Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage linked to diabetes that commonly affects the feet and lower legs. High blood sugar can damage nerves, causing numbness, tingling, burning pain, and sharp shooting sensations in the feet. Some people lose the ability to feel heat, cold, or injuries, which increases the risk of cuts, blisters, and foot ulcers going unnoticed. Changes in sensation can also affect balance and stability when walking, increasing the risk of falls. Because feeling in the feet becomes reduced, small wounds can develop into serious infections. A podiatrist can examine the feet, check for nerve damage, monitor circulation, and provide treatment to help prevent further complications. Early care is important for protecting foot health and lowering the risk of severe infections or long-term tissue damage. If you have symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance in managing this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot blisters often develop when shoes create friction against the skin, especially with new footwear that has not yet softened. Wearing new shoes gradually can help them adapt to the shape of your feet and reduce irritation. Gently pressing and flexing the heel area of the shoe can also help soften stiff sections and improve comfort. It is important to ensure that the shoe fits properly so it can support your foot without excessive rubbing. Risk factors for blisters include wearing tight shoes, poor fit, long periods of walking, and moisture. A podiatrist can evaluate footwear concerns, recommend protective strategies, and help prevent recurring irritation. If you have developed painful foot blisters, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and relief.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Bunions and bunionettes are bony growths that develop at the joints of the toes, often causing discomfort and changes in foot shape. A bunion forms at the base of the big toe, while a bunionette occurs at the base of the fifth toe. These areas may look swollen, red, or enlarged, and can feel sore with pressure from shoes or walking. The affected toes may shift out of alignment, leading to crowding or rubbing against neighboring toes. Common causes include inherited foot structure, wearing improper footwear, and repetitive stress on the joints. A podiatrist can evaluate alignment, assess joint movement, and use imaging to determine severity. Treatment may include wearing wider footwear, padding, and targeted exercises to reduce discomfort and slow progression. In more advanced cases, surgery may be considered. If you have a painful bunion or bunionette, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate relief and management tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Our doctors 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

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

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 offices located in Woodstock, Jasper, and Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Children and teens are active and still growing, which makes their lower extremities more prone to certain injuries. Growth plates, which are areas of developing bone near the ends of long bones, are weaker than surrounding tissue, and can be injured more easily than adult bone. Common problems include heel pain, ankle sprains, and stress injuries from overuse in sports. Rapid growth can also affect coordination and flexibility, increasing the risk of strain. These injuries may cause limping, pain during activity, or discomfort that lingers after rest. Early evaluation is important to prevent long-term issues with development and movement. A podiatrist can assess how a child walks, identify growth-related concerns, and recommend proper treatment to support healing. They can also guide a safe return to activity. If your child has ongoing foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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