November 2017

The purpose of sweating is to regulate the body’s temperature. When this happens excessively, it’s known as hyperhidrosis. Most of the millions of people affected by this condition often feel a loss of control because sweating can occur independent of physical exertion. It may begin in childhood and is thought to be a genetically inherited condition. In severe cases, sweat can drip from the feet, possibly causing social situations to be uncomfortable. Anxiety, depression, infections and skin irritations may occur, resulting in difficulty in handling this condition psychologically. Typically, it helps to identify specific conditions that lead to excessive sweating. To reduce discomfort, keeping the feet dry is advised. Medications and surgery are possible treatment options to regulate this disorder. Please consult with a podiatrist if you have questions about excessive sweating from the feet.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Although many people take care of their facial skin and hands, they may lose sight of their feet, which often fall to the bottom of the body care priority list. Painful consequences from doing this may include fungal infections, cracked heels, and corns. Washing the skin between the toes is important, as the area can harbor infections if not cleansed properly. Drying the feet is also important, as athlete’s foot may occur if they are left wet. This is especially true if socks and shoes are worn immediately afterward. Additionally, moisturizing is another preferred practice and may prevent chapped and cracked skin. Protecting the feet from wounds and other injuries can be accomplished by wearing socks and comfortable shoes. Occasionally soaking your feet in warm water for a few minutes will not only feel good, but will help soften the skin.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

The human foot consists of many bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Because it’s the most weight-bearing part of the body, it’s common to experience foot pain at some point in your life. Common conditions can include tight cramping muscles, bunions, and hammertoes. Performing foot exercises to strengthen the muscles may reduce discomfort in the feet. Typically, toe lifts and toe curls are some of the most effective stretches performed to strengthen the foot. Additionally, calf raises and pointing, and stretching the ankle may also work well in helping to build muscle. An Achilles stretch is beneficial in stretching the muscles of the calf, which may help with plantar fasciitis. Stretching the feet not only feels good, it’s necessary in maintaining proper foot health. Be sure to consult a podiatrist to learn if stretching is right for you.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Typically Sever’s disease occurs in children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. It occurs when the heel has not completed growing and becomes injured. The heel is less flexible as the tendons and muscles become tight. Activities that include running and jumping are common culprits when it comes to this injury. If you notice your child limping after engaging in physical activity, there might be a chance that they could have the disorder. In addition to this, a tendency to tiptoe may be noticed. Treatment includes stopping or cutting back any activity that may have caused the pain. Stretching the hamstrings and calf muscles as well as the back of the leg can be useful in managing this condition. Long-term problems have not been linked to Sever’s disease, however a podiatrist may be consulted if the heel pain does not improve with treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.