Biking and Your Feet - What To Know.

Many of our patients tell us they have decided to take up biking because it is a safer exercise than say running or playing tennis. While this may be true for those beginning a work-out regimen, suffering knee issues or even those recovering from back or shoulder surgery, biking is still a vigorous activity that should only be done with proper form and proper equipment- including shoes!

You may wonder what your shoes have to do with riding a bike, but consider this- Your feet are responsible for the transfer of energy from the body to the pedals, which makes the bicycle move. When choosing a shoe look for a stiff sole and a snug fit around the bridge of the foot and heel. The more stable and less movement inside the shoe, the more power can be transferred through the entire foot to the pedal. Usually properly fitted cross-training or running shoes are suitable for the casual biker.

Lack of proper body alignment and overactivity are responsible for the most common foot problems related to biking: Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, shin splints and foot numbness or pain. If your feet are at all uncomfortable while riding or throughout the day- visit us! 

Looking for fellow Cyclists in Charleston? Visit Coastal Cyclists. 

Join Carolina Foot Specialists at the 5th Annual We Know Women Event

Did you know women have about forty times as many foot problems as men?
Join Dr. Andrew Saffer at East Cooper Medical's 5th annual We Know Women Event and learn how to prevent chronic problems, injuries and more. The evening will consists of great products, information, demonstrations and consults- including a free foot screening with us! 

We are very excited to have our practice be a part such a great event in the lowcountry. 

The event is free, but make sure to register soon, as space is filling up- 

Call 843-884-7031 or visit East Cooper Medical Center. 

Chronic Foot Pain is Not Normal

A Neuroma is an enlarged, benign growth of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes.  The most common type of foot neuroma is known as Morton’s neuroma and involves the actual thickening of tissue around the nerves causing pain and pressure (not an actual tumor) and eventually causing nerve damage.

 Symptoms of a neuroma involve burning, numbness or tingling in the ball of the foot. Many relate the feeling to having a rock or pebble stuck in their shoe. Women are much more susceptible due to high heels and smaller toe boxes in their shoes. It is important to note that any type of chronic pain is not regular and should be addressed by a medical professional.

Neuromas are caused by tissue rubbing against and irritating the nerves causing inflammation. Due to the location of the inflammation a nerve ends aggravated, pinched or worse. Pressure from poorly fitting shoes, abnormal bone structure, or over activity (especially in the wrong shoes) can also lead to this condition.

Treatments generally include wearing corrective shoes or orthotics and/or receiving cortisone injections. In severe cases, surgical removal of the growth may be necessary. We see many cases of Neuromas in all ages and sexes of patients- our main goal is to conservatively treat your pain and the underlying issue.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month!

Have you ever suffered a severe sunburn? How about on your feet? Since May 1^st kicks off Melanoma Awareness month we thought it only fitting to discuss the affects of Sunburn, on your feet of course.

Many of us spend days outside in the warmer months, lathering sunscreen on our faces, shoulders, chests and other sensitive and exposed areas, but what about your feet? We have seen many instances where patients forget to cover their feet with sunscreen and end up severely burned.

Though it may not seem so, your feet are covered in delicate skin. When exposed to intense UV rays your feet can go from fine to fried in a matter of minuets. Opposed to only embarrassing redness, severe burns on your feet can easily cause blisters and swelling (not to mention long-term damage and risk of skin cancer).

If burned take an anti inflammatory regularly, use an aloe vera product containing at least 90% aloe (or use your own aloe plant), and elevate your burnt foot or feet.

Prevent future incidents by wearing shoes, opposed to sandals, when exposed to prolonged sun, and always include your feet in your sunscreen application (hands too!).

*When choosing sunscreen look for broad spectrum products with a SPF of 15 or higher, and remember to reapply!

Fighting the Fungus

Fungal infections can be tricky and sometimes hard to notice. Fungus can affect the toenail for years before causing any trouble or showing any signs. If you’ve noticed changes in the formation or color of your nail, whether quickly or over time, you may be suffering from a toenail fungus.

Although some over the counter treatments and routine cleaning can suppress or temporarily treat the issue, seeking help early is the best method to prevent spreading or a more severe infection.

The best tip for avoiding fungal issues it to keep your feet clean and DRY! This is especially important during our hot Charleston Summers.

Leaving feet wet and/or dirty may not only cause toenail fungus but other fungal conditions such as athletes foot.

For more information on Fungal Conditions visit our Website. 

Are you Suffering from Bunions, or are they Corns?

One of the most common questions we get asked is 'What is the difference between a corn and a bunion?'. We stumbled across this article from Florida Podiatrist, David Todoroff of Keystone Podiatric Medical Associates, and think he explains the answer well. 

Q: Can you briefly explain the difference between a corn and a bunion?

A: A “corn” is a growth of skin which forms typically on a bony prominence as a response to abnormal pressure or friction. They are often located on the tops of the toes at the knuckles or sometimes between the toes. They can also form on the bottom or the sides of the foot wherever there is an excess amount of pressure, such as a bone protruding outward against the ground or against an ill-fitting shoe. The term “corn” is often used interchangeably with callus. Essentially, they are both caused by the same thing, but visually a corn is often smaller, rounder and deeper, and a callus is usually broader, covering a larger area.

A “bunion” is the name for the enlarged bony bump located behind the big toe at the joint where it attaches to the foot. This often protrudes out the side, but occasionally it protrudes upward.

For more information on the two issues read the entire article Here or Visit our Page for your options. 

Tips For Your Toes

Medical Professionals, and athletes alike, are constantly stressing the importance of fitness and stretching, but what we don't hear enough of is how important it is to stretch and exercise our toes. Toes take a lot of abuse from the hours we spend on our feet each day.

Simple movements like pointing the toes, curling the toes and even walking barefoot in the sand can help relieve foot pain and strengthen your toes. Visit our website for a complete list of ways to keep your toes in tip-top shape for years to come.