower leg bones and is divided into two categories, lower and upper ankle bones. The arch is responsible for absorbing impact from walking and similar activities and contains muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves. The arch of the foot is measured in length and width, and there is constant tension as the muscles pull the bones together to create the arch. If you would like to have additional knowledge about the biomechanics of the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Many people do not take proper care of their feet during the colder months and a condition known as cracked heels may develop. The leading cause of cracked heels during the colder months is due to dry skin. Cracked heels can also arise from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day as well as wearing shoes with an open back. The aging process may also affect cracked heels because of the loss of skin elasticity. Existing medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, and diabetes may lead to cracked heels. Deep cracks are called fissures and they may bleed and become infected. Additionally, people who are overweight may be prone to developing cracked heels, which adds extra pressure to the heels. If you suffer from cracked heels, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can prescribe medication for complete relief.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

People who have the foot condition that is known as hammertoe will notice their toes are rigid. Hammertoe can happen from genetic reasons or from wearing shoes that do not have ample room in the toe area. This can cause the toes to shift together, and the pressure can make the second and third toes bend downward at the middle joint. It is sometimes painful while wearing shoes, and corns and calluses may form on the bent joint as it touches the top of the shoe. Stretches can be performed which may help to increase the toe's flexibility. A toe crunch is done while sitting in a chair, and placing a towel under your feet. The toes can be stretched by gripping the towel continually as you make your way to the end of it. An effective stretch can be done with a towel, as it is wrapped around the toes and pulled gently toward you. After holding for several seconds, this can be repeated. If you have developed hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.