Plantar warts are skin growths that develop on the bottom of the foot due to infection with the human papillomavirus, or HPV. The virus enters through small cuts or weakened areas of skin and causes thickened lesions to form. These warts are often painful because they grow on weight-bearing areas such as the heel, where pressure from walking and standing forces them inward. Symptoms may include a rough circular patch of thick skin, tiny dark spots within the lesion, tenderness, and discomfort during daily activities. Risk factors include walking barefoot in public areas, excessive moisture, and a weakened immune system. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective relief and treatment techniques.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Corns and callouses on the feet develop when repeated pressure or friction causes the skin to thicken as a form of protection. They are commonly caused by tight shoes, foot structure issues, abnormal walking patterns, or activities that place stress on certain areas. Symptoms may include rough, hardened skin, tenderness, and localized pain that worsens with pressure. Corns often look small and raised with a hard central core, while callouses appear broader and flatter. They can feel sore or sensitive, especially when walking or wearing shoes. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed evaluation of foot structure, gait, and footwear to identify the source of pressure. Treatment may begin with safe removal of thickened skin and protective padding, followed by custom orthotics, shoe recommendations, and targeted exercises to reduce pressure and prevent recurrence. Ongoing care helps improve comfort and skin health. If you have painful corns or callouses on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Overlapping toes develop when one toe lies over or under a neighboring one. This may be due to inherited foot shape, crowding from shoes that are too tight, or changes in how the foot moves when walking. A longer second toe, flat feet, high arches, or a bunion can shift pressure across the forefoot and encourage a toe to move out of line. Arthritis can stiffen the joints in the toes and alter their position over time. In some newborns, an overlapping pinky toe develops from inherited traits or from limited space in the womb. Foot injuries that affect the small joints can also contribute to this condition as the toe loses stability. A podiatrist can assess toe flexibility, alignment, and the overall structure of the foot to recommend the best care. If you or your child has a problematic overlapping toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Centerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It commonly affects the feet because these joints are under constant stress and are more prone to crystal accumulation, especially in the big toe. Symptoms often include sudden severe pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness that may limit walking and daily activities. Gout can be influenced by lifestyle and medical factors such as being overweight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Relief often includes lifestyle adjustments like improved diet choices, hydration, and weight management to reduce flare ups. A podiatrist can evaluate foot involvement, relieve pain, protect joint function, and recommend footwear or orthotics to reduce stress. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Brondon Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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