Items filtered by date: December 2012

Tuesday, 19 July 2022 00:00

Types of Corns

Corns are one of the most uncomfortable foot conditions that can develop. It happens as a result of excess friction that comes from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Corns can form on top of the toes, on the side of the pinky toe, or between the toes. There are two categories of corns, consisting of hard or soft. The latter forms between the toes and remains soft from existing moisture that is found there, and they appear to be whiter than hard corns. Hard corns can form on top of the toes or on the bottom of the feet. It is helpful to wear shoes that fit properly. This is beneficial in reducing the corn to a smaller size, and it may gradually completely diminish. Many people wear a protective pad over the corn, which may provide adequate cushioning and possibly reduce the pain that is associated with corns. If you have developed a corn that is extremely bothersome, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options, which may include medication.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Tuesday, 19 July 2022 00:00

Corns and Calluses

A corn is a lesion that forms in the skin of the foot, and it is typically circular in shape, small in size, and thick and rough in texture. A corn generally occurs as a result of repeated pressure on the skin; one example of this is the rubbing of a shoe against the skin. Corns differ from calluses in that their central cores are harder in texture.

A corn is a relatively common condition with a wide variety of treatment options. If a corn becomes overly uncomfortable or painful, consult with your podiatrist; he can determine the best method of treatment that is appropriate for you. Corns may return if the underlying cause of its development is not treated or removed. Avoid removing corns at home, as improper removal may cause infection.

A callus, similar to a corn, is an area of skin that has become thickened due to repeated pressure and rubbing. The rubbing causes the skin to create a layer of protective skin, which is the formed callus. Calluses can differ in size between people, and they can also become painful.

Multiple treatments are available for calluses. At-home treatment and removal should be avoided, as this can potentially lead to infection. Your podiatrist can best determine the cause of your calluses and suggest the treatment most appropriate for you.

Tuesday, 12 July 2022 00:00

Children and Broken Toes

A broken toe is uncomfortable for the majority of people, and can be discouraging for children who sustain this type of fracture. It is often necessary to refrain from putting pressure on the foot as the healing process occurs, and this may interfere with participating in physical activities. A broken toe can happen if a heavy object falls on it, or if it is jammed against a piece of furniture. Many children notice immediate symptoms that include bruising, swelling, and the inability to walk on the affected foot. Additionally, in severe breaks, the bone may protrude from the skin at an abnormal angle, causing severe pain and discomfort. If you think your child may have broken their toe, a proper diagnosis is necessary. This can consist of having an X-ray or MRI taken. For mild breaks, buddy taping can be an effective form of treatment. This is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, providing the stability needed for complete healing. A broken toe can be treated by a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and monitor this type of injury.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

Swelling
Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
Stiffness
Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Tuesday, 12 July 2022 00:00

What to Know About a Broken Toe

The forefoot is composed of five metatarsal bones and fourteen phalanges. Each toe has three phalanges except for the big toe which only has two. Our toes play an essential role to the walking process, which is why a broken toe could seriously disrupt one’s ability to move around. Toe fractures are common and can be very painful. Fortunately, these injuries rarely require surgery and usually heal with rest and a change in activity.

Broken toes typically result from a traumatic event such as falling, stubbing the toe, or dropping something on the toe. Traumatic toe fractures may be categorized as either minor or severe fractures. At times, one may hear a “pop” or “crack” sound when the bone breaks. Common symptoms of a traumatic toe fracture include pain, throbbing, bruising, swelling, and redness.

Another type of toe fractures is a stress fracture. These injuries usually appear in the form of small hairline breaks on the bone. Stress fractures develop after repetitive activity instead of a single injury. Stress fractures occur when the muscles in the bone become too weak to absorb impact. Consequently, the toe bone becomes vulnerable to any pressure and impact it endures. Symptoms for a stress fracture in the toe include swelling without bruising, tenderness to the touch, pain that goes away with rest, and pain after walking or running.

If you suspect that you have a broken toe, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist. He or she will likely diagnose you by performing a physical exam and an X-ray. Treatment for a broken toe may include the R.I.C.E. method, buddy taping, surgery, or antibiotics. The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is a common treatment method for many injuries because it decreases pain. Buddy tapping involves wrapping the injured toe next to an adjacent toe to keep it supported and protected. These two methods have proven to be effective in the healing process for toe fractures. The estimated healing time for a broken toe is approximately four to six weeks. If the injury becomes infected or requires surgery, the estimated healing time may take eight weeks or more.

