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Ankle osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage lining the ankle joint wears down, limiting smooth motion and shock absorption. Symptoms include deep ankle pain that increases with walking or standing, and stiffness after periods of rest. Swelling, reduced flexibility, and difficulty maintaining a steady gait are other signs. In later stages, pain may be present even with minimal activity. A podiatrist evaluates ankle osteoarthritis through a detailed history, physical examination, and X-rays. Additional scans may be ordered when needed. Care may involve custom orthotics, supportive ankle braces, medication management, or injections to calm joint irritation. When joint damage becomes severe and daily movement is seriously inhibited, surgery may be considered to improve function and relieve pain. For help dealing with osteoarthritis of the ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection that affects the feet, especially between the toes, and thrives in warm, moist environments. Symptoms may include itching, burning, redness, peeling skin, cracking, and discomfort that can worsen with sweating. Causes often involve exposure to fungi in locker rooms, public showers, or shared footwear. Risk factors include excessive sweating, wearing tight or non- breathable shoes, weakened immunity, and prolonged damp conditions. A podiatrist can help by accurately diagnosing the infection, prescribing effective antifungal treatments, and providing guidance on proper foot hygiene and prevention. Early care can prevent the infection from spreading or recurring. If you notice persistent foot irritation or scaling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Excess body weight places ongoing stress on the feet, which are responsible for supporting the entire body with every step. As body weight increases, pressure through the heels, arches, and forefoot follows suit, often leading to pain, fatigue, and changes in foot structure. Carrying extra weight can contribute to flattening of the arches, which may affect alignment and place added strain on tendons and joints in the feet and ankles. Increased pressure on the forefoot raises the risk of calluses, corns, bunions, and nerve irritation. Heel pain related to strain on the plantar fascia and joint discomfort in the midfoot and ankle may also develop over time. Reduced circulation and higher rates of diabetes can further affect skin health, wound healing, and sensation in the feet. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, identify pressure points, and discuss appropriate treatment options. If you have foot pain related to carrying extra weight, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can develop from a variety of conditions that affect comfort and mobility. A bunion is a bony prominence at the base of the big toe, often caused by joint misalignment and pressure from footwear. Corns are thickened areas of skin that form due to repeated friction or pressure on the toes or soles. Gout is an inflammatory condition caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints, leading to sudden swelling and severe pain, commonly in the big toe. Plantar warts are small growths on the bottom of the foot caused by a viral infection entering through tiny skin breaks. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose each condition, relieve pain, and provide targeted treatment and prevention strategies. If foot pain is affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 our office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.