Diabetes can lead to various foot and toenail issues due to poor circulation, nerve damage, and compromised immune function. Common toenail problems in diabetics include onycholysis, which is a separation of the nail from the nail bed, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and periungual erythema, which is redness around the nail. These conditions often arise because diabetes weakens the body’s ability to fight infections and heal wounds. Symptoms include pain, swelling, discoloration, or a thickened nail, which may become brittle or discolored. Fungal infections may cause the nail to crumble or thicken, while ingrown toenails can cause tenderness and redness. Treatment may involve antifungal medications, proper nail trimming techniques, or the use of custom orthotics to alleviate pressure. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend medical intervention or even nail removal. Proper foot care, including regular check-ups with a podiatrist, is essential for preventing complications. If you are dealing with these types of issues, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Theresa Brown, DPM of Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoes occur when one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, often due to muscle imbalance, wearing tight shoes, or underlying structural problems. When conservative treatments such as padding, footwear changes, or splints no longer relieve discomfort, surgery may be considered. Hammertoe surgery aims to straighten the affected toe, relieve pressure, and restore normal alignment. A podiatrist may remove a small piece of bone, release a tightened tendon, or realign the joint, depending on the severity of the deformity. Recovery typically involves rest, wearing protective footwear, and a gradual return to activity with guidance from your podiatrist. If you are experiencing pain, irritation, or difficulty wearing shoes due to a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss whether surgical correction may be the best option for long-term comfort and function.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Theresa Brown, DPM of Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Calcaneal osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection in the heel that can develop after a puncture wound to the foot. When bacteria enter through a deep wound, they can reach the bone and cause inflammation, pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Early care is vital to prevent serious complications. Cleaning the wound thoroughly, avoiding pressure on the heel, and seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist can reduce the risk of infection. This foot doctor can diagnose the condition through imaging tests and provide treatment that may include antibiotics, wound care, and surgical management, if necessary. If you have sustained a puncture wound on your foot,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide an examination and offer appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Theresa Brown, DPM from Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen feet occur when excess fluid builds up in the tissues of the lower extremities. This condition, termed edema, can result from standing or sitting for long periods but may also indicate underlying health concerns such as heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or chronic venous insufficiency. Swelling may cause discomfort, heaviness, or visible puffiness in the feet and ankles. A podiatrist can help determine the cause through a thorough evaluation and recommend treatment, such as compression therapy and circulation improvement. If your feet are consistently swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and offer effective relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Theresa Brown, DPM of Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.