Inflammatory arthritis can affect the joints of the feet and ankles, sometimes making everyday movement uncomfortable and difficult. Because the foot contains many small joints, ongoing inflammation can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness, especially in the morning or after periods of rest. Some people notice discomfort in the ball of the foot, heel, toes, or ankle, while others develop changes in foot shape over time as joint damage progresses. Walking may become harder, and supportive shoes may suddenly feel uncomfortable. Since these symptoms can worsen without treatment, evaluation is important to identify the source of pain and protect joint function. Treatment may include custom orthotics, footwear guidance, supportive bracing, activity adjustments, and other therapies aimed at reducing stress on affected areas. If you have foot pain related to inflammatory arthritis, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Clinic of South Carolina. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mauldin and Clinton, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Preventing running injuries begins with understanding how footwear supports the foot during repetitive movement. Running places repeated stress on the bones, joints, and soft tissue structures of the feet. Without proper protection, this stress can lead to common conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and tendon irritation. Running shoes are designed to reduce impact forces, improve alignment, and provide stability. Selecting the correct pair is one of the most effective ways to reduce injury risk and maintain long-term foot health.

Symptoms of wearing improper footwear develop gradually and include heel pain, arch discomfort, shin pain, or ankle instability. Runners may also notice blisters, calluses, or uneven wear patterns on their shoes. These signs suggest that the foot is not receiving adequate support or shock absorption. Over time, this can increase strain on ligaments and tendons, leading to chronic injury. Recognizing early symptoms allows runners to make timely adjustments before more serious conditions develop.

Several risk factors contribute to running-related injuries. Included are poor shoe fit, worn out footwear, and biomechanical imbalances like flat feet or high arches. Shoes that lack proper cushioning fail to absorb impact, while those without stability features can allow excessive inward or outward foot motion. Motion control and stability shoes are designed to guide the foot into a more neutral position, which helps reduce strain. Matching shoes to an individual's running style and gait pattern is essential for proper support.

Choosing the right running shoe involves proper sizing, adequate arch support, and selecting a design that aligns with your running mechanics. A well-fitted shoe should provide enough room in the toe box while securing the heel. Shock absorbing materials and structured midsoles help protect the foot during impact. A podiatrist can evaluate gait and recommend appropriate footwear based on individual needs. If you have foot pain while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief tips and guidance on choosing shoes for pain-free running.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Clinic of South Carolina. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain. It affects a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. This tissue, called the plantar fascia, helps support the arch and absorbs stress when walking. When it becomes irritated, pain can develop near the heel or along the bottom of the foot. Heel pain is frequently felt where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. The discomfort is often strongest with the first steps in the morning. It can also occur after sitting for a long period. Pain may ease after moving around, but often returns later in the day. 

Several factors can increase stress on the plantar fascia. These include standing for long periods, wearing shoes that lack adequate support, and suddenly increasing physical activity. People with very high arches or very flat feet can also develop this condition. Symptoms include a burning sensation and a sharp, stabbing pain when walking. The discomfort can make daily activities more difficult to carry out and may affect balance and movement. Left untreated, plantar fasciitis can cause people to change the way they walk. This can place extra strain on other parts of the foot and ankle and cause further difficulties.

A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical examination and a review of symptoms. Diagnostic imaging and X-rays may be used to rule out other causes of heel pain. Treatment options include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, and night splints that gently stretch the foot while sleeping. Additional treatment may focus on reducing stress placed on the plantar fascia and improving foot function. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Foot Clinic of South Carolina. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

The medical term for athlete’s foot is tinea pedis. It is an infection caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. This fungus can enter the body through tiny cracks in the skin of the feet and can cause uncomfortable symptoms. These include itchy skin on the bottom of the feet or between the toes, and the affected area may burn. In severe cases, blisters may develop and ooze, and can often appear unsightly. There are measures that can be implemented that may help to prevent athlete’s foot. These can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in public pools, showers, and surrounding areas, in addition to refraining from sharing towels, shoes, and socks. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Clinic of South Carolina.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Mauldin and Clinton, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.