If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site

Richmond Office
(804) 262-7153


(804) 262-0104 Fax

Glen Allen Office
(804) 747-3380

Review Us On Google
Review Us On Google
Review Us On Google

Blog

Saturday, 22 May 2021 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 18 May 2021 00:00

Why Does My Arch Go Away When I Stand?

While there are several different types of flatfoot, all of them involve a loss of the arch—either partial or total. Flexible flatfoot is a common form of this condition where the arch collapses upon standing and returns to normal when there is no weight on the foot. Because having flat feet changes the alignment of the foot (toes point outwardly, the heel points toward the outside of the foot, and the ankle turns in), people with this condition may be more prone to developing bunions and hammertoes. Flexible flatfoot may cause pain in various areas of the foot including the arch, heel, ankle, shin bone, or on the lateral side of the foot. Additionally, there may be some pain in the knee, hip, or lower back, and overall fatigue or aching in the feet or legs. A podiatrist can diagnose flatfoot through an examination and by taking an X-ray. Non-surgical treatment may involve shoe modifications, physical therapy, losing weight, modifying activities, or even wearing ankle or foot orthoses to help support your arches and adjust your gait. For a proper diagnosis and to determine what treatment option is best for you, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry 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 one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Flat Feet

Normal sweating is your body’s way of regulating its temperature, and is triggered by a rise in temperature or physical exertion. Hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating that occurs when none of these factors are present. There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary—which is the most common and typically appears on specific parts of the body including the feet, and secondary—which can be caused by certain medications, or an underlying medical condition. Excessive dampness of the feet may not only be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it may even lead to athlete’s foot, odor from bacteria, and a breaking down of the skin. If you find that your feet are continuously wet throughout the day, contact a podiatrist who can examine you to see if hyperhidrosis is present, and use a variety of therapies and medicines to help manage it.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Cracked heels are a common foot problem that can affect up to one in five adults. While cracked heels aren’t usually a big issue for most, they can lead to discomfort and severe pain. There are a variety of factors that can lead to cracked heels. These include standing for long periods of time, walking barefoot, using harsh soaps, dry skin from the climate, and shoes that don’t support the heels. Medical causes such as a vitamin deficiency, fungal infection, obesity, or pregnancy can also lead to cracked heels. In order to prevent cracked heels, make sure to wear shoes that properly support the heels by avoiding shoes with an open back, tall skinny heel, or shoes that are too tight. Staying hydrated, using a foot cream, avoiding standing in one place for a long period of time, and using custom shoe inserts are all ways to help prevent and treat cracked heels. If you have painful cracked heels, consulting with a podiatrist is suggested for a proper treatment method.   

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels
Monday, 26 April 2021 00:00

What Is Metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia is a common foot condition characterized by pain in the front of the foot. When the metatarsal bones are exposed to high levels of stress, they can become inflamed. This leads to symptoms such as sudden or gradually worsening pain in the front of the foot, and burning, aching, shooting, tingling, or a numb sensation in the foot. Metatarsalgia is often associated with other foot conditions, including Morton’s neuroma, metatarsophalangeal synovitis, avascular necrosis, sesamoiditis, and inflammatory arthritis. While anyone can develop this condition, athletes who enjoy running or other high impact sports may be more susceptible. If you have pain in the front of one or both of your feet, please seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this ailment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Thursday, 22 April 2021 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Monday, 19 April 2021 00:00

Why Everyday Foot Care Is Important

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetes are two systemic conditions that can significantly affect the health of the feet. Daily foot care is essential for people with PAD and diabetes in order to reduce the risk of possibly losing a toe or limb. An effective, everyday foot care routine consists of staying active with low-impact activities, elevating your feet as much as possible, keeping your feet clean and dry, always wearing socks and properly-sized footwear, keeping toenails trimmed straight across, and checking your feet often for any problems. Being under the care of a podiatrist is suggested for those with PAD and diabetes in order to monitor and manage these issues properly to avoid them becoming dangerous.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Monday, 12 April 2021 00:00

Gout Can Produce Extreme Pain

The most common form of inflammatory arthritis is referred to as gout. It is a condition that affects approximately four percent of Americans, and can be caused by genetic factors and eating habits. Common symptoms of this foot condition can include extreme tenderness, debilitating pain in the joints of the big toe, possibly causing difficulty in walking, and the toe may appear to be swollen. Some of the foods that can cause gout to develop include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. The pain comes from excess uric acid caused by elevated purine amounts that form in the joints, and can produce sensations that can feel like crystals in the feet. Mild relief may be found when lifestyle changes occur that include reducing the amount of food that is eaten with high purine levels. If you have frequent gout attacks, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment and prevention options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Monday, 05 April 2021 00:00

Four Tips for Healthy Feet

Your feet carry you throughout your life, supporting the weight of your body. Maintaining the health of your feet is essential and there are many simple ways to keep the feet healthy. Check your feet regularly for any abnormalities, such as cracks, cuts, scrapes, sores, or discoloration. If caught early, most foot problems can be promptly and effectively treated by a podiatrist. Visually checking your feet is especially important if you have medical conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, or peripheral neuropathy, as you may not feel or notice an injury until it has progressed significantly. Keep your feet clean by washing them with soap and water and drying them thoroughly, especially in the area between the toes. Wear shoes that fit comfortably and trim your toenails regularly. For more information about everyday foot care, please speak with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care

The plantar fascia is the thick layer of tissue connecting your heel bone to the toes. This area can become inflamed or tear, causing plantar fasciitis. This painful disorder is sometimes experienced as hot, intense pain in your heel, and it may also cause swelling. Pain can be acute in the morning and sometimes may lessen during an activity once you are warmed up. If you are experiencing inflammation only, your podiatrist may try to treat the area with a variety of therapies including orthotics, taping and strapping, steroid injections and other techniques. If your plantar fascia has torn, this is more serious, and your podiatrist may suggest shockwave therapy—which can be successful in repairing damaged connective tissue and relieving pain without resorting to surgery.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Treating Heel Pain with Shockwave Therapy
Page 19 of 52
Connect with us