Dr. Kenneth Rosenthal
Dr. Jonathan C. O’Quinn
Dr. Michael J. Price

(252) 830-1000

Greenville, North Carolina
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It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

The Power of Intrinsic Foot Muscles in Support and Movement

The intrinsic muscles of the foot play a vital role in shock absorption, protection of the plantar fascia, and guiding how force transfers from the ground back into the body, which is especially important for runners who place repeated stress on their feet. Keeping these muscles strong helps improve balance, stability, running efficiency, and overall foot health. Helpful exercises include toe crunches by curling your toes while keeping your heel down, calf raises by lifting your heels slowly while standing tall, and toe extensions by lifting your toes upward while the rest of your foot stays flat. These movements strengthen the small muscles that support your arch and reduce strain during long runs or speed work. A podiatrist can assess your running mechanics and create a personalized strengthening plan. If you experience foot pain, scheduling a visit with a podiatrist can help you stay injury-free and improve performance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

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The Painful Problem of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, most commonly affecting the big toe. This condition can result from improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or inherited nail shape. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain along one or both sides of the nail. As the condition worsens, the area may become infected, causing drainage, warmth, and increased discomfort. The toe often looks swollen and may feel painful when walking or wearing shoes. A podiatrist can help by carefully examining the affected area to determine the severity of the problem. Treatment may include gentle nail lifting, removal of the ingrown portion, or minor procedures to prevent recurrence. Proper foot hygiene, footwear changes, and nail care education are also part of long-term management. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience pain or infection from an ingrown toenail to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

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Types and Causes of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that form on the soles of the feet due to infection by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This virus enters through tiny cuts or cracks in the skin, often in moist environments like locker rooms or around swimming pools. Two main types are myrmecial warts, which grow inward under pressure and often cause pain while walking, and mosaic warts, which form clusters that tend to be flatter and less painful. Plantar warts often appear on weight-bearing areas, like the heels or balls of the feet, developing thickened skin with tiny black dots that are clotted blood vessels. They can make standing or walking uncomfortable and sometimes alter gait mechanics, leading to additional foot strain. A podiatrist can confirm a diagnosis, safely remove painful lesions, and provide effective treatment to prevent recurrence. If you believe you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Greenville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Pronation and Supination in the Feet

Pronation and supination describe how the feet roll during walking or running, affecting the way weight is distributed with each step. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward, allowing the arch to flatten and absorb shock. Supination happens when the foot rolls outward, placing pressure on the outer edge. When these motions become excessive, they can lead to foot pain, arch strain, and ankle instability. Overpronation may cause stress on the heel and inner arch, while oversupination often results in discomfort in the outer foot or ankle. Improper shoe support, high arches, or flat feet often influence these gait patterns. A podiatrist can evaluate the alignment and function of the feet, recommend supportive footwear or orthotic devices, and discuss corrective options, when necessary. If you have foot pain, especially after activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

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