July 2020

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Patients who have the medical condition that is known as plantar fasciitis are often familiar with the severe discomfort this ailment can cause. The pain that is associated with plantar fasciitis is felt in the heel and it can cause difficulty walking. Daily activities may be hard to complete as the day continues, and this can be a result of existing heel pain. This condition can gradually develop from standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Moderate relief may be found when the affected foot is stretched. An effective stretch consists of rolling the sole of the foot on a golf ball, and this may help to alleviate a portion of the tension that is commonly associated with this type of foot pain. If you are experiencing any type of heel pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible who can properly diagnose plantar fasciitis and offer you the correct treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Alexander Terris  from Total Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

An infection on the skin of the feet is commonly known as athlete’s foot. It can cause severe redness, and the skin may itch and develop small blisters. The bottom of the feet and between the toes are the areas of the feet that are most often affected by this condition. It is caused by a fungus that is known to be contagious, and lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. Effective prevention methods can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in these types of places, and it is helpful to avoid sharing towels, shoes, and socks. Mild relief may be found when an antifungal powder is applied to the affected area, and this may help to control existing inflammation. If you are afflicted with athlete’s foot and would like professional advice on how it is treated, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Alexander Terris from Total Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Children who frequently participate in running and jumping activities may complain about heel pain. It may be indicative of a condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease, which affects the growth plate in the heel. It may become irritated as a result of repetitive motions during specific sporting activities. Parents may notice that their child begins to walk with a limp, and the back of the heel may be swollen. It is beneficial to rest and elevate the affected foot, and it may help to relieve a portion of the pain when the calf muscles are stretched. If your active child complains of heel pain, it is advised that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Alexander Terris from Total Foot Care. 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 Wilmington, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

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

Younger adults who participate in sporting activities may run a higher risk of developing the foot condition known as sesamoiditis. Sesamoiditis is caused by inflammation of the sesamoid bones, located behind the big toe at the bottom of the foot. Those who commonly participate in physical activities can run the risk of placing stress on the feet. Common sporting activities linked to this condition may include soccer, football, dancing, and baseball, particularly for those who pitch. Another common cause can include wearing ill-fitting footwear. Shoes such as high heels, while often being too tight for the feet, can also cause one to fall. For more information and advice on how to treat sesamoiditis, please consult with a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Alexander Terris of Total Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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