Items filtered by date: January 2024

Plantar warts, small growths on the soles of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus, abbreviated HPV, are not only a common ailment but also a source of discomfort for many people. These warts often appear as rough, grainy lesions with tiny black dots, known as seed warts, indicative of tiny blood vessels within. The pressure exerted on the soles of the feet, particularly during walking or standing, can cause plantar warts to embed themselves deeper into the skin, contributing to the characteristic pain associated with these growths. Causes of plantar warts include direct contact with the HPV virus, which thrives in warm and moist environments such as locker rooms or public showers. Understanding the symptoms, such as tenderness or the presence of small, fleshy lesions on the soles, and the potential causes of plantar warts is essential for timely identification and appropriate treatment. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment methods.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Gary Cockrell, DPM from Tennessee. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Hammer toe surgery serves as an effective remedy, particularly when the deformity stands as the primary concern. Yet, in some cases surgical intervention is a must. Tendon transfer is a suitable option for correcting flexible hammer toes. This surgical approach involves repositioning the toe by pulling a nearby tendon across the joint. The procedure effectively corrects muscle weaknesses, enhances the toe's appearance, and mitigates associated pain. In instances of fixed hammer toes, joint resection proves beneficial. This surgical technique requires the cutting of ligaments and tendons to straighten the toe, potentially involving the removal of a portion of the bone. Temporary pins may be employed to maintain alignment, and they are typically removed several weeks post-surgery. For severe fixed hammer toes, fusion emerges as a possible solution. This process entails removing portions of the joint to facilitate bone fusion. Tendons, ligaments, and bone ends are cut, and the joint is stabilized using pins until the process is complete. If you have a hammertoe that impedes completing everyday activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine the most appropriate surgical option for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Gary Cockrell, DPM of Tennessee. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

In various work environments, the demands placed on our feet can vary significantly, necessitating careful consideration of footwear to ensure optimal foot safety. Jobs that involve heavy machinery, construction sites, or industrial settings often require sturdy, steel-toed boots to shield against potential impacts or compression injuries. Slip-resistant soles become vital in professions where surfaces may be wet or oily, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Healthcare and hospitality roles, on the other hand, benefit from comfortable, closed toe shoes with adequate support to withstand long hours of standing and walking. Electricians and those working with electrical equipment may opt for non-conductive footwear to minimize the risk of electrical shocks. The right footwear, tailored to the specific demands of a job, not only enhances comfort but serves as a vital safeguard, promoting foot safety and preventing potential workplace injuries. If you would like more information on what type of shoes to wear for your profession, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Gary Cockrell, DPM from Tennessee. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Edema is defined as the body having too much fluid in certain areas, causing noticeable swelling and symptoms. Rapid swelling all over your body, especially coupled with other health problems, needs quick diagnosis and care. But if you have long-term swelling in your legs and feet, it may be due to poor blood flow, especially when they feel heavy and are swollen and discolored. Taking care of your skin is important to avoid skin problems and sores. If your skin is red, itchy, and swollen, you can use creams and lotions. People who have had blood clots in their legs should wear tight stockings to prevent leg and foot problems later. Sometimes, breathing problems at night can make your legs swell even if you do not have lung issues. If your skin is thick, swollen, and does not leave an impression when pressed, it may be a sign of lymphedema. This can happen if you had surgery, cancer, or radiation therapy. If you have persistent swelling in your feet or legs, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Gary Cockrell, DPM of Tennessee. 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 offices located in Brentwood and Madison, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common nail infection that can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. It typically occurs when fungal organisms, like dermatophytes, infiltrate the nail bed through small cuts or separations in the nail or surrounding skin. The symptoms of toenail fungus are recognizable. Infected nails often become discolored, appearing yellow, brown, or white, and they may thicken and become brittle. As the fungus progresses, the nails can become crumbly and ragged. In some cases, they may emit a foul odor. Other potential signs of toenail fungus include pain or discomfort, especially while wearing shoes. The infection can also spread to other nails or the surrounding skin, leading to additional fungal growth and irritation. If you have noticed the beginning signs of toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can promptly begin the appropriate treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact Gary Cockrell, DPM of Tennessee. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Brentwood and Madison, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.