Blog Archive

Amputations due to diabetes can be prevented. Of all diabetes-related complications, a serious foot ulcer and subsequent amputation might be the most preventable with proper care and consistency in checking the feet at least once a day for small cuts and other abrasions. Even those with good control of their...

Old ankle sprains come back to haunt you. I have a message for anyone getting back into fitness and sports: Get your ankles checked for chronic instability caused by injuries that might not have healed properly years ago. Many who have suffered ankle sprains in their younger years could be...

  Keep Your Feet Safe at the Gym Don’t let foot injuries keep you from achieving your fitness goals!  In the New Year, we often make goals to get back in shape and lose that nagging weight. But don’t forget to keep your feet in tip-top shape while following through...

Hikers, hunters, and others who love the outdoors often don’t realize how strenuous it can be to withstand constant, vigorous walking on uneven terrain. Lax physical conditioning and inappropriate footwear bring scores of outdoor enthusiasts into our office each fall for treatment of foot and ankle problems such as chronic...

Spring is sports season for many amateur athletes and weekend warriors. It's also ankle sprain season for many of those individuals. Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries that are treated this time of year. As people emerge from their winter hibernation and start to get active...

Did you know nearly one-third of sports medicine injuries are ankle sprains? What’s more? When they don’t heal correctly, ankle sprains increase your risk of re-injuring the joint or developing chronic ankle instability. While there’s nothing worse than not being able to stand, walk, or even drive as your ankle...

Nothing can kill your holiday spirit faster than when your feet are in pain and every step you take is a chore. Ingrown toenails are especially troublesome because the pain they cause isn’t always alleviated by simply removing your shoes and kicking up your feet.   At South Sound Foot &...

You may think orthotics are only for people who are on their feet a lot or who have foot issues. But everyone’s feet work hard to keep them moving and standing. Bearing weight and even simple tasks like walking put stress on the sensitive tissues that make up your feet. ...

Did you know at least 50% of people with diabetes develop chronic and debilitating foot pain? Plus an additional 10% of diabetics get problematic foot ulcers that can become a serious infection risk.  The good news is you can take steps to prevent diabetic foot trouble and stop serious complications...

If you’re one of the over three million Americans diagnosed with plantar fasciitis this year — or if you’re hoping to avoid joining the ranks of heel and foot pain sufferers — you may be wondering what causes this painful condition in the first place.  At South Sound Foot &...

While a few aches and pains may be part and parcel of being active, athletes and weekend warriors are more susceptible to tendinitis, irritation, or inflammation of a tendon, the cords that connect your muscles to your bone. In fact, about half of all school-age sports injuries are due to...

As an athlete, you know your feet need to be healthy and functioning well to be at the top of your game. But your feet absorb 60 tons of stress with each mile you walk. Custom orthotics help protect the sensitive tissues of your feet, ensuring you stay in the...

Are you battling one or more bunions? If so, you understand the difficulty these bony protrusions can bring into your life. From finding shoes that fit comfortably to uncovering your feet at the pool this summer, bunions are a pain.  At South Sound Foot & Ankle in Olympia, Washington, we...

Do you know that toenail fungus is an infection caused by microscopic organisms? Even if you don’t understand the cause, you’re probably familiar with the effects of these tiny invaders. Most toenail fungal infections start with a small yellow or white spot beneath the nail. As it develops, the fungal...

Did you know that for every mile you walk, each foot experiences 60 tons of stress? Your feet are designed to work hard. But pounding the pavement year after year can take its toll on the sensitive tissues that make up your foot.  For many people, this constant pounding results...

Ingrown toenails are uncomfortable, unsightly, and embarrassing. However, they can become more than just sore spots if left untreated. Severe ingrown toenails can lead to bone problems and infections, so it's best to get them looked at by a medical professional when they don't heal on their own.  South Sound...

Flat feet aren't unusual and are usually caused by a lack of tendon support in the arches of the feet. However, this condition can cause pain in various other parts of the body, including the back, hips, and knees. People with flat feet might need help from a podiatrist to...

Your plantar fascia is a thick cord that attaches your heel to your toes, and it absorbs the impact of standing, walking, and running. With too much pressure, though, this connective tissue can become inflamed and cause extreme pain when you walk or run. The exact cause of plantar fasciitis...