Comprehensive Foot and Ankle


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Flat Feet: Complications and Treatment 07-30-2015

Jill Jackson
Flat feet, also called fallen arches, can cause a variety of problems. It is important to recognize flat feet and to understand how to treat them.
What Are Flat Feet?
The arch of a foot is created by tendons that run along the bottom of the foot, attaching the heel bone to the foot bones. When the tendons do not pull tight enough, this causes a relaxation of the arch, called flat foot or fallen arches. Your podiatrist can tell if you have flat feet, but a simple way to find out for yourself is to... read more

Preventing and Treating Ingrown Toenails 01-28-2015

Dr. Palmer Branch
While ingrown toenails may seem like small nuisances, if they are left untreated, they can lead to much larger problems. Occurring when a segment of a toenail embeds itself in the skin around the nail, ingrown toenails are characterized by swelling, a feeling of warmth, tender or red skin where the toenail has dug in and pain that can be more than annoying. If the nail digs far enough into the flesh to break the skin, an infection can also result.
 
Causes
 
Some people are simply more prone to... read more

Have a Bunion-free Halloween 12-04-2014

Dr. Palmer Branch
It’s October, which means it’s time for Halloween and all things scary, and very few things are scarier than problems with our feet. Because our feet are responsible for our daily movement, any problems with them can have a systemic effect on the rest of our bodies and our overall quality of life.
 
What is a Bunion?
A common ailment that affects many of our feet is the bunion. Characterized as a bump on the joint at the base of the big toe, bunions form when the joint becomes enlarged and causes... read more

Back-to-school Shoe Shopping: The Best Shoes for Healthy, Growing Feet 08-18-2014

Dr. Palmer Branch

 

If you are the parent of a school-aged child, now is the time to secure all the school supplies and new clothes that your child needs to be successful during the upcoming school year, and proper-fitting shoes should be at the top of your shopping list. When shopping for shoes for your child, make sure to consider these important factors:
 
Children's feet change with age. Shoe and sock sizes can change every few months as children's feet grow, so make sure you measure your child's feet before buying... read more

Summer Footwear for Different Foot Conditions 06-20-2014

Dr. Palmer Branch

Although summer is a time for kicking off your shoes and relaxing, it can also be a season of poor foot health. When heat and humidity are combined with no shoes or unsupportive ones, it can lead to a lot of problems.

 
This is especially true for those who already deal with certain foot conditions, but you don't have to let the elements worsen your symptoms this summer. By taking the right steps - in the right shoes - you can avoid or at least lessen the effects of summer on your feet. Whether you... read more

Foot Care for Athletes 04-14-2014

Dr. Palmer Branch
Athletes depend on their feet to be in proper form in order to participate in sporting activities, whether it’s running, skiing, or contact sports. Foot care is essential and should not be ignored in any case, but for athletes, the smallest injury could mean devastating consequences. Here are some tips athletes can incorporate to protect their feet and keep them healthy.
 
Types of Foot Injuries
 
When you are an athlete, there are a plethora of injuries you can sustain just in your feet and ankles... read more

Taking Care About Your Foot Health in the New Year 01-11-2014

Dr. Palmer Branch

Why You Should Care About Your Foot Health in the New Year

The New Year is the perfect time to consider ways to improve your health. Many of us have losing weight, exercising, and eating healthy high up on our list of New Year’s resolutions. These are great New Year’s resolutions because they help to keep us healthy. But another area that is often overlooked — albeit unintentionally — is foot health.

The Importance of Proper Foot Care

It first helps to understand the importance of proper foot... read more

Foot care during the holidays 12-04-2013

Dr. Palmer Branch
The holidays are filled with activities, events, and distractions that can throw us all off our daily routines. Unfortunately, the need for positive foot care practices doesn't go away during this festive time of year. In fact, it can be even more important during the endless hours of shopping for the perfect gifts to give loved ones and friends. Keep these great tips in mind as you prepare for and celebrate the holidays this year.
 
Wear Sensible Shoes
 
It's so tempting to go with the prettiest... read more