Corns and calluses result from too much pressure on an area of the foot. Though they can occur in anyone, athletes are more prone to get them because the pressure on their feet is higher. Reasons for the development of corns and calluses can come from shoes if a deformity, such as bunion or hammertoe is present and rubs against the shoes. If the pressure is higher under the ball of the foot, it may be due to a prominent metatarsal head. Thickened skin of a corn or callus can be removed and provide relief from pain, but the only way to get rid of these symptoms permanently or prevent them from coming back is to remove what caused them in the first place. For example, if a corn develops from a hammertoe, fixing the hammertoe will get rid of the pressure and the corn will not come back. If you suffer from corns or calluses, see a podiatrist for help in figuring out what to do to remove the cause so these are no longer a problem for you.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Over the day, our feet can encounter a significant amount of pressure and friction. If an individual wears tight or ill-fitting footwear, their feet might rub against the shoes in a way that creates a lot of friction. Corns, callus-like areas of the skin, might develop in response to this friction and pressure. A corn is composed of layers of skin that are hardened by keratin. They may form on the toes, around the toes, or on the soles of the feet. Corns on the feet can lead to several complications. If ignored or left untreated, corns on the feet might make it more difficult for you to walk due to increased pain around the corn. Another potentially serious complication is the development of infections. For example, untreated corns could lead to infections like foot ulcers. A corn that is not addressed on your feet might even cause erythema, which is essentially redness caused by inflammation or an injury. You might even experience a pointed burning feeling if your corn is left untreated. These are just some of the many complications that are associated with untreated corns. If you have a corn, contact a podiatrist. Such a professional can help you address the problem and avoid the aforementioned complications.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is easy to notice. It is classified as a deformity and is a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe. It can develop as a result of genetic factors or from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe area. Research has shown it affects approximately 35% of people who are over 65 years old and may affect their quality of life if not promptly treated. The medical term for a bunion is called hallux valgus and happens when the first long bone of the foot meets the first bone of the toe. When this moves out of alignment, a bunion has formed. It often develops slowly and if it becomes severe it may shift the other toes toward each other. Flexibility and range of motion may negatively affect the foot, and the skin may become irritated. Some patients experience foot injuries, and this may lead to the development of a bunion. Additionally, existing medical conditions including flat feet and rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of getting a bunion. If you have noticed a bunion on your foot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you, which may include surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A stress fracture in the foot is common among people who enjoy running and participating in sporting activities. It is considered to be a hairline fracture, and gradually happens from repetitive stress that is put on the bones in the feet. People may refer to it as a fatigue fracture, and it is a weakening of the bone. There may be additional risk factors at play in why some people develop stress fractures and others do not. These can include not consuming enough calories, having an earlier stress fracture, or possibly from having low body weight. Many people can endure a stress fracture from training too rapidly and frequently, as this does not allow adequate time for the bones to get used to the added stress. Additionally, if running is done on hard surfaces, it may contribute significantly to getting a stress fracture. Relief generally begins with stopping the activity that caused the fracture, and resting the affected foot which may help to relieve swelling. If you have endured a stress fracture, it is advised that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. 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 Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Fluid-filled ganglion cysts are benign masses that can develop in tissue surrounding a tendon as well as in other locations. Ganglion cysts in the feet can occur on top of the foot or in the ankle and are sometimes visible on the skin. If they press against a tendon, joint, or footwear, they can be painful. It is a good idea to have your podiatrist evaluate and diagnose any growth that is causing pain in your ankle or elsewhere on your feet whether or not you suspect a ganglion cyst. They will typically monitor the growth and may prescribe custom orthotics or footwear modifications to alleviate pressure being placed on it. If the cyst becomes overly painful or bothersome, your podiatrist may try aspirating it or using steroid injections to shrink it. A surgical treatment may prove beneficial if the cyst returns or is non-responsive to more conservative treatments. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are several troublesome rare diseases that can negatively impact the health of your feet. Although these conditions can be extremely rare, it is important for you to familiarize yourself with these afflictions in case you ever have to identify one of these conditions in yourself or a loved one. One rare condition that negatively impacts the feet is known as Maffucci syndrome, which has only impacted a total of 200 reported patients since its discovery. This syndrome produces a number of abnormalities in the skeleton that can manifest themselves in the feet. For example, people with Maffucci syndrome can experience enchondromas, which are cartilage tumors throughout the bones in their feet. Endochromas caused by Maffucci syndrome can also appear in the hands, ribs, and skull. Individuals suffering from Maffucci syndrome usually also experience some kind of abnormality in the skin. Namely, it is common for individuals to see hemangiomas, or clumps of blood vessels, throughout the skin and possibly on the feet. Maffucci syndrome undoubtedly is a rare condition, but you should be on the lookout for these symptoms. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, or would like to gather more information, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

A broken ankle is easy to notice. It produces severe pain and discomfort after a fall has taken place, and it is often impossible to walk on. Additional symptoms include a numbness in the ankle and surrounding area, swelling, and bruising. To determine if the ankle is fractured, an X-ray is generally taken, and this is helpful in determining the exact location of the break. If the break is severe, an MRI or CT scan may be ordered that can show if there is tissue damage or other injuries. A broken ankle is often treated by wearing a cast or a boot for several weeks. This is beneficial in keeping the ankle stable as the healing process occurs. Additionally, when the ankle is elevated above the heart, the swelling is often reduced, and it may provide relief. If additional symptoms occur, such as warm and tender legs, or if your toenails start to turn gray or blue, immediate attention from a podiatrist is strongly advised. Please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat broken ankles.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet carry the weight of the body so it is important to take proper care of them. One of the best things you can do for your feet is stretch them frequently. This helps maintain flexibility and range of motion. A stretch that can help the plantar fascia is performed by practicing a foot roll. This is done by placing your foot on top of a golf ball and rolling it back and forth. People who stand for the majority of the day also find this to be an effective foot stretch. The toes can become stronger when toe stretches are done, and this can positively affect the overall foot. Additionally, a towel lift is good for the toes and middle of the foot. This is done by placing a towel on the floor while sitting in a chair and lifting the towel with the toes. The heels can benefit from standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you would like more information about the benefits of stretching the feet and additional stretches to practice, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.