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Items filtered by date: March 2024

Hammertoe, a deformity characterized by an abnormal bending of the toe joint, can lead to discomfort, difficulty walking, and even pain during daily activities. While many cases of hammertoe can be managed with conservative measures such as padding, shoe modifications, and orthotic devices, surgery may be necessary in certain instances. Hammertoe surgery becomes essential when the condition progresses to a point where conservative treatments no longer provide relief or when the deformity interferes significantly with mobility and quality of life. During surgery, the surgeon may release tight tendons, reposition bones, or remove damaged tissue to straighten and realign the affected toe. Although surgery involves risks like any medical procedure, it can offer long-term relief and improve functionality for individuals suffering from severe hammertoe deformities. If you are living with hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is the correct choice for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors 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:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

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:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

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 Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle 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.

Foot corns are painful patches of thickened skin that come in various forms, each requiring a different approach for prevention and treatment. Hard corns typically develop on the tops of toes or on the outer sides of the little toes. Soft corns occur between the toes, usually due to friction and moisture. Seed corns are tiny and tend to appear on the bottom of the feet, often causing discomfort when walking. Wearing properly fitted shoes with ample toe room can reduce friction and pressure on the feet, thus preventing corn formation. Regularly moisturizing the feet can also help soften skin and prevent the development of corns. Using protective pads or cushions can alleviate pressure points and reduce the risk of corn formation. Lastly, maintaining good foot hygiene and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or walking barefoot can further reduce the likelihood of developing foot corns. If you have developed a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide you with the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle 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:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Corns: What Are They, and How Do You Get Rid of Them
Tuesday, 12 March 2024 00:00

Definition and Facts About Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity characterized by an abnormal bend in one or more of the smaller toes, typically affecting the second, third, or fourth toe. This condition can develop due to a variety of factors, including genetics, wearing ill-fitting shoes that crowd the toes, or underlying conditions such as arthritis or nerve damage. A hammertoe can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty fitting into shoes comfortably. As the condition progresses, corns, calluses, and open sores may develop on the affected toes due to friction and pressure from footwear. Without intervention, a hammertoe can become rigid, making it challenging to straighten the affected toe. Seeking early intervention and adopting preventive measures can help manage hammertoe and prevent complications, ensuring optimal foot health and comfort. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you seek the guidance of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition, which may include surgery for severe cases.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-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

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

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

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?
Tuesday, 05 March 2024 00:00

Foot Pain Causes Among Ballet Dancers

Ballet, renowned for its grace and elegance, demands immense physical strength and flexibility, placing unique stresses on the feet of dancers. Foot pain is a common and often debilitating issue among ballet dancers, stemming from various factors. One primary cause is the repetitive strain endured during training and performances. The intricate footwork, including pointe work and jumps, can lead to overuse injuries such as stress fractures, tendonitis, and ligament strains. The demanding nature of ballet necessitates wearing tightly-fitted shoes, which can exacerbate foot discomfort and deformities like bunions and hammertoes over time. Poor technique or improper alignment during movements can also contribute to foot pain and injury. Additionally, anatomical factors such as foot structure and muscle imbalances play a significant role in predisposing dancers to foot problems. If you enjoy ballet dancing and are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you successful treatment methods in addition to effective prevention tips.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Read more about Foot Pain

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