November 2022

The development of corns on the feet can be an annoyance for a wide variety of individuals across the country. Typically this condition develops in response to the concentration of intense pressure or friction on the foot. The corn itself is made of thick skin. Importantly, there are steps that you might consider taking in caring for your corns. For example, wearing the correct kind of footwear can have a significant impact on the extent to which the corns are being taken care of. By wearing shoes that are ill-fitting, an individual can aggravate the corns. Instead, one might think about wearing shoes that provide the feet with sufficient space to move about in freely. Thus, by choosing to wear the right kind of shoes, a person can sufficiently guard against both the formation and aggravation of corns. If you think that you might have corns, contact a podiatrist today to learn more about what can be done to mitigate and treat the condition. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

When the nerves that transmit messages from the brain to the feet are damaged, the result is a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. The main symptom is numbness, along with tingling, a burning sensation, and sometimes a sharp shooting pain. Among the many causes of peripheral neuropathy, diabetes is at the top of the list. About half of diabetics develop this condition, which is caused by chronic high blood sugar levels. Because of the numbness, diabetics may not notice sores or cuts on their feet that can become ulcerated. Side effects from medication you may be taking is another well-known cause of peripheral neuropathy. Other causes include genetics, inflammatory infection, autoimmune disease, and kidney disease. Excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages is another common cause. Ignoring symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can be dangerous to your health. If your feet feel numb on a regular basis, it is wise to seek the counsel of a podiatrist as soon as possible for a full examination and an ongoing program of treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

A bunion is a foot condition involving a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe and is easy to notice. It is considered to be a deformity, and may cause the toes to shift towards each other. A common reason why people can develop bunions is from wearing shoes that are too small in the toe area. This can force the toes to squeeze together, and be uncomfortable. In severe cases, walking may become difficult, and larger shoes may need to be purchased that can accommodate the bunion. Research has shown that family genes may contribute to developing a bunion. Additionally, arthritis may lead to getting a bunion, as a result of inflamed toe joints. Symptoms of this ailment can include pain and swelling surrounding the big toe, and there may be calluses and corns that form on top of the bunion as it touches the side of the shoe. Mild relief may come from wearing a protective pad over the bunion, and orthotics may be prescribed that may help to realign the foot structure. If you have a bunion, it is strongly urged that you contact a podiatrist who can recommend the correct treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

The muscles of the leg are connected to the heel and feet by tendons. These tissues can be affected by overuse, in the same way as muscles can be. When the stress becomes too much for the tendons, they can swell, develop small tears, and become inflamed. The result of this is called tendonitis. Three tendons are at work every time you take a step. The Achilles tendon connects the leg muscles to the heel. When you put your foot down or lift your heel, it may cause pain if the tendon is inflamed. The anterior tibial tendon runs down the front of the foot and attaches to the metatarsals. It controls the front of the foot when you walk. If inflamed it can be felt when going downstairs or running down a hill. The posterior tibial tendon runs along the inside of the ankle and foot. When it is strained, pain will be felt when you push off the ground. The peroneal tendons run underneath the foot, from outside to inside. Pain would occur when you stand or walk on uneven surfaces. For help with foot pain caused by tendonitis, it is wise to have an examination by a podiatrist to detect the cause. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group. 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 Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many health experts suggest that exercising is essential for older adults, because the tendency to become sedentary can contribute to a physical, as well as emotional,  decline. Building strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance are among the activities recommended for older adults. However, seniors also must take care of their feet while engaging in physical activities that call for standing and walking. First, it’s essential to choose footwear that is made for the type of activity taking place. It is also suggested that footwear should have non-skid flat soles and a cushioned arch that is not too thin or too thick. Additionally, shoes should have adequate heel support and a roomy toe box. Fit is also important when selecting activity footwear. Be sure to have your feet measured properly before buying them, as foot size tends to change with age. Keeping track of the wear and tear on your footwear is a must. Replace shoes when the tread wears out, or if your feet begin to ache or feel tired after exercising. For additional information on finding the right shoes for your activity, please consult a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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