Wearing flip-flops or sandals for extended periods of time during summer can harm the feet, especially when these shoes lack adequate support and protection. Thin soles with minimal cushioning place excess pressure on the heels and arches, increasing the chance of pain or inflammation in the bottom of the foot. Many styles offer little to no arch support, which may contribute to pain associated with flat feet or heel strain. Straps that rub against the skin can lead to blisters, while loose-fitting designs may cause instability that raises the risk of twisted ankles. Peep-toe sandals that squeeze the toes can worsen bunion pain or make existing joint problems more noticeable. Open designs also leave the feet vulnerable to cuts or scrapes. A podiatrist can assess foot alignment, recommend appropriate footwear, and provide treatment to relieve symptoms caused by wearing shoes that lack adequate support. If your flip flops are causing you to have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. 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 Madison, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe, where the bones gradually shift out of alignment. This happens when the tip of the big toe leans toward the smaller toes, forcing the metatarsal bone inward and forming a bony lump at the joint. Bunions may develop slowly over years, or appear more rapidly in adolescents. Risk factors include family history, wearing shoes that squeeze the toes, inflammatory joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and structural foot problems, such as over-pronation. Bunions often cause pain, redness, swelling, and thickened skin over the joint. A podiatrist can help by providing supportive devices to ease pressure and correcting foot mechanics. In severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the bones and relieve pain. If you have a bunion that is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM of Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

A foot ulcer is an open sore that can affect the surface skin or extend deep enough to reach tendons, bones, or other structures. People with diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage, or foot deformities face a higher risk of developing ulcers. Nerve damage can make it hard to notice injuries like cuts or pressure spots, especially when wearing shoes that rub against the skin. Poor circulation slows healing by limiting the oxygen that reaches tissues in the foot. If left untreated, a foot ulcer may become infected, sometimes leading to an abscess, cellulitis, or a bone infection. In severe cases, it can cause tissue death or result in limb loss. Early care by a podiatrist focuses on diagnosing the cause of the ulcer, removing dead tissue, if needed, and helping to prevent infection. If you have developed a foot ulcer that will not heal, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Mohammad R. Parsa, DPM from Madison Foot Clinic. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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