Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Carolina Foot Specialists! 

We understand that you may start a new fitness regimen in the new year. Please remember to take it slowly at first and be sure to have good athletic shoes.

To see our athletic shoe guidelines, CLICK HERE.

Have a safe and happy new year!

Cheers!
Dr. Adam Brown, Dr. Andrew Saffer and the Staff at Carolina Foot Specialist

My feet are on FIRE!

Do your feet feel like they're burning? 

Burning feet are a common complaint among many groups of people, most commonly those over 50 years of age and in diabetics. There are many causes. Heavy alcohol use may lead to the condition. Neuropathy and loss of sensation often are contributors as well. Other causes include thyroid dysfunction and gastric restriction in obesity. Some infectious diseases, such as leishmaniasis, a rarely reported neurologic change secondary to a bacteria, also may cause burning feet. 

Dr. Andrew Saffer of Carolina Foot Specialists in Mount Pleasant, SC has seen cases of burning feet often. Call to schedule an appointment with him today. 843-654-8250. 

When to call Carolina Foot Specialists?

We are often asked, "When is the right time to call you?" First, if you have that question, call us immediately. Foot pain is not normal, especially if it has lasted for more than a day or two.
Please contact our office if you experience one of the following:

Persistent pain in your feet or ankles.
Changes in the nails or skin on your foot.
Severe cracking, scaling, or peeling on the heel or foot.
Blisters on your feet.

There are signs of bacterial infection, including:

Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.
Red streaks extending from the affected area.
Discharge or pus from an area on the foot.
Foot or ankle symptoms that do not improve after two weeks of treatment with a nonprescription product.
Spreading of an infection from one area of the foot to another, such as under the nail bed, skin under the nail, the nail itself, or the surrounding skin.
Thickening toenails that cause discomfort.
Heel pain accompanied by a fever, redness (sometimes warmth), or numbness.
Tingling in the heel; persistent heel pain without putting any weight or pressure on your heel
Pain that is not alleviated by ice or over-the-counter painkillers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
Diabetics with poor circulation who develop Athlete's Foot.

Charleston Office
843-225-5575
Mount Pleasant Office
843-654-8250

You can also fill out one of our appointment requests online here. 

Hitting the Links can Hurt Your Feet

We're pretty lucky to be able to live in Charleston, where the weather is mild about 9 months of the year so we can hit the links often. But believe it or not, we see plenty of men who complain about the pain their golf shoes are causing them. Common foot injuries and problems associated with golf are related to overdoing it, particularly if an underlying structural problem exists in your feet. This includes tendonitis, capsulitis, and ligament sprains and pulls, which can keep a golf enthusiast off the green. Improper shoes can bring on blisters, neuromas, and other pain in the feet.

Remember that you'll spend a lot of time on your feet standing and walking during golf, so look for shoes that are comfortable. Golf shoes come in a variety of types, from the traditional oxford-style to sandals and even boots. Whichever style you choose, look for shoes that are lightweight, well-cushioned in the soles and heels, made from a breathable material, water resistant and offer traction. The middle of the shoe should feel a little tighter than your everyday shoes to support your swing. Be sure to try on golf shoes with the socks you will normally wear to make sure to get the right fit.

Need to know more? Call us for a consult. Dr. Adam Brown and Dr. Andrew Saffer can help.

Charleston Office
843-225-5575
Mount Pleasant Office
843-654-8250

Going Barefoot at Turkey Day Run 2013

To barefoot or not. That was the question I asked myself this morning when the temperature was sitting at 34 degrees as I left the house for the Turkey Day Run. My wife and 3 boys were joining me in the run for the first time so I figured I could shed my shoes and overcome the elements. My feet were numb on the short walk from our car to Marion Square. I fully expected them to return to normal 10-15 minutes into the run. Not on this day. I figured when the feeling had not returned by the 2 mile marker that it was either a blessing or a curse. I could get through the race without feeling any discomfort from acorns, rocks or the rough road along the Battery which would be great. On the other hand, the bottom of my feet could have been torn to shreds and I would not have a clue until later when the numbness wore off. I relied on my barefoot running technique which I have been working on to carry me through. To my surprise, I have almost no discomfort as I sit here several hours later following a great Thanksgiving dinner with our family. Even my 7 year old ran the kids run without any shoes. He came in 2nd place. Great job Matty. Once again I am amazed at what the body (and feet) can accomplish. Whether it is barefoot running, healing a foot injury or strengthening a weakened part of the lower extremity all you need is a plan. Your body will take care of the rest. 

Adam Brown, DPM Carolina Foot Specialists