If you're experiencing ankle pain, you may be suffering from an ankle injury. Sprains, fractures, Achilles tendonitis, and Achilles tendon ruptures are just some examples of potential ankle injuries. Don't wait for care for an ankle injury, as it may worsen over time. We can help!
Proper foot care is essential for individuals with diabetes because poor circulation and nerve damage can lead to serious complications. Conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers and peripheral vascular disease can cause serious problems when foot care is neglected. Wearing shoes that fit properly, trimming toenails regularly, and keeping feet elevated can help prevent injuries and improve blood flow. A podiatrist plays a key role in managing diabetic foot health by checking circulation, detecting early signs of infection, and providing customized care plans. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.
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 Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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
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 our office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Wearing the right shoes in the restaurant industry is essential for comfort, safety, and long-term foot health. Restaurant workers spend long hours on their feet, often on slippery or hard surfaces. The best footwear includes slip-resistant soles to prevent falls, strong arch support for stability, durable materials for all-day wear, and easy-to-clean designs to maintain hygiene. Slip-on shoes can also provide convenience during busy shifts. Without proper footwear, employees risk foot pain, fatigue, and even chronic conditions. A podiatrist can help evaluate your foot structure and recommend the best shoes for your work environment. If you have developed foot pain during your work day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on the correct shoes to wear.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
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.
Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can lead to pronation issues, foot and leg pain, reduced shock absorption, and muscle fatigue during daily activities. While flat feet can create challenges, there are effective ways to improve comfort and function. Supportive footwear, strengthening exercises, and a consistent stretching routine can reduce strain. Orthotic inserts provide added support and help correct alignment. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of flat feet, recommend personalized treatment options, and guide long-term care to prevent complications. If you have discomfort from flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
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.
Ankle arthritis is a condition where the cartilage in the ankle joint wears down, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness that limit mobility. When conservative treatments are not effective, ankle surgery may be recommended. Ankle arthroscopy uses small instruments to remove damaged tissue and smooth the joint. Ankle fusion joins the bones of the ankle to eliminate pain and increase stability. Additionally, joint replacement replaces the damaged joint with an artificial implant to restore movement. A podiatrist can assess your condition, recommend the best treatment, and provide exercise guidance for long term success. If arthritis is affecting your ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore whether surgical options are right for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
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.
Stress fractures in the feet are hairline cracks in the bone that often develop from repetitive force, rather than a single traumatic event. Stress fractures generally occur in the long bones of the foot, which endure significant impact during walking, running, and jumping. Overtraining, sudden increases in activity, or inadequate rest between workouts raise the risk. Foot structure also plays a role, with flat feet, high arches, or rigid arches contributing to uneven distribution of pressure that can stress certain bones. People with osteoporosis or low bone density are at higher risk, and nutritional deficiencies, such as inadequate calcium or vitamin D, may weaken bone strength. A podiatrist can confirm a diagnosis through examination and imaging, recommend appropriate footwear or orthotics, and advise whether surgery is required in severe cases. If you have symptoms of stress fractures in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
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.
A medical pedicure is a specialized foot care treatment that combines traditional pedicure techniques with medical expertise to address various foot conditions. These treatments can help improve foot health, reduce pain, prevent infections, and promote relaxation.
Drop foot makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot, which can cause tripping or an unusual walking pattern. Exercises for drop foot that focus on strengthening the muscles along the front of the lower leg can help improve movement and control. Simple stretches of the ankle, done while sitting or standing, can loosen stiffness and make the foot move more freely. Toe raises, where you lift the front of your foot while keeping your heel on the ground, are often helpful. Using a band to pull your foot upward against resistance can also build strength. Walking on your heels is another way to train the foot to lift properly during each step. These movements support better balance and reduce the chance of stumbling when you take a step. A podiatrist can check the muscle strength in your leg and foot, look for problems with alignment, and recommend safe exercises. If you have symptoms of drop foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment, which may include a series of exercises.
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 Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 practitioner 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 our office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Bunions are a foot deformity that often develop gradually, leading to pain and changes in toe alignment. The most noticeable symptom of a bunion is a hard, bony bump on the side of the big toe that may become red, swollen, and tender from pressure inside shoes. As the bunion progresses, the big toe shifts inward toward the second toe, sometimes crossing over or under it, which can cause stiffness and difficulty in moving the joint. Pain at the base of the toe is common, especially when walking or standing for long periods. Bunions may also lead to irritation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac, resulting in bursitis, or displacement of the sesamoid bones under the big toe joint. Causes of bunions include inherited foot structure, arthritis, and frequent use of shoes that lack adequate support or have a narrow, pointed toe box, such as high heels or flip-flops. If you are experiencing pain from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
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.
An ingrown toenail can cause repeated discomfort, swelling, and even infection if it continues to grow improperly into the surrounding skin. While temporary relief may be found with soaks or trimming, these methods rarely provide lasting results. For individuals dealing with persistent pain, a more definitive treatment is available. A podiatrist can perform a minor procedure that removes the part of the nail responsible for the problem. In many cases, the nail root is treated so the edge will not grow back. This approach prevents the cycle of recurring irritation and allows the surrounding skin to heal completely. The procedure is usually quick, performed in the office, and recovery is often easier than expected. If you are struggling with repeated ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to discuss a permanent solution.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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 care needs.
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