Diagnosing and treating corns on the feet begins with understanding what they are and why they develop. Corns are small, well-defined areas of thickened, hardened skin that form after repeated rubbing, friction, or pressure. They usually appear on bony parts of the toes or between the toes. Unlike calluses, which cover broader areas, corns have a hard center that can press into the deeper tissue, and cause sharp pain while walking or standing. A podiatrist carefully examines the affected area to confirm that the problem is a corn and not another condition, like a wart. This evaluation also helps identify the source of the pressure, so treatment addresses the cause instead of only the thickened skin.

The location, shape, and appearance of the thickened skin provide valuable clues. The doctor also checks for toe alignment, areas of repeated pressure, and shoes that lack proper support. Soft corns usually develop between the toes where moisture increases friction. Hard corns usually form on dry skin over bony joints. Tiny seed corns can develop on the ball of the foot. Finding the exact cause helps guide treatment and lowers the chance that the corn will quickly return. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation need prompt evaluation, because even minor skin problems can become more serious.

Treatment focuses on relieving pressure and removing the thickened skin safely. A podiatrist can carefully trim away the hardened tissue using sterile instruments. This makes walking more comfortable. Padding can also protect the area from continued friction. Shoe recommendations or custom orthotics can improve foot alignment and reduce repeated pressure that causes corns to form. When severe corns continue to return because of a bone or toe problem, surgery may be suggested to correct the underlying cause. If you have a painful corn, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. 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 offices located in Bettendorf, DeWitt, and Davenport, IA. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flip-flops may feel light and easy to wear, but they often provide very little support for the feet. Many styles are flat, thin, and flexible. This can place extra strain on the arches, heels, and toes. Because the foot has to work harder to keep the sandal in place, walking patterns may change over time. This can lead to foot pain or discomfort in other areas of the body. Wearing flip-flops often may increase the risk of plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or tendon strain. They also leave much of the foot exposed, making cuts or scrapes more likely during daily activities.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot pain related to flip-flop use and identify which structures are being affected. During an examination, the podiatrist may check foot alignment, joint movement, and areas of increased pressure. They can also determine whether a condition, such as plantar fasciitis or tendon irritation, is causing symptoms. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include custom orthotics, supportive footwear recommendations, or other medical care to reduce pain and improve foot function. A podiatrist can also explain how footwear choices may be contributing to stress on the feet and ankles.

Professional podiatry care can help address pain before it becomes a long-term problem. Early evaluation may reduce the risk of ongoing inflammation, balance issues, or changes in the way you walk. Footwear-related pain should not be ignored, especially when it affects daily movement or comfort. A podiatrist creates a treatment plan based on your symptoms, foot structure, and activity level. Professional treatment of foot pain can support healthier movement and help protect your long-term foot health. If flip-flops are causing foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bettendorf, DeWitt, and Davenport, IA. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever’s disease is a painful heel condition that affects growing children, especially those who participate in running or jumping sports. It is not a disease in the usual sense but an irritation of the heel’s growth plate, which is the area where new bone is still forming. This growth plate sits at the back of the heel bone, near where the Achilles tendon attaches. When a child runs, jumps, or lands hard, repeated pulling and pressure can irritate this area. Soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and football can place extra stress on the heel.

Heel pain from Sever’s disease usually develops slowly. A child may describe the pain as feeling like a bruise at the back or bottom of the heel. The pain is usually worse with sports, running in cleats, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support. Swelling and bruising are not always seen. Some children limp, walk on their toes, or stop wanting to play. Tight calf muscles, flat feet, and high-arched feet can increase stress on the heel. A podiatrist can examine the heel, check the foot structure, and look at how the child walks.

Diagnosis does not rely on symptoms alone. A podiatrist can tell whether the pain is from Sever’s disease or another problem. X-rays can be ordered to check bone growth and rule out other causes of heel pain. A stress fracture, tendon irritation, or a bone cyst may produce similar symptoms. Treatment of Sever’s disease includes shoe changes, heel lifts, custom orthotics, and activity guidance based on the child’s exam. A podiatrist can also address tight calf muscles and foot mechanics that add strain to the heel. If your active child complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and effective relief tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bettendorf, DeWitt, and Davenport, IA. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Neuropathy is a medical condition that affects the peripheral nerves, most commonly in the feet and legs. It occurs when nerves become damaged and are unable to properly transmit signals between the brain and the body. This can lead to altered sensation, pain, or complete loss of feeling in the affected areas. Neuropathy is a significant concern in podiatry because it increases the risk of foot injuries going unnoticed, which can lead to more serious complications, such as neuropathic ulcers. These are open sores that develop due to repeated pressure or unnoticed trauma in areas with reduced sensation.

Symptoms of neuropathy in the feet often begin gradually and may include tingling, burning sensations, numbness, or sharp shooting pain. Some individuals experience a feeling of walking on pins and needles, while others may notice a complete loss of feeling in parts of the foot. Neuropathic ulcers develop when minor injuries, blisters, or pressure points go unnoticed due to reduced sensation. These ulcers commonly appear on weight-bearing areas, such as the ball of the foot or heel. Because pain signals are diminished, the condition may progress without immediate awareness, increasing the risk of infection.

Risk factors for neuropathy include diabetes, chronic alcohol use, vitamin deficiencies, certain infections, and long-term exposure to toxins. Diabetes is one of the leading causes, as elevated blood sugar levels can damage nerves. Individuals with poor circulation or a history of foot deformities are also at higher risk of developing neuropathic ulcers. Repetitive pressure, ill-fitting footwear, and prolonged standing can worsen the condition and contribute to skin breakdown. Without proper care, neuropathic ulcers can become infected and may lead to more serious complications.

The causes of neuropathy involve damage to the peripheral nerves, which may result from metabolic, infectious, or mechanical factors. When nerve function is impaired, the protective sensation in the feet is reduced, making it difficult to detect injuries. Neuropathic ulcers form when continuous pressure or friction is applied to an area without the natural pain response that would normally trigger protective action. This leads to skin breakdown and open wounds that require specialized care. If you have neuropathy or have developed an ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat neuropathy foot ulcers.

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 Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. 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 Bettendorf, DeWitt, and Davenport, IA. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Teen athletes place repeated strain on their feet through running, jumping, pivoting, and high-impact training. While stress injuries are often associated with larger foot bones, smaller toe bones can also develop tiny cracks from overuse. Pain in the second toe, especially near its base, may be mistaken for a sprain, jammed toe, or simple soreness, which can delay proper diagnosis. Symptoms may include swelling, tenderness, pain with movement, or discomfort that worsens during sports activity. Because these injuries are less commonly suspected, they may be overlooked without a careful examination and appropriate imaging. Early diagnosis is important to prevent worsening injury and allow proper healing before returning to activity. Young athletes with persistent toe pain should not assume the issue is minor, especially when symptoms continue despite rest. If your teen has consistent foot or toe pain related to sports, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for evaluation.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Quad Cities Foot and Ankle Associates. 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 offices located in Bettendorf, DeWitt, and Davenport, IA. . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.