A small area of hardened skin on the pinky toe, top of the toes, or on the sole of the foot can be a corn. It develops as a result of excess friction that can happen from wearing shoes that are too tight. Additionally, corns can develop from standing or walking for long periods as a result of the weight and constant pressure from the body. There are noticeable signs of corns, like sensitive skin surrounding the corn, and it may be difficult to wear shoes. Hard corns are the most common and often form in wider areas of thickened skin, and soft corns develop between the toes and remain moist. Some corns may feel better when the foot is soaked in warm water, followed by gently rubbing it with a pumice stone. If the corn is a bit larger, it can be difficult to remove and will often need medical attention. Many people will wear a protective pad over the corn as this can provide protection and temporary relief until medical attention is sought. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly and this may be an effective method in preventing corns. Corns are treated by a podiatrist and it is advised that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor to correctly remove your corn. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Texarkana and, Mount Pleasant, TX and Nashville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The ankles and legs put in a full day’s work for most people. As a result, when they cause pain, many of your normal activities can be disrupted. A large majority of pain to the legs and ankles is caused by injury to bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments. Blood clots, nerve or circulatory problems, and back injuries also may be factors. Conditions that commonly cause ankle pain include tendonitis, reduced blood flow, sprains, muscle strains, and stress fractures. Tendonitis, felt in the back of the ankle or leg, is usually the result of overuse, which causes inflammation. Sitting at a desk all day, or any type of sedentary lifestyle may result in a lack of blood flow to the lower limbs. This can cause blood clots and leg ulcers, the latter common among diabetics. A tear or rupture of the ligaments in and around the ankle is called a sprain, and if not properly cared for, it may end up as a chronic condition. Muscle strains are another repetitive injury that can produce pain and cramping. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones, common to athletes who run and jump a lot. If ankle and lower leg pain are causing distress, please consult a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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
• 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 offices located in Texarkana and, Mount Pleasant, TX and Nashville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you have flat feet and want to wear high heels periodically, there should be no problem if you do not have underlying medical conditions and if doing so does not cause you pain. Flat feet, referred to as pes planus, is when the entire surface of the foot is in contact with the ground when standing. Flat feet can be flexible or rigid. A flexible flat foot looks flat when standing. A rigid flat foot is when the arch is absent whether the foot is bearing weight or not. Flat feet are generally caused by genetics, however, injuries, muscle weakness, foot bone deformities, pregnancy, being overweight, and pre-existing health conditions can also cause flat feet. Wearing high heels is difficult especially for those with flat feet. To bolster comfort with occasional high heel wearing, make sure the heels are the proper size, opt for thicker heels, which will help with balance and strain issues, and choose shoes with platforms under three inches. Arch support shoe inserts or silicone gel pads can offer some support in cushioning and comfort. Frequently kick off the heels to take breaks and stretch legs, ankles, and feet. Try putting together a supply rescue bag of tricks, including a flat, foldable shoe, anti-blister cream for sore feet and toes, and plasters for broken or damaged toenails. If you have flat feet, want to wear heels for a special outing and you have pain in your feet before or after doing so, consult with a podiatrist who can help diagnose the problem and provide suggestions and treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Texarkana and, Mount Pleasant, TX and Nashville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.