Fairhope, Brewton, Atmore Phone (251) 928-6768
Heel spur surgery stands as a significant decision for those grappling with persistent heel pain. Understanding the procedure's intricacies unveils vital insights. The surgery involves excising the bony protrusion from the heel bone, often performed under local or general anesthesia. It typically necessitates a recovery period, during which mobility may be limited, demanding patience and adherence to post-operative instructions. Complications such as infection or nerve damage, though rare, underscore the importance of meticulous post-operative care. The decision to undergo surgery hinges on various factors, including the severity of symptoms and the efficacy of non-surgical interventions. Consulting with a podiatrist is essential for informed decision-making, as they can provide tailored guidance based on individual circumstances. While heel spur surgery offers relief for many, it is important to approach it with a thorough understanding of the process, potential outcomes, and commitment to recovery. If you have a heel spur that is causing pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine if heel spur surgery is right for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
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.
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.
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.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, can be painful and disruptive. These growths, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, often appear as rough, grainy lesions on the weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the ball and heel. Plantar warts develop when HPV infects the outer layer of skin on the foot, typically through cuts, cracks, or breaks in the skin. Certain factors, such as a weakened immune system or previous bouts of plantar warts, can increase susceptibility. Treatment options include prescription strength medications containing salicylic acid, cryotherapy, laser treatments, or surgical removal. Because it can be difficult to eradicate plantar warts on your own, a podiatrist can provide tailored treatment options to alleviate discomfort and minimize the risk of recurrence. If you have plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.
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 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
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 our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Gout, often characterized by sudden and intense pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, primarily affects individuals who exhibit certain predisposing factors. Men over the age of 40 are particularly susceptible, as are postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes. Additionally, those with a family history of gout are at an increased risk, suggesting a genetic component to the condition. Lifestyle choices can also play a significant role. Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly beer, and a diet rich in purine-containing foods such as red meat, seafood, and organ meats can elevate the risk. Additionally, obesity and conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease are associated with a higher likelihood of developing gout. Taking certain medications, such as diuretics, can contribute to elevated uric acid levels, increasing the likelihood of gout flare-ups. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Freiberg's disease is characterized by cartilage degeneration in the lesser metatarsal heads of the feet, notably affecting adolescent females, though it can occur in both genders later in life. The condition primarily involves the second and third metatarsals. While the exact cause remains unclear, vascular problems, genetic predisposition, and altered biomechanics are common causes. Diagnosis by a podiatrist includes clinical evaluation and imaging confirmation. In many cases X-rays show normal bone formation in early stages and flattened, fragmented metatarsal heads as the disease progresses. Treatment focuses on relieving foot pressure and may involve nonoperative measures such as activity modification and custom orthotic support. Surgical interventions are considered for advanced cases. Outcomes for Freiberg’s disease from both nonoperative and operative management are generally favorable, allowing most patients to resume previous activities. To find out what may be causing metatarsal foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Rare Foot Conditions
The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.
There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:
Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.
Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.
A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
When you have an ingrown toenail, it means that the edge of the nail is growing into the skin around it. A podiatrist, who is a foot doctor, has several approaches to treatment, which can range from conservative to surgical. A podiatrist may perform a nail-lifting procedure by using cotton or gauze to separate the nail edge from the skin. If the ingrown toenail keeps coming back or is severe, a podiatrist can also perform a small surgery. This usually involves removing a part of the nail and sometimes a bit of the skin around it to stop the nail from growing into the skin again. The podiatrist can make sure you're comfortable during the procedure by using local anesthetics. If you’re suffering from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you seek treatment with a podiatrist, who can both treat your toe and give you advice on how to prevent the problem from coming back.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your podiatric needs.
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
