Fairhope, Brewton, Atmore Phone (251) 928-6768
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.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the foot. While generally not a serious condition, it can be bothersome and is contagious. As a parent, making sure your children maintain proper foot care is an important step in preventing ailments like athlete’s foot. Here are some steps that you should teach your children to help prevent athlete’s foot. Make sure that they wear flip-flops or sandals in public bathrooms and around pools. When they are drying their feet, make sure they dry in between their toes, as athlete’s foot often occurs in this area. Keep your house and their play areas clean. Teach them to not share some items like towels or shoes, as these items may be contaminated already. Finally, check their feet for any symptoms of athlete’s foot such as redness, itchiness, or scaly skin.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
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.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Hiking is a fun, safe, and healthy activity when proper precautions are taken. Here are some tips to help prevent foot injuries while out on the trails. Try not to overpack; take only what is necessary, as this can help take pressure off your feet. If you do go hiking, make sure to wear hiking boots as these are developed to offer more grip and cushioning than a sneaker. To prevent blisters, use moleskin, tape, or even bandages on areas where friction is likely. Wear moisture wicking socks to help keep your feet dry, further helping in the prevention of blisters. Finally, tools like hiking poles can help provide stability and take some weight off your back, so it's not a bad idea to bring a pair. By following these tips, you can help reduce the likelihood of falls and foot injuries. If you happen to hurt your feet while hiking, be sure to see a podiatrist so that you can be diagnosed and cared for properly.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Brent Harwood, DPM of Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
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.
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.
Sometimes, the more options to choose from, the tougher it is to decide. Running shoes fall right into this category; with so many choices out there, it can be hard to find the right pair. There are some things to look for that should narrow down the search. First, look for a shoe that will work in whatever terrain you run in. Think running shoes for roads and the track, and opt for trail running shoes for the trails. Second, look for shoes that match your foot strike. Those who overpronate should look for shoes that can help correct that. Don’t get too caught up in foot strike, however; above all, go for comfort. Shoes should be comfortable to run in for long periods of time. Just make sure your toes have enough space to move around, and ensure the shoe is snug but not too tight.
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 ankle 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 and ankle needs.
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.
foot pain is often caused by improper footwear, and flip-flops are no exception. The soles of flip-flops are very thin, offering little support and shock absorption. Flip-flops force the wearer to shorten their stride because they need to curl their toes to get a good grip. This action can cause hammertoes and force the legs to work harder. Flip-flops can increase the risk of tripping and serious injuries, such as possibly tearing the toenail beds or fracturing the toes. sprains, blisters, and infections due to bacteria or fungus are common occurrences among wearers. Choosing a flip-flop with a thicker sole may be an option for additional support if you wish to wear them. Additionally, avoiding activities like running while wearing flip-flops may protect your feet against potential injury. Finally, avoid driving while wearing flip-flops as they may make accidents more likely.
Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or , contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot care needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.
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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You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
If feet are deprived of blood that's rich in oxygen, a condition called diabetic foot can occur. It is typically characterized by open wounds or sores, usually located on the sole of the foot. The high blood sugar may damage blood vessels, causing poor circulation in the feet and legs. Foot ulcers may then be a result of this and can be very slow to heal. Checking the feet for cuts and sores, in addition to learning how to keep the feet clean and dry, is crucial for patients. For people with severe foot ulcers, special shoes may be needed. It’s important for the ulcer to be treated properly by washing it well with saline or clean tap water and then covering it with a bandage to control drainage. You should seek immediate treatment from a podiatrist if you think you have a diabetic foot ulcer.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
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 your feet continually sweat, you may have a condition known as hyperhidrosis. Simply put, the sweat glands in the feet are constantly working, and don’t know when to stop. Many patients who have this often contend with athlete’s foot, nail fungus, or cold feet. Since the feet contain roughly 250,000 sweat glands, using an antiperspirant before bed may be a good first choice for treatment. Additionally, starting a journal may help in identifying how and when the sweating occurs. It may be found that certain foods are triggers and can therefore be avoided. Foot hygiene plays an important role in managing this condition; washing the feet twice daily will be beneficial. Using antifungal foot washes in addition to drying the feet thoroughly may help reduce the presence of bacteria on the skin. If the condition does not improve, a podiatrist should be consulted for advice on how to handle this condition.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Brent Harwood, DPM of Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot care needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
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 hard, thickened area of skin on the foot you may possibly have a corn. This condition comes from rubbing, which puts pressure on the skin. Corns form on the feet, which may make walking difficult and painful. There are a few different types of corns, one being soft which typically develops between the toes. Another type is a hard corn, which is a small patch of thickened skin with a portion of softer skin in the center. There are also seed corns that consist of a group of smaller corns, and tend to occur on the bottom of the feet. Ill-fitting shoes are the most common causes of this foot disorder. Women are more likely to develop corns because of frequent wearing of high heels. These shoes put pressure on the toes which can lead to thickening of skin on the foot. Wearing shoes without socks may be another cause of corns, which can lead to friction
If you have any concerns regarding your Feet, contact Brent Harwood, DPM of Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot care needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
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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An imbalance in either the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the foot that keep the toes straight can cause hammertoe or mallet toe. Causes of this imbalance can stem from improperly-fitted shoes, trauma, and even foot structure. An abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe is called hammertoe. When the joint nearest to the toenail is affected, this condition is called mallet toe. Poorly-fitted shoes can result in the toes becoming compressed which can result in the condition. Simply wearing properly-fitted footwear may cause the toes to become uncompressed and restore balance in the foot. However, surgery may be needed if the issue stems from trauma or foot structure, and if symptoms become more severe or do not go away.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Brent Harwood, DPM from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and -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
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 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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