Sometimes, playing a particular kind of sport can increase an athlete’s susceptibility to particular kinds of foot conditions. For example, when an individual plays volleyball, they may be putting themselves at a risk of enduring a foot injury, such as an ankle sprain. The lateral ankle sprain is a common injury among volleyball players. There are several reasons for this. Most importantly, volleyball players often must frequently jump during games. When coming back down from a high jump, a volleyball player might land incorrectly on the outside of the foot. Often the force with which this occurs on the feet can be too much for the muscles around the ankle to handle. Ankle sprains can be the result. If you are a volleyball player and want to take steps to protect your feet, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist today to schedule an appointment.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Toe pain can arise from a variety of causes, but the most common include ingrown toenails, bunions, and blisters. Various types of arthritis and diabetes can also lead to toe pain. If you feel your toe is painful to the touch, shoes should be checked for a proper fit. They may be too tight, not supportive enough, or have heels that are too high. Resting and elevating the foot may also help relieve temporary toe pain. When there is redness, warmth, or swelling, there could be an infection requiring immediate medical attention. If you are having pain in your toes and it is not subsiding or is worsening, consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate treatment for you.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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:
When to See a Podiatrist
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 feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
The common fungal infection known as athlete’s foot can be quite uncomfortable. This fungal infection affects the skin on the feet, and can cause severe itchiness between the toes. Other symptoms can include dry skin and redness on the bottom of the feet. In severe cases, the toenails may be affected, and toenail fungus may develop. This fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, including shower room floors, locker rooms, public swimming pools, and surrounding areas. These are areas where many people walk barefoot, and the fungus can enter the body through small cuts in the bottom of the feet. Athlete's foot is considered to be contagious and effective prevention methods can include wearing appropriate shoes while in these areas and refraining from sharing shoes, socks, and towels. Many people who have athlete's foot seek prompt medical attention, which is beneficial in successfully curing this condition. If you are afflicted with athlete's foot, please consult a podiatrist for treatment.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Many people who experience an Achilles tendon tear are often in severe pain. This type of injury can fall into two categories, consisting of a partial or complete rupture, and can also be known as a tear. Middle-aged people who infrequently participate in sporting activities may be prone to getting an Achilles tendon injury, which may happen from accelerating speed and intensity too quickly. The Achilles tendon is found in the calf, and its function is to connect the calf muscles to the heel. Common symptoms that are associated with this type of injury include a sharp and sudden pain in the calf or heel, and it may be followed by an inability to walk. If the tendon is torn, surgery may be necessary for a permanent repair. A partial tear may be helped by performing specific stretches which may promote healing. If there are previous tears, the likelihood of getting another Achilles tendon injury may increase, and it is suggested that precautionary measures be taken. Patients who have this type of injury are urged to seek counsel from a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
A growth, or lesion that is found in the arch of the foot may be indicative of a plantar fibroma. It is considered to be benign, and it develops in the thick tissue of the plantar fascia. This is the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and provides stability to the arch. A plantar fibroma generally develops slowly, and may be more prevalent in young adults. There may be existing medical ailments that can cause a plantar fibroma to develop, such as being diabetic, having an alcohol use disorder, or possibly from being an epileptic. The condition that is known as plantar fibromatosis may happen when the lesion begins to get larger, and multiple growths develop on the sole of the foot. Patients may notice pain and discomfort as the fibroma becomes larger, and may worsen when standing for long periods at a time. This is a condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and it is strongly advised that you contact this type of doctor if you are afflicted with this condition.
A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Plantar Fibroma
A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.
What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?
While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.
What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?
There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.
Treatment and Prevention
A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:
Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Toenail fungus can be a nuisance. Not only can the development of toenail fungus make the toenails appear brittle and ragged, it can also cause you pain. There are several things that a patient might consider doing to avoid the development of toenail fungus. First, you might try selecting shoes that offer a decent amount of space for the toes. Shoes that have tiny toe boxes can make the toenails rub up against the shoes. Second, you might also try alternating the shoes that you wear from day to day. When an individual wears the same pair of shoes day after day, the shoes can become damp from sweat, which only increases the likelihood that a toenail fungus will take hold. If you are particularly concerned about developing a toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist today. This is a foot specialist who can help you with your concerns.
For more information about treatment, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Feet can be barometers for health problems that occur in the body. The feet are often neglected, especially when there is no pain. However, major changes in foot comfort can be an indication of a larger health issue going on. Problems you can have with your feet include foot cramping, a sore or abscess that will not heal, or constantly cold feet. Foot cramping is when a muscle in the foot suddenly squeezes and cannot relax properly. This can signal dehydration, nerve and circulation problems, or neurological disease. An abscess that will not heal can be the result of diabetes or peripheral artery disease and if not treated, can become infected and gangrenous. Feet that feel cold even after putting on warm socks can be due to poor blood circulation, which can be associated with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, or anemia. There are many other health problems that can cause foot pain. If you are experiencing discomfort with your feet, consult with a podiatrist who can help you with a proper diagnosis.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. 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:
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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
The abbreviation for peripheral artery disease is PAD, which is defined as restricted blood supply to the feet and legs. It is a common condition, and the symptoms that are generally experienced include foot pain while walking, hair loss on the legs, and the skin may change color or appear shiny. The majority of people with PAD have symptoms that develop gradually and may ultimately need medical attention. Diabetic patients often have this condition, as a result of elevated blood glucose levels. This serious condition may be improved, and relief can be found when lifestyle changes are implemented. These include eating healthy foods, reducing alcohol consumption, and losing weight, if needed. There may be existing medical reasons that can lead to developing PAD, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. One of the symptoms of PAD is the inability to feel cuts or scrapes on the feet. These may go undetected and can lead to infection, which in turn may lead to ulcers, gangrene or amputation. If you have symptoms of PAD, it is strongly suggested that you are under the regular care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.
Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD include:
It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.
Diagnosis
While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.
Treatment
Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
