Items filtered by date: November 2023

A child’s boundless energy and adventurous spirit can sometimes lead to an accident or injury, such as a broken bone in the feet. For parents, the first step is to recognize the signs and symptoms, such as pain, swelling, bruising, or a change in the shape of your child's foot. Difficulty walking or moving the foot should prompt an immediate visit to a podiatrist. This medically trained foot doctor may use various diagnostic tools to assess the extent of the injury. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can reveal broken bones or other potential issues. A bone scan may also be administered for a comprehensive view. The primary goals of treating a child's foot fracture are to promote healing and prevent further injury. Typically, a cast or splint will be applied to immobilize the foot and lower leg, which allows the bones to mend. Pain management and infection prevention may involve medication, and if the skin is broken, a tetanus shot may be necessary. In some cases, depending on the severity of the injury, surgery may be required to realign the bones properly. Wires or screws may be used to maintain stability during the healing process. If your child has symptoms of a broken foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Foot and ankle problems are prevalent medical issues, particularly among the elderly, who often suffer from pain, stiffness, swelling, or deformities. Common diagnoses include conditions such as corns, athlete's foot, bunions, flat feet, ingrown nails, and warts. Aging-related muscle mass and loss of bone strength may increase seniors' risk for injuries and fractures, compounded by balance and vision issues. Key foot and ankle injuries in the elderly include ankle sprains, where the ligaments are overstretched or torn, potentially weakening the ankle and leading to arthritis, if untreated. Achilles tendonitis and tears are also common. The Achilles is vulnerable to inflammation and overuse, which can escalate to tears or ruptures, especially with sudden trauma. Ankle fractures are serious injuries from traumatic impact, requiring immediate podiatric attention to prevent complications such as infections. The spectrum of foot and ankle injuries in the elderly ranges from minor, treatable conditions to severe injuries necessitating medical intervention, highlighting the need for attentive care to prevent these issues. If you are elderly and have foot or ankle problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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 care needs.

Lymphoedema is a condition where the legs or feet swell due to fluid buildup because the body's lymphatic system, which functions similarly to veins, is struggling to remove it. This swelling is called edema and can happen when you do not move enough, such as after sitting for long periods during a flight. Persistent swelling of the feet, swelling that lasts over three months, is known as chronic edema, which suggests the beginning of lymphatic failure or early lymphoedema. If left untreated, chronic foot edema can cause skin changes, deeper tissue damage, and increase the risk of infections such as cellulitis. It is often associated with chronic venous insufficiency. Various factors can contribute to lymphoedema, including genetics, obesity, inactivity, vein problems, or damage from cancer treatments. Joint surgery may also impair lymphatic vessels, leading to lymphoedema. If you are experiencing swollen feet on a regular basis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to obtain treatment and prevent serious complications.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a prevalent fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often between the toes. This condition can strike anyone, not just athletes, and is primarily caused by dermatophyte fungi. Athlete's foot thrives in warm, moist environments, making it a common occurrence in areas like locker rooms, swimming pools, and shared showers. The symptoms of athlete's foot typically include itching, burning, and stinging sensations on the affected skin. As the infection progresses, it may lead to peeling, redness, and the development of blisters or cracked skin. In severe cases, the condition can spread to other parts of the foot, including the toenails. Fortunately, athlete's foot is usually easily treatable by visiting a podiatrist who can offer you prescribed medication for relief. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor who can guide you toward effective prevention methods.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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 care needs.