Fairhope, Brewton, Atmore
Phone (251) 928-6768
Arthritis in the toes can cause significant discomfort and impact mobility. Swelling is a common symptom, often making shoes feel tighter and causing tenderness with pressure. Soreness may be persistent or worsen with activity, leading to difficulty walking or standing for long periods. Restricted movement can develop as the joints become stiff, making it challenging to bend or flex the toes. Additionally, redness and warmth surrounding the affected joints may indicate inflammation, often accompanied by pain. In more advanced cases, deformities such as bunions or claw toes can occur, altering the foot’s natural shape. The most common types of arthritis affecting the toes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
When to See a Podiatrist
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
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 and ankle needs.
Do you work on your feet all day and find your feet in pain? Don't go to work in pain each day. Your foot pain can be treated, and we can help.
Morton's toe is a foot condition where the second toe is longer than the big toe due to a shorter first metatarsal bone. This structural difference can alter weight distribution, placing extra pressure on the ball of the foot. Causes of Morton's toe are primarily genetic, as the condition is inherited. This imbalance can lead to foot problems like calluses, metatarsalgia, and improper arch support. It may also contribute to pain in the ankles, knees, and lower back due to changes in walking mechanics. Relief options include wearing shoes with proper arch support, using orthotic inserts, and choosing footwear with a roomy toe box. If this condition is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you on relief options, including stretching and strengthening exercises that can help improve foot stability.
Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Brent Harwood, DPM of Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.
What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?
A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.
What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?
Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:
Treatment and Prevention
While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.
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 and ankle needs.
Ingrown toenails can be painful and can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable. Seek professional help if you believe you've developed an ingrown toenail and be treated safely.
An ingrown toenail develops when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and potential infection. The big toe is the most common site of an ingrown toenail, and improper nail trimming is a leading cause. Cutting the toenails too short or rounding their edges can encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight shoes, repetitive pressure from physical activities, and excessive sweating can also increase the risk. Some people have naturally curved or thick nails that make them more prone to this condition. Ingrown toenails are more common in teenagers and young adults, with males affected more often than females. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected, making daily activities difficult. A podiatrist can provide treatment, including lifting the nail, trimming properly, or surgery to remove part or all of the affected nail. Proper footwear and trimming nails straight across can help to prevent recurrence. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Brent Harwood, DPM of Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
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.
Heel pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life. Simple activities like walking can become incredibly uncomfortable or painful due to heel pain.
Don’t live with heel pain and get treated.
Bone spurs on the feet, also called osteophytes, are growths that form due to prolonged stress or pressure on the bones, often the result of continuous friction or inflammation. Bone spurs can appear on the toes, the top of the foot, and at the back of the heel near the Achilles tendon attachment. Osteoarthritis is a significant cause, as cartilage deterioration prompts the body to generate additional bone to compensate for joint damage. High-impact activities like running or dancing can also contribute to developing bone spurs, particularly if footwear is tight or unsupportive. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, a tight Achilles tendon, and flat or excessively high foot arches further increase the likelihood of these painful growths. Bone spurs can limit movement and create discomfort when walking or standing. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms, perform imaging tests for an accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include surgery. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
A foot ulcer is an open wound that develops on the bottom of the foot, often affecting individuals with diabetes or poor circulation. These ulcers are typically caused by nerve damage, prolonged pressure, and poor blood flow, which slow down the body’s natural healing process. Symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes drainage or a foul odor, particularly when the ulcer becomes infected. Keep the wound clean and dry, and avoid putting pressure on the affected area for mild relief. Wearing proper footwear and using padded insoles can also help reduce pressure. If you have a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat foot wounds and help you manage any contributing underlying condition.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
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.
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
The toe box of a shoe plays a significant role in foot health by determining how much space the toes have to move naturally. When a shoe's toe box is too narrow or short, it can lead to various foot problems, including blisters, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. Over time, shoes with a tight toe box may contribute to misaligned toes, inflamed nerves, and pain in the ball of the foot. People who frequently experience discomfort in the toes while wearing shoes may have a foot shape that requires a wider or deeper toe box. Shoes with a design that follows the natural contours of the foot can help reduce pressure points and prevent long-term complications like bunions. High heels and narrow dress shoes often force the toes into an unnatural position, increasing the risk of foot pain and deformities. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, identify any issues related to improper footwear, and recommend shoes that provide better support. If you have foot pain connected to improper footwear, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
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 and ankle needs.
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.
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn due to excessive force. This injury typically happens when the foot twists or rolls in an awkward direction, often during physical activities such as running or jumping. Common causes of ankle sprains include walking or exercising on uneven surfaces, sudden changes in direction, or improper footwear. Symptoms of an ankle sprain can range from mild to severe and include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty walking. In some cases, a popping sound may be heard at the time of injury. Recurring ankle sprains can occur if the initial injury is not properly treated or rehabilitated, leading to weakened ligaments. To prevent future sprains, it is important to strengthen the ankle through specific exercises, wear supportive footwear, and avoid high-risk activities until fully healed. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
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 and ankle needs.
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.
