When the feet are properly cared for on a daily basis, certain foot conditions may be prevented from occurring. Athlete’s foot may be avoided when the feet are washed and thoroughly dried daily, especially between the toes. When a good moisturizer is applied, it may help to prevent cracked heels from developing. The importance of trimming the toenails properly is necessary in possibly preventing the painful condition known as ingrown toenails. Additionally, the feet will feel more comfortable when the correct size shoe is worn, and this can be accomplished if shoes are tried on in the afternoon when the feet are their largest. If you would like additional information about how to maintain proper foot care, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. 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 Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The 
Achilles tendon is a fibrous band of tissue that links the muscles from your calf to your heel. The flexibility of the tendon is key for jumping, running, and walking. The Achilles bears a lot of stress and pressure during everyday activities, as well as during athletic and recreational play. If it becomes inflamed, swollen or irritated, it is called tendonitis. The most common risk factors for Achilles tendon injuries are starting a new sport, an increased amount or intensity of an activity, bone spurs on the heels, tight calf muscles when starting an activity, and wearing improper shoes when exercising. Common symptoms of Achilles tendon injuries include the following: pain that gets worse while being active, a stiff/sore Achilles tendon when first getting up in the morning, thickening of the tendon, and difficulty in flexing the affected foot. Some treatment options are rest, physical therapy, specific exercises to strengthen the calf muscles, and anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief such as ibuprofen or naproxen. An Achilles tendon injury may be prevented by stretching before exercising and by wearing the correct shoes. It may be suggested to cease exercise on uneven surfaces and stop activities that cause pain. If you have an Achilles injury or if you would like to take precautions to prevent an Achilles injury, please consult with your local podiatrist.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell of InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
The toes play a significant role in maintaining balance in the body while standing, in addition to pursuing walking and running activities. The bones are small, and can easily break if something heavy is dropped on one of them, or if it bangs against a piece of furniture. There are noticeable symptoms of a broken toe. These often consist of immediate pain, discomfort, redness, and the affected area may appear to be bruised and swollen. Research has shown there are several different types of breaks. A traumatic fracture consists of a sudden break, and this can occur from falling, or severely stubbing the toe. Additionally, if extended periods of time are spent in running activities, the toes may endure stress fractures. This can be a result of a gradual weakening of the bones in the toes. A fracture is considered to be severe if a bone is protruding from the skin, and an infection may occur from the open wound. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Pregnant women notice there are many changes that occur to their bodies, and these often include differences in the feet. Foot pain is a common complaint, and it may result from having flat feet. This happens to the feet as the mother-to-be gains weight from the growing fetus. Additionally, swollen feet is a common ailment among pregnant women, and this condition can produce severe discomfort. Mild relief may be found when the feet are elevated, and salt intake is reduced. Ingrown toenails may form during pregnancy, as a result of possible changes in the shape and size of the nail. It is important to moisturize the feet daily, as this often helps in preventing cracked heels from developing. If you would like additional information about how pregnancy affects the feet, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A corn on the foot will typically develop as a result of friction the foot endures. This can come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, not wearing socks, or performing repetitive actions, such as running and jogging. Corns can be quite painful, and there are several ways to find mild relief. Wearing socks may help to put a barrier between the shoe and the foot. Additionally, if the corn is caused by wearing poorly-fitting shoes, it is beneficial to properly measure your foot, which will help to determine the correct shoe size. There are patients who find comfort in applying a lotion to the affected area. This can be helpful in softening the skin, which may prevent the corn from cracking. If you are afflicted with a corn, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist, who can suggest the best treatment, and recommend preventive measures.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell of InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. 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:
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 Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
