Your feet carry you through life, so give them the care they deserve to keep them looking and feeling their best. Start by washing the feet daily with warm water and mild soap and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Keep your nails trimmed straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, and use a moisturizer to help prevent dryness and cracking. Wear properly fitted shoes that support your arches and cushion your soles to reduce strain and discomfort. Pamper your feet with regular massages or soak them in warm water with Epsom salts. Stay active to promote healthy circulation and do not ignore any pain, swelling, or unusual changes. Small acts of foot care can make a big difference in your feet’s health and appearance. If you have any foot or ankle concerns, it is suggested that you seek expert advice and treatment from a podiatrist for a professional assessment and personalized care plan.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

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 West Columbia, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts, or verrucas, are common viral skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. They often appear on the soles of the feet, especially in children, athletes, and those with weakened immune systems. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments like near pools, and in locker rooms and communal showers, spreading through direct contact. These warts may look like thick, rough calluses with tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels and can cause pain when walking. Over time, they may spread or cluster into mosaic warts. Stubborn plantar warts can persist. If you or your child has a plantar wart, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can provide prescription medications, laser therapy, or minor surgical removal.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Jennifer M. Kern, DPM from South Carolina. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate 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 and ankle needs.

Foot problems in children are more common than many parents realize, and addressing them early can prevent long-term problems. One of the most common issues is toeing, where a child may walk with their toes pointed inward, known as in-toeing, or outward, referred to as out-toeing. Both conditions are typically caused by alignment issues but may resolve with time. Athlete's foot is another frequent issue, caused by fungal infections that can lead to itching, redness, and peeling skin. Ankle sprains are common in active children and occur when the ligaments in the ankle stretch or tear during physical activities. Ingrown toenails, which form when the edges of nails grow into the skin, can be painful and lead to infections. Additionally, plantar warts, caused by a viral infection, can also affect children’s feet, causing growths on the soles. If your child has foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.