Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated pressure or friction, commonly on the feet. There are three main types of corns. Hard corns appear as small, dense, and raised bumps often found on the tops or sides of toes. Soft corns are softer and rubbery, usually occurring between toes where moisture is present. Seed corns are tiny, clustered corns found on the soles of the feet. Symptoms include discomfort or pain when walking or wearing shoes, and the skin may feel rough, dry, or tender. Corns are caused by ill-fitting shoes, abnormal foot mechanics, or repetitive activities. A podiatrist can diagnose corns through examination and recommend treatments. Options include protective padding, shoe modifications, trimming or removal of the corn, and addressing underlying causes like foot deformities. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to relieve pain and prevent corns from worsening or recurring.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor 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 our office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is more than a visible deformity of the smaller toes. The bent position alters how the foot bears weight and shifts pressure across the lower extremity. As the toes contract, the forefoot absorbs greater force, changing walking patterns and placing extra stress on the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. This strain can trigger heel pain or plantar fasciitis, which in turn may further disrupt normal gait. Over time, a cycle develops where abnormal mechanics worsen both the toe deformity and the surrounding soft tissue irritation. Muscle imbalance and tendon tightness may also contribute to ongoing damage, making correction more difficult as the condition progresses. Wearing supportive footwear, targeted stretching, and orthoses can help reduce stress on the toes and fascia, but advanced cases may require surgical correction. If you are experiencing painful changes linked to hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

A cut on the skin is known as a laceration. If a laceration develops on the foot, it is beneficial to provide immediate care to help prevent painful foot conditions from arising. If the cut is small it may be treated with surgical tape, however larger cuts may require stitches. An x-ray may need to be performed if a piece of glass or small rock has entered the skin. Maintaining proper foot care can help with healing any existing wounds. This can be done by keeping the affected area clean and dry, and it may be helpful to use an antibiotic cream. If you would like additional information about how to care for foot wounds, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. 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 Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the body, forming crystals in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe. It can cause sudden, intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area, often making walking or standing difficult. Causes include high purine foods, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medications. Risk factors involve family history, age, and chronic health conditions such as kidney disease. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout, provide treatments to relieve pain and inflammation, and recommend lifestyle modifications to reduce flare ups. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose gout, and offer effective relief and management tips.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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