Robert A Shemwell, DPM

It’s important to remember that one foot should never be a drastically different color from the other, especially when you haven’t been in the sun. If you notice this type of discoloration, be sure to schedule an appointment right away.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the average American will have logged about 75,000 miles on their feet by the age of 50. If you walk or jog regularly, it’s possible you’ve logged at many as 200,000 miles or more.

According to statistics collected by the American Podiatry Medical Association, women tend to have more frequent foot problems than men. This has largely to do with the different types of footwear that women tend to wear, particularly high heels.

If you notice a suspicious growth on your foot or ankle, it’s best to have it looked at by a professional. We can correctly identify the growth and provide you with treatment options, if necessary.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.

Heel pain can manifest itself in different ways. Having pain, stiffness or difficulty walking first thing in the morning or after extended periods of rest can be caused by heel conditions.

If your corns or calluses are annoying but not painful or inflamed, try this simple technique: When skin is moist after a shower, rub away the top layer with a washcloth. Do this gradually over a period of weeks to reduce their size and thickness.

Mallet toes have an abnormal bend in the joint closest to the toenail and are a common side effect of aging. They occur most often in the toe next to the big toe and are common in women who wear shoes with narrow toe boxes or high heels.

Foot problems of any type can make you miserable. When you’re struggling with them, a podiatrist can offer the diagnosis that you need. They can also help you come up with a plan to beat that pain and get yourself back on track again.

What is the MTP joint? That is the joint at the base of the big toe, known as the metatarsophalangeal joint. It also is where bunions painful growths of bone or tissue are located. Medication, shoe inserts and physical therapy usually can reverse this condition.

Do you have yellow toenails? Often, this is an indication of a fungal infection. The change in color may be accompanied by a change in the consistency of the toenail sometimes thicker and raised and sometimes brittle. A podiatrist can determine the best treatment plan for yellow toenails.

Did you know that you can get stress fractures on the bones on your foot? Runners, gymnasts, and dancers are more prone to these kinds of fractures, but they can also happen by simply tripping or stumbling and landing the wrong way.

With age and wear, you gradually lose the natural cushioning found on the sole of your foot. Once you’ve logged 75,000 miles on your feet, about half the cushioning has dissipated, and beyond that point the deterioration often accelerates.