Monday, 11 July 2022 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 05 July 2022 00:00

How to Deal With Calluses on the Feet

Calluses form when the skin is trying to protect itself from damage. A hardened layer of skin develops when friction combines with pressure in reaction to a tight shoe, for instance. Sometimes a callus will form because of a bunion or other bone malformation that changes the way you walk. There are three types of calluses: hard, soft, and vascular or neurovascular. A hard callus, the most common type and easiest to recognize, is usually compact. A soft callus, generally found between the toes, has a more rubbery consistency. A vascular callus contains blood vessels, and the neurovascular type has nerve tissue, which can become painful. The most effective way to avoid unsightly hard calluses on the foot or heel is to choose well-fitting, comfortable, flat footwear. Sometimes, special orthotics may be needed. Using a pumice can help reduce the size of a callus, but for safer removal it may be wise to seek the help of a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Tuesday, 05 July 2022 00:00

Every Day Foot Care

Our feet are important in our everyday lives. The problem is that we tend to neglect them. When this becomes a habit, it can cause significant trouble. Ignoring foot problems can mean pain, limited mobility, and expensive doctor's visits. On the other hand, if feet are cared for and looked after regularly, they will perform without pain or complication.

Routine hygiene is the most basic way to care for the feet. Wash and dry them thoroughly daily. Remember to get between the toes and keep the toenails trimmed and short. If the feet feel dry or there are signs of dryness or cracking, use a moisturizer designed for the feet.

When using moisturizer on the feet, try to avoid applying between the toes. If cream or lotion sits too long, they can cause fungal and bacterial growth. When moisturizer is used between the toes, it can also cause the skin to soften too much.

Shoes are also an important aspect of foot care. When one is picking out shoes, make sure they are the correct size. Shoes need to be snug, but not too tight. On the other hand, if shoes are too loose they can cause foot problems as well. It is highly recommended that shopping for new shoes be done later in the day. The reason for this is that the feet will have settled and swelled to their full size by then. To keep your feet at their most healthy, avoid wearing high heels or flip flops too often. Instead, choose shoes that are good for your feet. Good shoes pad the soles of your feet and support the arches and ankles.

Socks should also be worn daily with closed-toe shoes. They may feel hot during the summer months, but they absorb sweat and moisture off the feet. Without socks, the build-up of sweat in a closed-toe shoe can cause fungal problems and athlete's foot.

The best thing to remember in every day foot care is that shoes do make a difference. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, make sure that your shoes show no signs of wear. Shoes should offer ample support for the arches and the overall foot. Additionally, try to make foot cleaning and maintenance a daily habit. If you keep these things in mind, your feet will stay healthy and safe.

Tuesday, 28 June 2022 00:00

Foot Pain and Pregnancy

It should be no surprise that during pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through many changes to accommodate the baby growing inside of her. The changes can be both beautiful and uncomfortable. An unpleasant symptom many women endure during pregnancy is pain and swelling in their legs and feet. Foot pain at this time in a woman’s life can make it hard to stand, walk, or engage in daily activities. This type of pain is usually related to weight gain that puts pressure on the feet and ligaments near the arch of the foot, posture and gait changes due to the center of gravity changing with pregnancy, increased blood volume which can cause foot cramps and swelling, and shoes that might be too tight and cause pain. Women who are pregnant can try to get relief from foot pain by using orthotics to support the arch of the foot, wearing well-fitted, comfortable shoes, putting the feet up when sitting to ease blood flow, doing simple foot exercises to help with cramping and blood circulation, and keeping well hydrated. If you are experiencing painful feet during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide treatment and recommendations to help you get through this unforgettable time in your life more comfortably.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
Wear shoes with good arch support
Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
Elevate feet if you experience swelling
Massage your feet
Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Tuesday, 28 June 2022 00:00

Foot Care for Pregnant Women

The natural weight that pregnant women gain causes their center of gravity to be completely altered. This causes them to have a new weight-bearing stance which adds pressure to the knees and feet. As a result, pregnant women often experience severe foot pain. The two most common foot issues experienced by women in their pregnancies are edema and over-pronation. It is important for all pregnant women to learn more about how to take care of their feet so they are more comfortable during their pregnancy.

Over-pronation, which is commonly referred to as flat feet, is caused when a person’s arch flattens out upon weight bearing. This causes the person’s feet to roll inward while walking. Pregnant women often experience this due to the sudden weight they gain.

Edema, also referred as swelling in the feet, typically occurs in the later part of the pregnancy. It is the result of the extra blood accumulated in the pregnant woman’s body. The enlarged uterus puts more pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis which causes leg circulation to slow down. This causes blood to pool in the lower extremities.

Fortunately, there are ways to treat both edema and over-pronation. Edema can be treated by elevating the foot as often as possible. Wearing proper fitting footwear will also be helpful for those with edema. A treatment method for over-pronation could be orthotics. Orthotic inserts should be designed with appropriate arch support and medial rear foot for your foot.

It is best for pregnant women to buy new shoes during the day, because this is the time where swelling is at its peak. Pregnant women also shouldn’t rush when buying shoes. It is always advised that you make sure your shoes fit properly but this is especially important during pregnancy.

If you are a pregnant woman, you should consult with a podiatrist in order to make sure your feet are healthy throughout the entirety of your pregnancy.

Monday, 27 June 2022 00:00