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Dr. Kenneth Rosenthal
Dr. Jonathan C. O’Quinn
Dr. Michael J. Price

(252) 830-1000

Greenville, North Carolina

February 2021

Friday, 26 February 2021 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Published in Blog
Monday, 22 February 2021 00:00

Why Do Ingrown Toenails Form?

An ingrown toenail is the result of a curved toenail that grows down into the skin on the sides of the nail. As the toenail digs deep into the skin and the skin continues to grow around it; pain, redness, and swelling can occur. In severe cases, this can lead to an infection that is often indicated by a pus or drainage and usually coincides with a bad odor. Ingrown toenails can have different causes that include trauma to the toe, improperly trimmed nails that are cut too short or on a curve instead of straight across, and footwear that is too tight. The tendency for ingrown toenails may also be inherited or caused by other nail conditions, such as fungal nails. Patients who experience an infection, or those who have recurring ingrown toenails should visit a podiatrist for treatment. A podiatrist can determine what course of treatment is correct for you, as well as administer the proper medication to cease an infection and any corresponding pain.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

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Published in Blog
Monday, 15 February 2021 00:00

Cracked Heels During Pregnancy

Many pregnant women notice cracked heels have developed over the course of their pregnancy. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including because of the added weight the heels must endure, hormonal changes, and changes in gait. Patients have found relief when the feet are soaked in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer on the entire foot. Having a pedicure performed is an effective method to alleviate cracked heels, which can include using a pumice stone to soften the dry skin. It is important to take proper care of your feet while pregnant, and if you would like additional information on how to achieve this, please consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels
Published in Blog
Monday, 08 February 2021 00:00

When to See a Podiatrist for Flat Feet

Flat feet is a common condition that occurs when the feet are pressed flat while standing. Flat feet are not usually serious, and they shouldn’t stop you from your physical activity. However, there are some scenarios in which visiting a podiatrist is suggested for flat feet. If your flat feet are painful, stiff or weak, if you frequently get foot or ankle injuries, have a balance problem, or only one foot is affected, you should see a podiatrist. In severe cases, surgery may be required, however in most cases a podiatrist will be able to suggest proper footwear and orthotics as well as exercises and foot stretches to help your condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

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Published in Blog

Blisters are a noticeable and uncomfortable condition when they form on the feet. They generally develop from excess friction, which may be caused by wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. A blister is a small area of raised skin that is filled with liquid and resembles a bubble. The fluid inside the bubble protects the raw skin underneath, and will gradually drain as new skin forms. There are other reasons why blisters may develop. These can include insect bites, frostbite, or medical conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Blisters on the feet can be protected when comfortable shoes are worn, and this may help to prevent premature popping and drainage of the blister. If you would like additional information about how to prevent and treat foot blisters, please consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

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Published in Blog
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