Foot arthritis can significantly impact mobility and quality of life, but incorporating targeted exercises into your daily routine can help alleviate discomfort and improve joint function. Toe curls, where you scrunch a towel or small object with your toes, can strengthen the muscles in your feet and toes, providing better support for arthritic joints. Ankle circles involve gently rotating your ankles in clockwise and counterclockwise motions to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Additionally, seated calf stretches and toe stretches can help improve range of motion and reduce tension in the foot and ankle joints. Walking in a swimming pool or performing water aerobics can provide low-impact exercise, while reducing stress on arthritic joints. Incorporating some of these exercises into your routine can help manage foot arthritis symptoms. If you have arthritis and your feet are affected, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Understanding the intricate relationship between diet and gout is important for those grappling with this painful joint condition. Gout, a form of arthritis, results from an excess of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of crystals in the joints, causing inflammation and intense pain. Dietary choices play a vital role in managing gout, as certain foods can either exacerbate or alleviate symptoms. Foods rich in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and seafood, can elevate uric acid levels, thus triggering gout attacks. On the contrary, incorporating a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been linked to a lower risk of gout. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying hydrated are essential lifestyle factors that can positively impact gout management. By adopting a balanced and mindful approach to dietary habits, individuals can effectively contribute to the prevention and control of gout flare-ups. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to further manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails can become chronic if left untreated. Causes can include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, obesity, trauma, excessive sweating, fungal infections, and hormonal changes. Symptoms encompass pain, swelling, redness, and pus formation. Classification into three stages guides treatment decisions, with conservative measures recommended for mild cases. Conservative approaches include proper nail trimming, wearing roomy shoes, and using gauze or specialized materials to separate the nail from the flesh. Surgical intervention becomes necessary for stages two and three, involving either partial or total nail removal and destruction of the lateral matrix to prevent regrowth. Regular podiatry care and adherence to post-treatment protocols are necessary for successful management of ingrown toenails. If you have repeated experience with ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation of the stage you are experiencing, in addition to obtaining proper treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Ankle pain while running can be a frustrating setback for any athlete. Several factors contribute to this discomfort, ranging from overuse injuries to biomechanical issues. Often, runners experience ankle pain due to excessive strain on the ligaments and tendons surrounding the ankle joint. This strain can result from repetitive movements, improper footwear, or inadequate warm-up routines. Additionally, running on uneven surfaces or sudden changes in terrain can exacerbate ankle pain by causing instability and stress on the joints. Poor running form, such as overpronation or supination, may also lead to ankle pain over time. Ignoring early signs of discomfort can worsen the condition and potentially lead to more severe injuries. To prevent ankle pain, runners should prioritize proper footwear, gradual training progressions, and regular stretching exercises to maintain flexibility and strengthen the ankle muscles. If you have developed ankle pain, and feel it may be due to running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options, in addition to effective preventive techniques.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.