BUNCHED UP SOCK?

Have you ever felt like your sock was bunched up in your shoe, but it wasn’t? That could be a symptom of a neuroma. Other symptoms of a neuroma may include burning pain or numbness in the ball of the foot. A neuroma is a thickening of the nerve tissue as a result of compression and irritation. Wearing shoes with a narrow toe box or high-heeled shoes can contribute to the formation of a neuroma. The symptoms may come and go, but usually get worse over time as the neuroma enlarges. Neuromas can be treated conservatively with padding, icing, or activity modifications. The best time to visit a podiatrist is when the symptoms first start. Often times the treatment is less invasive, if caught early enough.

At FAMILY FOOTCARE we can offer many different treatment modalities to help relieve your neuroma pain. Call us to schedule your appointment today. We have three convenient locations to serve you.

1022 Lee Ann Drive Concord, NC 28025 704-786-4482

6602 Roberta Road Harrisburg, NC 28075 704-454-5558

209 Town Center Drive Locust, NC 28097 704-897-6081

CURLY TOES

Hammer, claw, and mallet toes are deformities of the joints of the toes.  Contracted digits are caused by a muscle and tendon imbalance in the foot, arthritis, or constantly wearing ill-fitting shoes. Some people have a predisposition to develop hammer toes due to the structure of their feet. Women are more likely to develop hammer toes due to shoe gear. Over time the toes can become rigidly contracted and be painful in shoes. The toes can also develop calluses over the joint, which increase the risk for ulcers in the callused areas. There are conservative methods for treating hammer toes, such as splinting the toes or surgical methods to correct the deformity.

Padding in shoes, splinting the toes, or purchasing extra depth shoes can help alleviate some of the pain from hammer toes. If surgical intervention is required, it should be done by a foot and ankle specialist, such as a podiatrist. The physicians at FAMILY FOOT CARE can evaluate your feet and determine the best course of action to alleviate your pain. There are 2 convenient locations to serve you 1022 Lee-Ann Drive Concord and 6602 Roberta Road Harrisburg. 704-786-4482

Hint: You should have your feet measured at least once a year to make sure you are wearing the correct shoe size.

BRITTLE, DISCOLORED NAILS?

Have you noticed over time you toenails becoming thickened or changing colors?
Onychomycosis, or fungal nails is a fungal infection which can affect the condition of your nails.  In normal, healthy people, fungal nails are most commonly caused by fungus that is caught from moist, wet areas. Communal showers, such as those at a gym, or swimming pools are common sources. You are also at a higher risk if you get pedicures with equipment that has not been properly disinfected after use on another person. Some symptoms that you may have fungal nails are: brittle, crumbly nails; debris trapped under the nail; lifting of the nail; thickening or color changes in the nail.

There are many treatment options for fungal nails, ranging from topical drops and lacquers to oral antifungal medication. You need to be evaluated by a physician to have the definitive diagnosis of nail fungus. A physician can take samples of the nail and send it off to a lab to determine if the nail is infected or not. A physician can also prescribe the proper medication to best treat the fungus. Call FAMILY FOOT CARE at 704-786-4482 to schedule an appointment today.  We can evaluate your nails and recommend the best course of treatment for you. We are located at 1022 Lee-Ann Drive Concord and 6602 Roberta Road Harrisburg.

Hint: Do not walk barefoot on communal surfaces.

LUMPY SHOES?

Bunions are often one of the major causes of foot pain. A family history, or many years of wearing ill-fitting shoes could leave you with a large lump on the side of your foot, and protruding into your shoes. A bunion deformity occurs when there is a muscle imbalance in the intrinsic muscles of the foot. Over time what starts as a small bump can get larger, and develop into your toes crossing over each other. Sometimes bunion pain can be relieved with conservative measures, such as padding the area, orthotics, or buying wider shoes. More severe or painful cases generally need surgical intervention.

If your bunion continues to hurt, you need an evaluation by an experienced podiatrist to determine the best course of action. Sometimes it’s best to tackle the problem before it gets worse. At FAMILYFOOT CARE we can offer both conservative and surgical intervention to help your feet feel better, and ease your pain. Call us at 704-786-4482 to schedule an appointment for an evaluation. We have two locations to serve you: 1022 Lee-Ann Drive Concord and 6602 Roberta Road Harrisburg.

Hint: Ensure you shoes fit your feet properly.

CLUBFOOT

Clubfoot is a birth defect. A downward pointing and inward twisting of the foot characterizes clubfoot. One or both feet may be involved. Typically, a physical examination can be sufficient to diagnose clubfoot, although X-rays may be recommended as well.
Since clubfoot will not resolve itself, treatment is necessary. Due to the flexibility of the ligaments and tendons of the feet at this time, the sooner the treatment starts, the better the results. A dual approach of manipulation and casting is common for treating clubfoot during the first three months of life. Even if successfully addressed, daily and nightly bracing will be necessary for a period of time since clubfoot has a natural tendency to recur.

For additional questions please contact:
Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

A PAINFUL SITUATION

Joint inflammation, common in adults 65 and older, can manifest itself in the feet. Foot arthritis symptoms can vary, subject to whichever of the 30 joints and 28 bones in the foot are affected. Difficulty walking, stiffness, pain, and swelling can be symptoms of foot arthritis. Typically, arthritis is felt in and around the joints and therefore can adversely affect range of motion. Heredity, excessive weight, the repetitive use of a joint, or a previous injury may lead to foot arthritis. Although there is no cure for foot arthritis, the pain and limitations that it causes can be managed with an individualized treatment plan. Many plans include anti-inflammatory medications, shoe modifications, and a change of lifestyle.

For additional questions please contact:
Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/

Why Do People Need Orthotics?

 An orthotic is a device designed to restore your natural foot function. Many biomechanical (walking) complaints such as heel pain, knee pain, and lower back pain are caused by poor foot function. Orthotics re-align the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position, thereby restoring natural foot function.

A podiatric physician can prescribe orthotics, or foot supports worn inside shoes, which are crafted for you and no one else; they match the contour of your feet precisely and are designed for the way you move. Only prescription orthotics can accommodate your unique foot structure. Podiatric physicians use orthotics to treat foot problems such as plantar fasciitis (heel pain); bursitis; tendonitis; diabetic foot ulcers; and foot, ankle, and heel pain.

If orthotics are needed, your podiatric physician will capture a three-dimensional image of each of your feet. That image, as well as any measurements obtained by your podiatric physician, is used to create a set of unique foot supports that will improve your foot movement and lead to more comfort and mobility.

There are two categories of prescription orthotics. Functional orthotics are designed to control abnormal motion and may be used to treat foot pain caused by abnormal motion; they can also be used to treat injuries such as shin splints or tendonitis. These are usually crafted from a semi-rigid material such as plastic or graphite. Accommodative orthotics are softer and meant to provide additional cushioning and support. They can be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers, painful calluses on the bottom of the foot, and other uncomfortable conditions.

If you have serious pain or discomfort, schedule an appointment with a podiatric physician. He or she will assess your overall health and look at any other contributing factors. Podiatrists can examine your feet and ankles and can prescribe custom-made orthotics or suggest additional treatments to improve the comfort and function of your feet.

For additional questions please contact:
Dr. Kevin McDonald at 704 -786-4482 or visit at http://www.familyfootcare.info/