Wearing the wrong shoes can place stress on the feet and lead to long-term discomfort. High heels can cause muscle contraction in the calves and feet, which may make it difficult to walk barefoot over time. Very flat shoes can concentrate pressure on the heels and force muscles and tendons to work harder for support, which may contribute to plantar fasciitis. Shoes that are the wrong size can constrict the front of the foot and toes, increasing the risk of corns and bunions. Risk factors include poor fit, lack of support, and prolonged wear of improper footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate foot health, recommend proper shoes, and provide treatment. If you have foot pain from wearing certain types of shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips and guide you footwear selection.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often appearing as red, itchy, peeling, or cracked areas between the toes. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments like locker rooms and around swimming pools. When you swim with athlete's foot, the condition can spread more easily to others and may worsen due to prolonged moisture. You might notice increased burning, itching, or scaling after time in the water. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, rule out similar conditions, and prescribe targeted antifungal treatments such as topical creams or oral medications. They can also monitor healing and help prevent complications like secondary bacterial infections. Ignoring symptoms can lead to the spread across nails or other body areas over time. If you have persistent symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

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 Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care.  Our practitioner 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 office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen feet and ankles may develop when fluid builds up in the lower extremities, a condition known as edema. This swelling may appear gradually or suddenly. It causes the skin to look stretched or shiny and feel tight or heavy. Some people notice indentations in the skin after pressing on the area. Others experience discomfort when walking or wearing shoes. Causes of swollen feet or ankles include standing or sitting for a long time, injury, and circulation issues. Underlying medical conditions that affect fluid balance may also contribute. A podiatrist can evaluate the pattern and severity of swelling. Treatment includes compression therapy, elevation, and guidance on supportive footwear to improve circulation and reduce fluid buildup. Targeted exercises may be recommended to encourage movement and blood flow. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and improve comfort. If you have swollen feet and ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Fungal infections affect the appearance and health of the toenails. The toenail may become thickened, brittle, or distorted. It often turns yellow, white, or brown. In some cases, debris can build up under the nail, and it may lift slightly from the nail bed, causing discomfort or pressure while wearing shoes. This condition develops when fungi enter through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin. This often occurs in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or public areas. A podiatrist can examine the nail, confirm the presence of an infection, and determine the most effective treatment. Care may include trimming and thinning of the nail, topical or oral antifungal medication, and guidance on proper foot hygiene to prevent recurrence. Early treatment can improve outcomes and reduce spread to other nails. If you have symptoms of fungal toenails, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.