Items filtered by date: October 2023

Consulting a podiatrist for diabetic foot care is essential for individuals with diabetes. Diabetes can cause neuropathy, which is a loss of sensation in the feet, making it difficult for patients to feel injuries, blisters, or sores. This numbness can lead to unnoticed and untreated wounds, which can quickly become infected due to compromised immune responses often seen in diabetic patients. In addition to neuropathy, diabetes can cause poor circulation, making it harder for wounds to heal and increasing the risk of infections. If untreated, these infections can lead to ulcers and gangrene. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you make regular appointments with a podiatrist to maintain overall foot health and reduce the risk of foot complications.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Determining the root cause of heel pain can be challenging, especially when other conditions like arthritis or tarsal tunnel syndrome come into play. Plantar fasciitis is a leading culprit behind heel pain. It is characterized by sharp pain, inflammation, and tenderness in the sole of the foot, particularly near the heel. Notably, the pain is most pronounced during the first few steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. Unlike osteoarthritis, which tends to worsen with movement, plantar fasciitis pain often improves as you walk around but worsens later in the day. The condition arises when the plantar fascia, the ligament connecting the heel to the ball of the foot, loses its elasticity and develops tiny tears. These tears lead to painful swelling in the ligament. Diagnosis by a podiatrist may involve a thorough medical history, a physical examination, including range-of-motion tests, and sometimes an X-ray. The good news is that most people with plantar fasciitis find relief through non-invasive, non-surgical treatments. If you suspect you may have developed plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, a diagnosis, and suggested treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM  from South Carolina. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Extensor tendonitis is a common foot issue that causes discomfort across the top of the foot. This condition stems from irritation or inflammation of tendons that are critical for lifting the toes. Repetitive friction and pressure, often due to ill-fitting shoes, are common causes of extensor tendonitis. The primary tendons involved are the extensor hallucis longus, which lifts the big toe, and the extensor digitorum, for the other toes. Extending from lower leg muscles, these tendons cross the front of the ankle, span the upper foot, and attach to toe tips. Their limited protection renders them susceptible to injuries and leads to pain. Overuse or excessive pressure causes inflammation and swelling in these tendons. In time, this can weaken them and cause scarring that reduces flexibility and strength. Risk factors include tight shoes, prolonged weight-bearing, and calf muscle tightness.  Pain from extensor tendonitis usually worsens with activity but subsides during rest. Common signs are swelling, tenderness, and bruising. If you are experiencing symptoms of extensor tendonitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. 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 West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe surgery is a procedure aimed at correcting a common and often painful foot condition known as hammertoe. This condition causes one or more toe joints to become permanently bent, resembling a hammer. If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, foot surgery may be recommended. Hammertoe surgery comes in different forms, including tendon transfers, joint resections, and fusion, tailored to the severity and type of deformity. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home on the same day. Recovery time can vary, and patients can expect swelling and discomfort for a few weeks, with full recovery taking several months. Hammertoe surgery boasts a high success rate in relieving pain and correcting toe deformities. However, understanding the facts about hammertoe surgery is the first step towards making an informed decision about your foot health. If you have a hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is correct for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM of South Carolina. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Accidents can happen anywhere, but our homes should be a sanctuary of safety. One common but preventable mishap is falling within the household. These accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor scrapes to foot injuries, making fall prevention a top priority. This can begin with ensuring your home is well lit, especially in high traffic areas and staircases. Removing clutter and hazards from walkways, such as loose rugs or cords, and securing them to the floor or wall are effective fall prevention techniques. Installing handrails on stairs and grab bars in bathrooms is useful for added support. Consider using non-slip mats in the shower and bathtub. Regularly inspect and maintain your flooring to prevent tripping over loose tiles or damaged areas. Wear appropriate footwear with good grip, and be cautious on wet or slippery surfaces. Additionally, it is beneficial to stay active and that can help to maintain strength and balance, reducing the risk of falls. Taking these precautions can transform your home into a safe haven, where the threat of falling is minimized. If you would like more information about how falling can affect the feet in addition to learning about successful prevention methods, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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