A contusion, commonly known as a bruise, occurs when small blood vessels under the skin are damaged, often due to a direct impact or trauma. In the context of the feet or ankle bones, a contusion might result from a fall, sports injury, or even bumping the area against a hard surface. When a contusion happens, blood leaks from the damaged vessels into the surrounding tissues, causing discoloration, swelling, and tenderness. Diagnosis is usually based on physical examination, but in severe cases, imaging tests may be required. Treatment involves rest, compression, and elevation, in addition to mild pain relievers, if necessary. If you have a contusion that does not seem to be healing or that is causing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Seed corns on the foot are small, painful calluses that typically develop on the sole or between the toes. This condition arises from pressure and friction, often caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or abnormal foot mechanics. Seed corns are characterized by a small, hard central core surrounded by inflamed skin. There are different types of corns, which are hard corns that form on the tops and sides of toes, soft corns, which appear between toes and are softer due to moisture, and seed corns, which are discrete, localized areas. To manage seed corns, it is important to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes and use protective pads. Regular foot care and avoiding activities that put excessive pressure on the feet can help prevent these painful growths. If you have developed a corn on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can identify what type of corn it is, and offer appropriate relief options.

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

Foot fractures can affect various bones, including the toes, metatarsals, sesamoids, and those in the back of the foot. Foot fractures are usually the result of injuries from falls, twists, or direct impacts. The pain associated with foot fractures can significantly increase when weight is applied, making everyday activities challenging. A podiatrist can provide an expert diagnosis, recommend appropriate treatment depending on the cause, and manage rehabilitation. Diagnosing foot fractures typically requires an X-ray, or may necessitate other imaging tests like CT or MRI scans for complex cases. Treatment depends on the specific bone and type of fracture, generally involving immobilization with a splint, cast, or specialized shoe to protect the foot. Patients may be advised to avoid putting weight on the foot to facilitate healing, which can take several weeks. Once the pain subsides, special exercises may be recommended to restore mobility and strengthen the surrounding muscles. If you have fractured a bone in your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

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 Florence, Alabama . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Metatarsalgia is a fancy word for pain in the ball of the foot. It often stems from issues with the metatarsal bones, which are the long bones of the foot that connect the toes to the ankles. Metatarsal foot pain is often the result of trauma or overuse in high-impact sports. Degenerative conditions like arthritis, congenital bone structure anomalies, or wearing tight or high-heeled shoes are other factors. Symptoms typically include sharp or aching pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Medical treatment from a podiatrist focuses on pain relief and addressing the underlying cause. This may include prescription orthotics, medication, or in some cases surgery. Ignoring metatarsalgia can lead to pain in other parts of the foot or body and the development of calluses or neuromas. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Ankle swelling, also known as edema, is a familiar condition caused by various factors. The most frequent sources include injuries, such as sprains or fractures, which lead to inflammation and fluid accumulation. Prolonged standing or sitting, especially in hot weather, can also cause swelling due to fluid pooling in the lower extremities. Medical conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease can contribute to fluid retention and subsequent swelling. Additionally, chronic venous insufficiency and certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure, can result in ankle swelling. To address ankle swelling, elevate the legs to reduce fluid buildup and improve circulation. Compression socks can help prevent fluid accumulation, while regular movement and exercise promote blood flow. Maintaining a low-sodium diet can also help to manage fluid retention. If you have swelling in your ankles that persists, or that is accompanied by pain, redness, or warmth, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

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 Florence, Alabama . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.