Corns are areas of thickened skin that develop on the feet due to repeated pressure or friction, often forming on the tops or sides of toes or on weight-bearing areas. They are usually small and round with a hardened center that can press into deeper tissue, causing discomfort or sharp pain when walking. Corns may look like raised, rough spots and can feel tender when direct pressure is applied. Common causes include tight or ill-fitting shoes, toe deformities such as hammertoes, and abnormal walking patterns that increase pressure in certain areas. A podiatrist can identify corns through examination and determine the underlying cause of the pressure. Treatment often includes careful trimming of the thickened skin, padding to reduce friction, and recommendations for proper footwear or orthotics. Addressing the source of pressure is key to preventing recurrence. If you have painful corns, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Summit Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot stress fractures are small, hairline cracks in the bones that develop from repeated pressure rather than a single injury. They often occur in sports that involve running and jumping, where continuous impact places strain on the feet. Repetitive stress without enough recovery time can weaken bone structure over time. Risk factors include a sudden increase in exercise intensity, improper footwear, and poor foot support. Symptoms may include pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. A podiatrist can diagnose a stress fracture through imaging, provide treatment, and recommend prevention strategies. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can significantly affect the joints of the feet and ankles. Because each foot contains many small joints, this disease often causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the toes and the front of the foot. Many patients notice morning stiffness that improves slowly as the day progresses. The joints may appear swollen or warm, and over time the toes can shift out of their normal position, sometimes creating bunions or hammertoes. Walking may become uncomfortable as pressure points develop on the ball of the foot. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, leading to ongoing inflammation and joint damage. A podiatrist can help identify how the condition is affecting the feet through examination and imaging when needed. Treatment may include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, protective padding, and targeted exercises to maintain joint mobility. If you have rheumatoid arthritis affecting your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Summit Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.