Hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion, is a deformity where the tip of the big toe shifts inward toward the other toes, causing a bony bump to develop at the base of the toe. Bunions can form from genetics, wearing tight or narrow shoes, flat feet, or arthritis. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Risk factors include family history, high-heeled footwear, and foot shape abnormalities. A podiatrist can help by providing customized footwear advice, orthotics, padding, and, in severe cases, surgical options to correct the deformity and restore comfort. If you have bunion pain or notice changes in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

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.

Heel fissures, often called cracked heels, occur when the skin surrounding the heel becomes dry, thickened, and splits open. They are not only uncomfortable but can also become painful and prone to infection, if left untreated. People who stand for long hours of time, wear open-backed shoes, or live in dry climates are more likely to develop them. Seniors, individuals with diabetes, and those with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, are also at greater risk. Treatment begins with softening the skin through regular moisturizing and gentle exfoliation. Thick emollients or heel balms can help seal in moisture and protect the skin. Wearing supportive shoes with a closed back reduces pressure and prevents further cracking. If you have severe heel fissures, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who may remove thickened skin or provide specialized treatments before complications develop.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Workplace foot injuries can occur in various environments and often result from hazards such as burns, electric shocks, sprained or twisted ankles, and broken bones. Prevention begins with wearing proper footwear that offers support, protection, and slip resistance. Employers should maintain safe working conditions by keeping floors dry, free of debris, and clearly marked. Additionally, safety training can also reduce accidents. If a foot injury occurs, a podiatrist can provide expert diagnosis and care to promote healing, reduce pain, and prevent long-term damage. If you have sustained a foot injury at work, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide treatment and guide you on additional foot protection safety tips for the work environment.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Toe pain can come from various conditions, including athlete’s foot, bunions, and ingrown toenails, each with its own causes and symptoms. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection often caused by sweaty feet and exposure to damp environments, like locker rooms. Athlete’s foot can lead to itching, burning, redness, and peeling skin. Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often due to genetics, poor footwear, or arthritis, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, often from improper trimming or tight shoes. This may lead to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Any of these conditions can make walking painful and reduce your quality of life. A podiatrist can diagnose the problem through a physical exam, lab tests, or imaging. Treatments include antifungal medications, orthotics, nail care, or minor procedures to relieve discomfort and correct the issue. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.