Items filtered by date: February 2024

Plantar warts, though benign, are contagious and can be a source of discomfort for many individuals. These small, grainy growths typically develop on the soles of the feet, particularly in areas that bear weight such as the heel or ball of the feet. Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, specifically strains that thrive in warm, moist environments. Plantar warts often enter the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin. Walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms, swimming pools, or communal showers can increase the risk of exposure to the virus. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems or compromised skin integrity are more susceptible to developing plantar warts. The pressure and friction exerted on the feet during walking can flatten plantar warts, causing them to grow inward and become painful. While plantar warts may resolve on their own over time, seeking treatment from a podiatrist can help alleviate discomfort and prevent them from spreading to other areas of the feet or to other individuals. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Our doctors 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

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

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 Woodstock, Jasper, and Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Stress fractures are hairline fractures in the foot that are caused by repetitive activity, such as running on hard surfaces. These tiny cracks, that can affect various foot bones, often cause pain and further complications if left untreated. Calcaneal stress fractures affect the heel bone, and are common among soldiers and runners. Symptoms include gradual heel pain worsened by weight-bearing activities. Calcaneal stress fractures often require bone scans or an MRI for diagnosis. Navicular stress fractures are more prevalent in sprinters and jumpers. They cause a midfoot ache that worsens with exercise and is accompanied by tenderness over the navicular bone. Metatarsal stress fractures, particularly in the second metatarsal, arise from overuse and poor biomechanics. Symptoms include gradual foot pain and swelling but they are difficult to identify, necessitating advanced imaging for diagnosis. Jones fractures, occurring in the fifth metatarsal after sudden trauma or ankle twisting, cause acute pain, tenderness, and weight-bearing difficulty. If you have foot pain that may be caused by repetitive activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct a thorough examination and suggest correct treatment options.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodstock, Jasper, and Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pregnancy brings about numerous changes in a woman's body, and one area that often transforms is the feet. As the body prepares for childbirth, hormonal fluctuations, particularly the hormone relaxin, contribute to increased flexibility in ligaments and tendons. This heightened flexibility can lead to changes in the arch of the foot, causing it to flatten or develop a more pronounced arch, depending on the individual. Additionally, the added weight and pressure on the feet can result in swelling and a potential increase in shoe size. These changes are not uniform, and each woman may experience variations in foot structure during pregnancy. As a result, expectant mothers need to prioritize comfortable footwear, adequate support, and regular foot care to alleviate any discomfort. If you have foot pain during your pregnancy or would like additional information on how your foot structure may change, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodstock, Jasper, and Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, a type of arthritis, can cause intense pain that often starts in the big toe. This condition is caused by a build up of needle shaped uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation. The big toe is where painful gout attacks commonly occur because it is a cooler part of the body, and uric acid is more likely to crystallize there. Gout patients usually experience painful joint flares for a week or so, which then disappear for a period of time. Some patients do not experience their next flare for a year or more. Lifestyle factors such as a diet particularly rich in purine-containing foods in addition to genetics can contribute to gout development. During a gout flare up, the big toe may become red, swollen, and extremely tender. It is essential for those experiencing big toe pain to seek medical attention, as managing gout requires having a well informed plan. If you have pain in your big toe and suspect it may be gout, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you find relief from the acute pain associated with this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodstock, Jasper, and Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.