Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, most often in the feet and legs. These nerves help control sensation, movement, and balance. When they are damaged, symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, or loss of feeling may develop. Neuropathy often comes on gradually and may go unnoticed at first. Common causes include diabetes, poor circulation, in addition to vitamin deficiencies, repetitive pressure, injuries, certain medications, and long-term medical conditions. Because sensation is reduced, small cuts, blisters, or pressure points may go unnoticed and worsen over time. Balance problems and muscle weakness can also increase the risk of falls. Early recognition is important to slow progression and prevent complications. If you notice ongoing numbness, pain, or changes in sensation in your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and management.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then 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.

Gout is widely known for causing sudden pain in the big toe, but it can also affect the ankle joint. This inflammatory arthritis develops when excess uric acid forms sharp crystals inside the joint lining, triggering intense irritation. An ankle gout attack often begins abruptly, with redness, warmth, swelling, and extreme tenderness, sometimes so sensitive that even light contact is uncomfortable. Stiffness quickly follows, making walking and climbing stairs difficult. Symptoms typically peak within a day and may return in repeated episodes if the condition is not medically managed. Because ankle pain has many possible causes, proper evaluation is important. A podiatrist can review medical history, examine joint motion, order imaging, and perform diagnostic testing to confirm gout. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, protecting joint function, and preventing long-term joint damage. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition involving irritation and thickening of a nerve in the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. It is commonly caused by repetitive pressure from tight shoes, high heels, foot structure, or activities that place stress on the forefoot like running or jumping. Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, numbness, or the sensation of standing on a pebble. The foot may look normal from the outside, but it can feel quite painful, especially when walking or wearing narrow shoes. A podiatrist can help by beginning with a detailed history and physical examination, often supported by imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may progress to footwear changes, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, and injection therapy when appropriate. Early treatment can reduce nerve irritation and prevent worsening symptoms. If you have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM of South Carolina. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Chronic health conditions often show warning signs in the feet. Diabetes can reduce circulation and sensation, increasing the risk of wounds and infection. Arthritis may cause joint stiffness, deformity, and daily pain that alters walking patterns. Autoimmune disorders can lead to inflammation that affects tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue. Heart and kidney disease may contribute to swelling that stresses skin and joints. Additionally, poor nerve function can change balance and increase fall risk. Diagnosis involves reviewing medical history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle factors. A podiatrist may examine skin integrity, joint movement, circulation, and nerve response. Imaging or lab testing may be used to clarify underlying causes. When chronic illness begins affecting comfort, mobility, or skin health in the feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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