Items filtered by date: August 2021

If your child has a red, blistering rash on their feet, a sore throat, and a fever, they may be suffering from hand, foot, and mouth (HFM) disease. HFM is a viral infection common in early childhood. It is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids. The blisters associated with HFM disease are typically red with a small, fluid-filled bubble on top, although they can also be flat. These blisters may peel, leaving behind ulcers. HFM blisters often appear on the soles of the feet. While HFM usually clears up on its own, your child may experience pain or discomfort from HFM blisters on their feet. Keeping their feet clean and applying antibiotic ointments over popped blisters can help prevent infection. If your child has a rash or blisters on their feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames of Florence Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Heel pain can be one of the most debilitating foot related issues, and can come from a variety of sources. While plantar fasciitis is heel pain’s most common cause, a bruised heel is another common source. A bruised heel is an overuse injury that occurs when the fat pad which protects the heel bone gets a contusion. Usually, the fat, which acts as a shock absorber, gets displaced towards the side of the heel bone and leaves a thinner protective layer of fat under the bone. Bruised heels are usually a result of overuse in activities that have a heavy landing such as long distance running or walking. Wearing shoes with hard flat soles, running too intensely without warming up, or wearing shoes that are worn out can also lead to a bruised heel. Because the symptoms of a bruised heel are similar to that of plantar fasciitis, patients who are experiencing heel pain should consult with a podiatrist in order to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames of Florence Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Florence, Alabama . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot needs.

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Many people take their feet for granted, despite their importance despite the fact they are the foundation of the body. There are simple techniques that can improve the overall health of your feet which will have a positive effect on the rest of your body. These helpful tips can include washing and drying the feet thoroughly every day, followed by applying a good moisturizer. When the toes are trimmed properly, painful foot conditions such as ingrown toenails may be prevented. Maintaining a hygiene routine for your feet may play a significant role in preventing athlete's foot, which can make the feet feel itchy and uncomfortable. If you would like additional information about the importance of practicing everyday foot care techniques, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. 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 Florence, Alabama . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot needs.

Read more about Everyday Foot Care

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

A corn is a raised, thickened, circular area of skin surrounded by a yellowish ring which typically forms on the top or in between the toes, as well as on the ball of the foot. Corns are caused by pressure or friction—usually from tight shoes repeatedly rubbing up against the skin. Corns can be hard, or soft (due to sweat on the feet), sensitive to the touch, or even painful. In some cases, the pain and pressure felt from a corn can be lessened if a doughnut-shaped pad is placed over the corn, which cushions the corn and eliminates friction. Corns are stubborn, and some may need to be treated by a podiatrist who can safely remove the thickened, dead skin which helps the corn to heal. Orthotics may also be prescribed to help align feet and improve gait to help prevent future corns from developing.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and , contact Dr. Michael T. Hames of Florence Foot Center. Our doctor will treat your foot 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 Florence, Alabama . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot needs.

Read more about Corns and Calluses