Ingrown Nails

Ingrown toenails are quite common in all age groups. It is a result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it.  Ingrown nails are frequently hereditary.  Ingrown Nails can also occur from improper trimming of the nails, tight shoes, or injury to the nail. 

If they become inflammed, you should make an appointment to have them treated fast. The longer you wait for treatment, the more likely it is that they will become infected. Treatment is simple and painless in most situations. You can resume normal daily activities within a day. At Foothills Foot Care Center, our most common procedure is a permanent procedure which typically removes only a small portion at the side of the nail. We freeze your skin prior to injection to minimize discomfort.  Because these problems need fast treatment, call us now and we will try to schedule you today.

Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Pain

There is a structure along the bottom of the foot called the plantar fascia that stretches from the heel to the base of the toes. If your arch drops, this puts extra strain on the plantar fascia and it may become inflamed and result in heel pain. This condition is called plantar fasciitis. Patients often complain of discomfort in the heel, the arch of the foot, or back of the leg when walking. The pain is usually worst when getting up after a period sitting or rest . The first step in the morning is typically the most painful.

Bone spurs are commonly seen with plantar fasciitis. These calcium deposits grow on the heel bone when the plantar fascia pulls on the heel bone. Spurs are almost never the cause of heel pain and ussually do not need to be removed.

There are several Risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis and heel pain which include: overuse during exercise,use of the incline on a treadmill, working on hard floors, standing or walking for many hours a day, having tight calf muscles, alternating between low and high heels, and having flat feet or very high arches.

We treat Plantar Fasciitis with Orthotics, Topical and Oral Medications, Foot Splints, Stretching, Injections,Ossatron Shock Wave, Radial Shock Wave, and Topaz Radiofrequency Coblation. Dr. Rainer was the first foot doctor in Greenville to use the Ossatron procedure for plantar fasciitis. He was the first Podiatrist in the Greenville-Greer area to perform Topaz Radiofrequencty Coblation in office. We also do the Instep fasciotomy and the endoscopic procedures.

Bunions

“Bunion” is a term used to describe a painful swelling at the area overlying the big toe  joint of the foot. This deformity arises when a progressive spreading of the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint causes the big toe to drift toward the second toe. Simultaneously, the first metatarsal bone spreads in the opposite direction, creating a bony enlargement on the inside of the foot.  Bunions are mostly inherited , however, tight shoes can make them worse. The pain  you experience with a bunion deformity is the result of shoe pressure against the bony prominence. Some bunions are associated with arthritic conditions

There are two ways to treat bunions: live with the problem and try to  avoid excessive shoe pressure or correct the problem with surgery. Bunion surgery is  grouped into three categories depending depending on the size of the bunion.

Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. Most patients will be able to wear comfortable fitting shoes within six weeks, but a return to full activity can take three months or longer.

Hammertoes

A hammertoe is a term used to describe a bent contracted  toe. Although, the condition is ussually inherited, it is often aggravated by poor-fitting shoes.  Hammer toe pain is made worse in shoes when the prominent knuckle of the toe rubs the shoe producing an area of irritation which eventually forms a corn.

Hammertoes can be treated with protective pads, specially fitted shoes, medication as well as surgically. 

Sprains

A sprain is an injury and results in the stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the foot and ankle.

We will examine your foot and ankle. Digital x-rays will be taken to see if you have a fracture or dislocation.

Treatment frequently involves a form of immobiliztions such as an air walking cast or brace.

Neuroma

Also called a  Morton's neuroma, this problem begins when the nerve in your foot thickens. This condition has a number of different symptoms. The most common symptoms are:

• Burning and stinging and radiating pain in the ball of the foot and also towards the toes.

• An acute stabbing pain in the foot that comes and goes.

• Numbness and tingling of the toes

• Sudden cramps or pain in the toes or forefoot.

We offer treatment options such as steroid injections, oral medications and orthotics.
We do alcohol based injection therapy for resistant cases. We also do surgery to remove the damaged nerve when required.

Diabetes

Diabetes  causes alot of misery for the feet. Diabetics frequently get numbness in their feet and injuries or infections can go unnoticed until they are severe. Ulcerations can also develop which can lead to amputation.

For people with diabetes, a lot of attention is focused on foot care.

If you have diabetes, you must take special care of your feet because they are susceptible to infection and ulcerations, which can lead to serious foot problems, including  amputation. For those with diabetes,  check your feet every!!! night and please follow these suggestions:

• Proper washing/drying of feet, paying particular attention to gentle drying between toes

• Never ever pick at loose or hard skin

• Do not try to remove ingrown nails on your own

• Do not use OTC acid pads or liquids on your feet

• Proper trimming of the nails

• Application of mild soaps and oils

• Soft comfortable properly fitted shoes and stockings

• Regular physical check-ups by your primary physician to keep your glucose levels in check

• Routine Podiatry visits to our office

• Any cut, blister, sore, ingrown nail must get medical attention immediately

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and swelling of your cartilage and lining of the joints.

The type of treatment for arthritis in your feet varies depending upon the severity of the condition. Some treatment options include medication, physical therapy, special shoes and inserts and sometimes surgery.
We also treat arthritis caused by Gout.

Corns & Calluses

Painful corns  and calluses can make your life miserable. The cause is usually a bone enlargement or a spur.  They can also form when you have a hammertoe.  Sometimes it is from a misalignment of a bone. The shoe rubs the toe  causing a build up of hard skin and pain.

Treatment for these two conditions usually requires a change of shoes and/or use of orthotics, which cushion these problems. Surgery is another alternative if corns or calluses become too painful.

Fungal Nails

Fungal toenails, also called onychomycosis, are toenails that have become infected with an organism called a fungus. This fungus is the same organism that causes athlete's foot.  The fungus can make the toenail thick, loose, irregular and discolord. Often there is a flaky material beneath the nail. (If your nail developes a black spot beneath it, you should be seen immediately to make sure you do not have a melanoma which is a serious skin cancer.)

Treatment of fungal toenails, if performed early might simply be to clip away the problem portion of the nail and apply an antifungal solution. Once the conditioned has progressed, oral medications may be used with or without nail removal. 

We do presribe Lamisil, Sporanox, Jublia topical and Kerydin topical when indicated.

Dr. Gerard Rainer at the Foothills Foot Care Center also treats many other foot problems including:

• Athlete's Foot

• Foot Injuries

• Tendonitis

• Thickened Nails

• Plantar Warts

• Pressure Ulcers

• Gout

Dr. Gerard Rainer, Podiatrist,  was the first doctor in Greenville SC to perform Ossatron for Heel Pain.

Check out this link for Ossatron!