Fairhope, Brewton, Atmore Phone (251) 928-6768
The feet are the foundation of the body, and the majority of runners are aware of the importance of choosing to wear proper running shoes. It’s helpful to be aware of your foot’s shape, as this will aid in buying shoes that fit properly. Shoes with added stability are often purchased by runners who have flat feet, and runners with exceptionally high arches are prone to choose shoes that have additional padding. Typically, most runners will go up half a size when buying running shoes, which will allow ample room for the toes to move about. When the right shoes are chosen that are a perfect fit for your feet, the sport of running may be enjoyed to its fullest extent.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. 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.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
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.
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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.
If you have a sore that produces pain on the bottom of your foot, you may have what is referred to as a plantar wart. A plantar wart generally causes severe discomfort and is caused by a virus that thrives in moist and warm environments. This type of wart will typically develop on the heel or ball of the foot, which can result in painful walking. It grows into the heel as a result of the pressure endured while walking, which is contrary to other types of warts that grow out. These types of warts originate from a virus that is known to be contagious and is generally found on wet surfaces. Common areas the virus may live on may include public showers, pools and surrounding surfaces. If you have this condition, it’s suggested to learn about preventive measures, including wearing appropriate shoes in showering areas, pools, and saunas. Please consult with a podiatrist for additional information about plantar warts and the correct treatment options for you.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot care 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
Treatment
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 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.
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There are several early signs that can indicate you may have toenail fungus. Such indicators may include the nails becoming thick and yellowed, and may crumble when touched. An infection is likely to develop if the nail is left untreated, allowing the fungus to grow. The aging process may be a factor in developing this ailment, in addition to having poor blood circulation. Medical conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or athlete’s foot allow easier access for the fungus to enter the body through the tiny openings in the skin these conditions may cause. Toenail fungus lives in moist environments, and socks and shoes that are worn without proper ventilation make it ideal for this fungus to grow. There are several ways to prevent this condition from developing, and these may include trimming the nails straight across, wearing appropriate shoes in public showers or pools, and utilizing a moisturizer to prevent cracked skin. A consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for a complete diagnosis and possible treatment options that are right for you.
For more information about treatment, contact Brent Harwood, DPM of Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
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 tools and technology to treat your foot care needs.
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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.
A condition referred to as flat feet is a result of arches that have dropped. It can cause a feeling of tiredness in the Feet, in addition to moderate aches and pains. If the entire foot touches the ground while standing, chances are favorable that you may have this ailment. The purpose of the arch is to raise the middle of the foot, which is comprised of tendons, bones, ligaments, and muscles. When the arch develops correctly, the foot is able to balance, walk, and run, in addition to the ability to absorb any physical shock the feet may endure. Most babies are born with flat feet that generally disappear as the child progresses in age. There are several reasons why this condition may occur in adults, including injuries that affect the joints and tissues, damage the foot may have incurred, or a predisposed inherited gene. If pain is experienced or you have noticed the arches have collapsed, contact your podiatrist.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot care needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the .
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the .
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.
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Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
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.
It’s important to practice good foot care, and this is especially true of the elderly population. This may include checking the feet daily, and if this proves to be a difficult task, a family member may be able to help. Recent research has shown that it's beneficial to elevate the feet as much as possible, and this will enable the blood to circulate freely. The feet typically get larger as the aging process occurs, and a key element in having healthy feet is to choose shoes that fit properly and comfortably. Some of the foot problems that elderly people need to be aware of developing are fungal and bacterial conditions, and this can include athlete’s foot and warts. Prevention of these conditions and others such as corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails is imperative in maintaining good foot health. Please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information on how to take care of elderly feet.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your Feet, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
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.
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Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Runners may be prone to experiencing injuries frequently if they neglect to perform proper training techniques. The feet endure an enormous amount of stress because of the pounding that occurs while running. If you choose to run as a part of your daily or weekly workout, it’s advised to slowly increase the distance and speed of your run. A runner’s worst nightmare can come from an injury that forces the running to cease. An injury to the Achilles tendon is common if proper stretching exercises are not performed prior to running. To prevent injury from occurring, stretching this tendon is crucial and needs to be implemented daily. This may help you avoid any irritation that can causes tendinitis. Additionally, if pain and tenderness in the heel is present, you may have a condition referred to as plantar fasciitis. This is caused by small tears in the tendons that connect the heel to the toes. It is suggested to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist to discuss treatment options if your feet are affected by a running injury.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Brent Harwood, DPM of Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot care needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
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.
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If you have a growth on the bottom of the big toe that appears to be of a bony consistency, you may have what is referred to as a bunion. Symptoms of this condition may consist of pain and swelling around the big toe, in addition to the area feeling sore, and appearing red. They are often caused by a predisposed inherited gene. Additionally, choosing to wear shoes that fit poorly may be another possible cause of bunions. This condition may be more prevalent in women than men because of the type of shoes that are worn. This may occur if high heels are worn frequently, causing the toes to be cramped into a small area, which eventually may change the structure of the foot. Treatment options may include using bunion pads which will cushion the affected area, and may possibly eliminate any discomfort. A consultation with a podiatrist may be considered to discuss proper treatment techniques which may include surgery.
If you are suffering from bunions, 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?
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?
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.
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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.
