Items filtered by date: May 2025

Foot care is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in overall health and daily comfort. Your feet support the entire body, and without proper care, they can become a source of discomfort or even serious health issues. Practicing good foot hygiene includes washing feet thoroughly, drying them completely, and keeping toenails trimmed and clean. Moisturizing the feet helps prevent dry, cracked skin, while wearing clean, well-fitting socks and shoes reduces the risk of fungal infections and blisters. It is important to inspect the feet regularly for any signs of redness, swelling, or injury. By incorporating these simple habits into a daily routine, individuals can prevent many common foot problems. If you have foot pain or have developed any type of foot concerns, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on effective everyday foot care practices.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Swollen feet can be uncomfortable and are often a sign that the body is responding to various internal or external stressors. Standing for extended periods can cause fluid to pool in the lower extremities, leading to noticeable swelling. A diet high in salt can cause water retention, which also contributes to puffiness in the feet and ankles. Pregnancy often leads to swelling due to increased fluid volume and pressure from the growing uterus. Obesity can strain the circulatory system, making it harder for blood and fluids to move efficiently through the legs. Injuries like sprains or fractures trigger inflammation as part of the body’s healing process, resulting in temporary swelling. If you have noticed your feet are swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell of InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor 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 Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain is a common problem that can make walking difficult. It often begins slowly and gets worse with time. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, which is irritation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot. Heel spurs, tendon pain, or stress from too much walking or standing can also be to blame. Wearing shoes without enough support can make it worse. Pain may feel sharp in the morning or after rest. It might also hurt more after long periods on your feet. To help it heal, a podiatrist may suggest rest, stretching, better shoes, or custom inserts. If the pain continues, more advanced treatments may be needed. Heel pain should not be ignored. If you are having trouble with your heel, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Kendall Blackwell of InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

A total contact cast can be used to help patients with diabetic foot ulcers heal more effectively. This specialized cast, made of plaster or fiberglass, is molded to conform closely to the contours of the foot and lower leg. By distributing your weight evenly along the entire sole, the total contact cast reduces localized pressure on the ulcer site. A layer of soft foam below the ulcer further reduces pressure, helping to protect the sore and promote healing. Total contact casts are typically used when neuropathy is present, a complication of diabetes that causes reduced sensation in the feet. This loss of feeling can make it difficult to detect minor injuries, which can quickly progress into serious ulcers. By restricting unnecessary movement and limiting pressure on the ulcer, the cast supports faster healing, often within several weeks. A podiatrist monitors the progress by replacing the cast weekly and checking for complications. If you suffer from diabetic foot ulcers, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for ongoing treatment.

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 Dr. Kendall Blackwell from InStride Wilson Podiatry Associates. Our doctor 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

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

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 Wilson, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.