Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that develops when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of this problem. High blood sugar can damage nerves in the feet and reduce healthy blood flow. This makes it harder for the nerves to function properly. Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, and numbness. Weakness and a pins-and-needles feeling in the feet are also common. Symptoms can become worse when walking and may affect balance and stability. Lack of sensation in the feet also raises the risk of cuts, sores, and infections going unnoticed. A podiatrist can examine the feet, check nerve function, and order diagnostic testing to identify nerve damage and its cause. Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, protecting the feet from further damage, and improving comfort and mobility. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and management options.

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 one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors 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

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

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 our offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Properly fitted roller skating boots help you focus on skating rather than foot discomfort. Boots should feel snug and supportive without causing pressure or pain. If your foot slides forward or there is space behind your heel, the boots may be too large and can lead to instability. Boots that are too tight can create pressure points and irritation. Wearing the wrong size can contribute to blisters, tendon irritation, and arch pain. Taking time to adjust laces and wear the right socks can improve fit. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend proper gear, and address any concerns you have. If you have foot or ankle pain from roller skating, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat these conditions and provide additional tips for wearing the right roller skating boots.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle instability often develops after repeated ankle sprains weaken the supporting ligaments that holds the joint together. When these ligaments stretch or tear, the joint can lose control and become less stable during movement. As a result, the ankle may feel unsteady or give way, especially on uneven ground or with quick turns. Damage to small nerve sensors can also affect balance, as they help the brain sense position. When they do not work well, the risk of missteps increases. Other causes include poor alignment and muscles that are not strong enough to support the ankle. A podiatrist can examine the ankle, assess stability, and order imaging to identify damage. Treatment options include bracing, custom-made orthotics, and guided exercises to improve strength and control. If you frequently have the feeling of an ankle giving way, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Some children are born with or develop foot alignment conditions that affect how the foot looks and functions. Clubfoot is a condition where the foot turns inward and downward, often requiring early treatment to guide proper positioning. Metatarsus adductus is another condition where the front part of the foot curves inward, giving it a bean-like shape. These conditions can vary in severity, and while some improve as a child grows, others need medical care to prevent long-term problems. Parents may notice unusual foot shape, uneven walking, or difficulty fitting shoes properly. Early evaluation is important to support normal development and movement. A podiatrist can assess the structure of the foot, monitor growth, and recommend treatments such as stretching, bracing, or other interventions if needed.If your child has an unusual foot shape or walking pattern, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors 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:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

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 our offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.