Items filtered by date: May 2025

Foot arch stretches can play an important role in both curing and preventing plantar fasciitis by improving strength, flexibility, and circulation in the foot. Regularly performing a step stretch helps elongate the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, reducing heel pain. Calf raises strengthen the muscles that support the arch and ankle. Doming exercises improve control of the intrinsic foot muscles, which stabilize the arch. The toe spread and squeeze technique activates small foot muscles that are often neglected but essential for maintaining proper alignment. Additionally, towel curls engage the arch by encouraging gripping and curling motions that build strength. If you suffer from arch pain as a result of plantar fasciitis or other reasons, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment and relief tips.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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 and ankle needs.

A plantar wart is a small growth that appears on the bottom of the foot and is caused by the human papillomavirus. This virus enters the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin and thrives in warm, moist environments such as public showers, locker rooms, and around swimming pools. Plantar warts often appear as rough, grainy lesions with black pinpoints in the center and can cause discomfort or pain when walking. The virus spreads through direct contact, either person to person or from contaminated surfaces. Wearing shoes in public areas, keeping feet clean and dry, and avoiding contact with existing warts can help reduce the risk of infection. As they grow inward, plantar warts can be painful as a result of standing or walking for long periods. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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 and ankle needs.

Diabetes can lead to a range of serious foot problems due to its impact on circulation and nerve function. One of the most common complications is neuropathy, which causes tingling, numbness, or pain and reduces the ability to feel injuries. Peripheral artery disease can further restrict blood flow, slowing healing, and increasing the risk of infection. Foot ulcers may develop from unnoticed cuts or pressure points and can become severe without prompt care. Diabetic blisters, although painless, can appear suddenly and may become infected if not treated properly. Additionally, edema, or swelling in the feet and ankles, is another frequent issue and may indicate worsening circulation. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide proper foot care and regular checkups, which are essential for managing diabetes and preventing long-term complications.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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 and ankle needs.

Sever's disease, known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common source of heel pain in growing children. Conservative management typically consists of reducing high-impact activities, easing pain and inflammation, and performing gentle stretches to relax tight calf muscles. Rest and wearing supportive footwear are beneficial in alleviating pressure on the heel. Other treatment methods may include the use of custom orthotics to improve foot alignment, or, in persistent cases, immobilization with casts to allow the heel to heal. Overall, treatment is individualized based on the child, the severity of symptoms, and daily activity demands. If your child displays worsening heel pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 and ankle injuries.