Items filtered by date: July 2024

Foot problems related to diabetes can escalate quickly if not promptly addressed. Signs of serious issues include persistent numbness or tingling in the feet that could indicate nerve damage, known as neuropathy. Skin changes such as dryness, cracking, or peeling, particularly when accompanied by slow-healing sores or wounds, are concerning, as diabetes impairs circulation and wound healing. Swelling or redness surrounding a foot ulcer may indicate infection, a serious complication requiring immediate medical attention. Changes in foot shape, such as hammertoes or bunions, can also occur due to nerve damage and altered mechanics. Any sudden change in foot temperature or color warrants evaluation, as these can signal compromised blood flow. Regular foot exams by a podiatrist and diligent foot care routines are vital for managing diabetes and preventing serious foot complications. If you have foot problems related to diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of this a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical 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

• 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 office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle fractures refer to breaks in any bones that make up the ankle joint, typically involving the tibia, fibula, or talus. These fractures can be caused by trauma from falls, sports injuries, or vehicular accidents, as well as overuse injuries or underlying conditions like osteoporosis. The ankle joint is composed of three main bones which are the tibia, fibula, and talus, along with the surrounding ligaments and tendons that provide stability and support. Injury may involve any of these structures, ranging from minor hairline fractures to severe breaks that displace the bones. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, treatment may involve immobilization with a cast or brace, realignment of displaced bones through manipulation or surgery, and rehabilitation to restore strength and function. Prompt medical attention is vital to prevent complications and ensure proper long-term healing. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the injury and offer treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. They often result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or injury to the toe. Genetic predisposition and certain activities that put pressure on the toes, such as running or ballet, can also contribute to this condition. People with curved or thick nails are more susceptible to ingrown toenails. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and sometimes pus if an infection develops. If left untreated, the pain can intensify, making walking difficult. To find relief for an ingrown toenail, soak the foot in warm water to reduce swelling, and gently lift the nail away from the skin using a cotton ball or dental floss. Prevent ingrown toenails by trimming nails straight across, wearing properly fitting shoes, and avoiding trauma to the toes. If you have a persistent or severe ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional treatment and guidance. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical 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

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

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 office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot, medically referred to as metatarsalgia, can stem from injuries, neuromas, and ill-fitting footwear. Common among athletes and high heel wearers, this pain often results from improper weight distribution across the metatarsal bones. Pain in the ball of the foot also may be the result of Morton’s neuroma, where nerve tissue in the ball of the foot becomes swollen. Foot injuries such as fractures, gout, arthritis, and bunions can also contribute to this metatarsal pain. High heels, in particular, tend to compress the toes and place excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, making matters worse. Persistent pressure or friction from tight shoes can cause calluses that add to the pain. Proper footwear with ample room for the toes and cushioning around the ball of the foot is essential for preventing and managing pain. If you are experiencing pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A hammertoe is a foot deformity where toes become bent at the middle joint, typically affecting the second, third, or fourth toes. A hammertoe worsens over time due to muscle imbalance, often the result of wearing ill-fitting shoes. Shoes that are too narrow or have high heels force the toes into a bent position. This causes friction, pain, and the development of corns or calluses. Symptoms can include swelling, redness, or difficulty straightening the toe. Certain non-surgical approaches may be effective in early stages of hammertoe formation. These include wearing properly fitted shoes with a roomy toe box to alleviate pressure and allow toes to spread naturally. Exercises to stretch and strengthen toe muscles also may provide relief. Pads or cushions can be helpful, and may help to prevent further irritation. When the affected joint becomes rigid and non-flexible, surgical options like tendon lengthening or joint fusion may be necessary. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.  

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.