A podiatrist is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet and ankles. This type of doctor plays an important role in promoting foot health, improving mobility, and supporting overall wellness. Podiatrists treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including injuries, infections, deformities, and chronic pain. This type of doctor also plays a key role in diabetes care by monitoring circulation, nerve health, and skin integrity to help prevent ulcers and serious complications. Through regular exams, education, and preventive care, podiatrists help patients stay active and independent. If you are experiencing foot pain, changes in sensation, or difficulty walking, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist to improve comfort and protect your feet.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Toenail infections develop when organisms enter small openings in the nail or surrounding skin and slowly affect nail structure. Athlete’s foot allows organisms to spread from skin to nail. Repeated exposure around pools, locker rooms, and communal showers increases contact with fungi. Nail injuries from sports, nail trimming, or pressure from tight shoes create entry points. Long-term moisture inside shoes with inadequate support raises risk of toenail infections, especially with prolonged sweating. Circulation problems in the legs related to diabetes or artery disease reduce nail defenses. A weakened immune system and family history also increase risk of toenail infections. A podiatrist can examine the nails, confirm the cause, guide treatment, and discuss surgery when necessary. For help with foot problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

Foot blisters are fluid filled sacs that form when friction, pressure, and heat damage the outer layers of skin. They commonly develop from wearing tight boots or shoes that rub against the foot during walking or prolonged standing. Excess moisture from sweating can soften the skin, making it more vulnerable to friction and blister formation. Dirty feet may increase irritation and allow bacteria to weaken the skin barrier. Additionally, excess heat from activity or poorly ventilated footwear can further aggravate the skin and contribute to blister development. Symptoms often include redness, pain, swelling, and a pocket of clear fluid that makes walking uncomfortable. A podiatrist can help by safely treating blisters, preventing infection, and recommending proper footwear and hygiene practices. Guidance on moisture control and skin protection can reduce future problems. If foot blisters are affecting comfort or mobility, it is suggested that you schedule a podiatry appointment for professional care and effective prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Toenail and toe pain while hiking is a common problem that can turn an enjoyable outdoor adventure into a painful experience. Causes often include wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose, friction from improper socks, and repetitive impact on uneven terrain. To prevent these issues, it is important to wear properly sized hiking shoes, gradually break them in before long treks, and choose socks with cushioning and reinforcement in key areas. These steps help reduce pressure on the toes, prevent blisters, and protect the toenails from trauma. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend appropriate footwear, and provide treatment for any persistent pain or nail injuries. If you have toe or toenail pain that is preventing you from enjoying your hiking experience, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.