Diabetic neuropathy is a common and serious complication of diabetes that affects the nerves, particularly in the legs and feet. Symptoms include numbness and tingling, often starting in the feet and spreading. Other indications of diabetic neuropathy are burning or sharp pain at night, muscle weakness that can impede walking or moving, and loss of balance, which increases the risk of falls. In some patients, skin changes, such as dry or cracked skin, and slow wound healing are common. Causes of diabetic neuropathy include uncontrolled blood sugar levels that can gradually damage nerves, and inflammation that harms nerve fibers. Diabetes can lead to poor circulation because of restricted blood flow to the feet. A family history of neuropathy may increase the risk, and smoking and overuse of alcohol can worsen nerve damage in diabetics. If you are experiencing diabetic neuropathy symptoms in the lower extremities, it is suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist to monitor their progress. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Extensor tendonitis in the feet can occur due to overuse, resulting in pain and discomfort. Extensor tendons play crucial roles in the movement of toes but are vulnerable to injuries. Foot extensor tendonitis typically presents as pain on the top of the foot, often affecting one foot more than the other. It can weaken the tendons, affecting toe movement and push-off ability. Common causes of this condition include wearing tight shoes and running excessively. Diagnosis involves having physical exams and, in some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or an MRI. Treatment includes rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Steroid injections may be necessary for severe cases, with surgery reserved for rare instances. Recovery times can vary. Proper care and prevention can effectively manage extensor tendonitis, allowing a return to regular activities. If you think you may have this affliction, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

The management of foot pain is extremely individualized, depending on its cause. Patients typically combine non-pharmaceutical methods with medications for relief. Performing specific exercises that maintain muscle strength and flexibility can help to prevent future injuries. Podiatrists are essential and can offer orthotics tailored to each patient's needs. These insoles, rigid or soft, alleviate walking or running discomfort. Medications come in various forms including oral analgesics and corticosteroid injections to help control inflammation. In severe cases hindering mobility, surgery may be necessary, such as fracture repair, arthroscopic debridement, or joint fusion. Post-surgery rehabilitation and follow-up appointments are crucial for a successful recovery. If you are suffering from chronic foot pain, or if it becomes worse, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment.

Foot Pain

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

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 Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, can be stubborn and challenging to treat with traditional methods. However, recent advancements in medical technology have introduced an effective alternative, which is known as laser therapy. This innovative approach utilizes concentrated beams of light to target and eliminate the fungus residing beneath the toenail. The laser treatment process begins with the application of the laser, which penetrates the nail. This specifically targets the fungal infection while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue unharmed. The laser generates heat, effectively eradicating the fungal cells and inhibiting their ability to regrow. Laser treatment offers several advantages. It is non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and typically involves minimal discomfort. Additionally, it can be extremely effective, often requiring fewer sessions than traditional treatments. Patients can generally resume their daily activities immediately following the procedure. As with any medical treatment, consultation with a podiatrist is crucial in determining what the best approach is for your specific condition. Laser therapy represents a promising option in the battle against stubborn toenail fungus, offering a safe, efficient, and minimally disruptive solution to restore healthy and clear nails. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is right for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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.