A bunion is a deformity defined as an enlargement of bone or soft tissue at the joint located at the base of the big toe. This condition develops when the top of the big toe gradually shifts toward the other toes, as the bottom of the joint protrudes outward and becomes irritated. Causes include inherited foot structure, prolonged pressure from tight footwear, and abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the area of enlarged bone or tissue and restore proper joint alignment. Recovery commonly involves temporary pain and swelling, and the bandage must remain dry while showering. If you have a bunion that is interfering with daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include surgery for removal. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM of South Carolina. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

A high arch is a condition where the arch of the foot is raised more than normal, placing excessive pressure on certain areas. This imbalance can lead to foot pain, because stress is concentrated on the section between the ankle and toes that affects stability and shock absorption. High arches may be caused by inherited bone structure or underlying nerve conditions that alter muscle function. Individuals often experience difficulty finding comfortable, supportive shoes. Other risk factors include family history, neurological disorders, and improper footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend custom orthotics, and provide guidance on proper footwear. If you have high arches that are causing discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and management tips.

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.

Diabetic foot blisters are fluid-filled pockets that develop on the feet of people with diabetes, often due to friction or pressure combined with reduced skin protection. Causes include ill-fitting footwear, repeated rubbing, and decreased sensation from nerve damage. Risk factors involve poor blood sugar control, peripheral neuropathy, and lack of regular foot inspection. Symptoms include redness, swelling, or skin breakdown that can become infected, if untreated. Because diabetes can slow healing, even minor blisters require attention. A podiatrist can evaluate the blister, prevent infection, recommend proper footwear, and provide ongoing diabetic foot care education. Early treatment is essential to avoid complications. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat diabetic foot blisters and help you to manage this serious condition. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM of South Carolina. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Ankle replacement surgery is a procedure in which a damaged ankle joint is replaced with an artificial implant to restore function and reduce pain. It is typically performed by removing worn cartilage and bone, then positioning metal and plastic components to create a new joint surface that allows smoother movement. This surgery is often needed when severe arthritis causes lasting pain, stiffness, and limited mobility that does not improve with conservative care. These symptoms can interfere with walking and daily activities. A podiatrist can help by evaluating the condition, recommending appropriate treatment, and providing guidance before and after surgery. If ankle pain is affecting your quality of life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss appropriate treatment solutions, which may include this type of foot surgery.

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 care needs.