Warm weather often leads to wearing lighter footwear and more time outside, but certain habits can put your feet at risk. Spending extended periods of time walking barefoot, even around pools or on grass, may result in injuries or infections. Thin sandals without proper structure can lead to heel pain or arch strain. Damp feet left in wet shoes or socks may invite fungus and skin irritation. Forgetting to protect the tops of your feet from the sun can result in unexpected burns. Cutting toenails improperly or too short in preparation for open-toed shoes may cause painful nail problems. While summer encourages a relaxed approach, your feet still need support, protection, and care. Being mindful of how you treat your feet during this season can help prevent avoidable issues. If your feet become sore, irritated, or develop problems that do not improve, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kenneth Donovan, DPM from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. 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 Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or narrow shoes, injury, or genetic factors that affect nail shape. Symptoms often begin with tenderness and swelling along the nail’s edge, progressing to increased pain, warmth, and sometimes infection with pus or drainage. The affected area may feel sore and make walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. A podiatrist can diagnose an ingrown toenail by examining the toe and assessing the severity. Treatment varies from conservative care, such as soaking, proper nail trimming, and antibiotic ointments, to minor surgical procedures like partial nail avulsion. This procedure removes the problematic portion of the nail, relieving pain and preventing recurrence. If you are have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate 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 Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages and activity levels. It can result from plantar fasciitis, where the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Other causes include soft tissue sprains and strains due to overuse or injury, and joint pain from arthritis or structural issues. Prolonged standing, poor footwear, or increased physical activity can trigger or worsen symptoms. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the source of heel pain and offer tailored treatments, such as stretching programs, orthotic support, and footwear guidance. If heel pain is affecting your mobility or comfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and appropriate treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

When dealing with foot pain, you may wonder whether stretching or strengthening will help you recover more quickly. The answer often depends on the cause of the discomfort. Tight muscles, ligaments, or tendons, such as the plantar fascia or calf muscles, may respond well to gentle stretching, which can relieve tension and improve flexibility. On the other hand, weak muscles in the foot or ankle may lead to poor support and alignment, making strengthening exercises more effective in building stability and preventing further injury. In some cases, a combination of both approaches brings the best results. Paying attention to the source of pain and how your body responds is key. If foot pain lingers or worsens with activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and a treatment plan that may include targeted exercises for faster, lasting relief.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Kenneth Donovan, DPM from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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