Items filtered by date: April 2021

When the feet sweat profusely, it is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. Many patients find it is an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition and it may even cause difficulty in participating in social events. There are two types of this condition. The most common form is called primary focal hyperhidrosis and this type occurs when the nerves responsible for signaling your sweat glands become overactive. Research has indicated this form may be caused by genetic factors, or it can possibly develop from excess emotional stress. The less common form, called secondary hyperhidrosis occurs when excess sweating is due to a medical condition like diabetes, low blood sugar, thyroid problems, heart attack, or nervous system disorders. Mild relief may be found when inner soles are worn, and powder is used inside the shoes as this may help to absorb a large amount of sweat. If you notice your feet are sweating more than normal, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment methods. 

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Michael Tomey, DPM of Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor 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 our office located in Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease may be considered by some to be a “growing pain” of sorts for several reasons. First, it occurs in growing children when the Achilles tendon that attaches to the heel repeatedly pulls at the growth plate located there—causing pain and inflammation. Second, growth spurts (when bones grow more rapidly than tendons) can exacerbate the condition. Third, it usually goes away when the child has finished growing and the growth plate has closed. Children with Sever’s Disease can experience pain in one or both heels—particularly upon waking and after physical activity such as running or jumping, or putting pressure on the heel. Parents can try to help ease their child’s heel pain by making them rest, icing the heel, having them do stretching exercises to loosen calf muscles, giving them anti-inflammatory medicine, and stopping them from going barefoot. If pain persists, a podiatrist will be able to offer additional information and pain relief therapies.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

The toes can become bent into a variety of different positions, and those toes are either known as hammertoes, claw toes, or mallet toes. Hammertoes occur when the toes are bent downwards causing the middle joint to be raised. Hammertoes often affect the second toe, and they usually occur with bunions. Claw toes cause the four smaller toes to curl up because the middle joints bend down and the joints connecting the toes to the foot bend up. A mallet toe occurs when the joint closest to the tip of the toe begins to bend downwards. These toe conditions are often a result of shoes that are too tight, but they can be linked to conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. Because these conditions are often painful, patients who are suffering from one of these conditions should consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to help find the correct treatment method and suggest surgery if necessary.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The additional weight of carrying a baby can often lead to a variety of foot related conditions for pregnant women. One of the most common occurrences in pregnant women is painful and swollen feet that result from excess fluids. In order to reduce this swelling it is important to raise the feet as often as possible, along with wearing wide and comfortable shoes and not crossing the legs. Pregnancy can also lead to pain in the arch of the foot. Stretching in the morning, as well as before and after exercise can help ease this pain. Supportive low-heeled shoes can also help the arch of the foot. Ingrown toenails can also occur due to the feet swelling. Wearing wider shoes can help prevent ingrown toenails too, but should one develop it is important to be seen and treated by a podiatrist. If you are pregnant and struggling with foot related issues, consulting with a podiatrist can be beneficial to learn various tips and tricks. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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