Items filtered by date: September 2022

There are five metatarsal bones found in the foot, each connecting the heel/arch to the toes. These long bones play a critical role in helping the foot function. However, the metatarsal bones can suffer from what is known as a stress fracture, a crack in the bone that develops from repeated trauma. The metatarsal bones are the second most common bones in the lower limbs to suffer from stress fractures, the first being the tibia leg bone. Of the five metatarsals, the second and third metatarsal bones are the most commonly afflicted. One common symptom of a metatarsal stress fracture is pain felt in the foot when walking or running. If you are running long distances and are not wearing the right kind of footwear, you might be increasing your risk of developing a stress fracture. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about metatarsal stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

By nature of a restaurant worker’s job, most of the work day is spent walking or putting weight on the feet. Restaurant workers are certainly not alone – in fact, many workers across the country (including hairdressers, nurses, and school teachers) spend the majority of the work day on their feet. While there are many different techniques you might consider trying to mitigate the toll your job might be taking on your feet, wearing compression socks could be a very useful trick. Compression socks are meant to facilitate blood circulation in the feet and legs, effectively reducing swelling in these areas. This might be particularly beneficial for workers who have developed varicose or spider veins. Compression socks are also now produced in a wide variety of different colors and designs, making them fun and fashionable, in addition to being useful. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today if you spend your day on your feet and want to learn more about compression socks.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . 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 feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns on the foot develop from friction, usually as a result of a toe rubbing against the inside of a shoe. A callus, or toughened skin, develops with a hardened kernel at its center, thus the name corn. Most corns can be treated with a series of foot care measures, but people with diabetes, poor circulation, or foot deformities are wise to seek immediate help from a podiatrist. The first and best defense against developing a corn is to wear shoes that fit properly and to wear socks that form a kind of cushion, lessening friction. A warm foot bath can help soften the callused area, and a pumice can help to reduce its size. Keeping the feet moisturized also can help prevent the formation of a corn. A number of types of foot pads are available to protect the toe from further friction. It is not wise to try to remove a corn yourself with any sharp object, as this may lead to an infection. If a corn does not go away or causes severe pain, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat the problem safely.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Ankle sprains are thought to be the most common sports injuries among student-athletes. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched beyond its normal range, resulting in a tear or rupture. The outer ligament in the ankle, which helps to stabilize the joint, is usually the one injured. This can happen when the side of the foot turns under, thereby putting excess stress on the ligament. Among the symptoms are pain, tenderness, swelling, inability to bear weight, restricted range of motion, and a popping sound at the time of injury. An ankle sprain, whether mild, moderate, or severe, must be taken seriously if the ankle joint is to heal thoroughly. However, if the ankle is not treated or allowed to fully heal before resuming activity, the student is at risk of developing chronic ankle instability. If your student-athlete has sprained an ankle, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for a complete exam and diagnosis.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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