- Warts
- ArthritisSo after suffering with plantar fasciitis since last April I came in and saw Dr. Harris and, I like I said, went through the anti-inflammatories. I got three steroid shots and it still just was not working. I also suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and he recommended getting the custom orthotics and so I did and, basically, like they make molds of your teeth, they basically just make a mold of your foot and they send it off and it comes back and it’s perfectly molded for my foot. Since ordering the orthotics and wearing them every day for the last couple of months I literally have no foot pain at all. I’ve taught for 23 years and so I’m on my feet every day and I always would come home with sore feet and I don’t come home with sore feet anymore. The orthotics has balanced it out and my feet are not sore, I don’t have the plantar fasciitis pain anymore. I’ve tried to fit the orthotics in the sandals, I’m trying to wear them as much as I can because now I want to wear them all the time they feel fabulous on my feet. My feet feel so good it’s probably the best investment that I’ve made in a very long time.
- Plantar FasciitisIf you’re heel is hurting, at the top of the list of common culprits is plantar fasciitis. Usually this is an overuse injury to the connective tissues between your toes and heel, otherwise known as your plantar fascia. Repetitive stress on the area can cause inflammation and irritation where the tissues attach to your heel bone. This is especially painful after a period of rest, when the plantar fascia becomes tight.
- CryotherapyThere are multiple types of medicines and minor procedures to get rid of warts. Peeling medication with salicylic acid is one of the most common methods. It removes the bump’s layers a little at a time. Immune therapy uses medications to stimulate your body’s natural immune system to attack the virus more vigorously. Cryotherapy freezes the bump and causes the infected layers to peel off. The whole growth can also be entirely excised, or cut away, to simply remove it from your foot. You may need to persist with the treatment for a little while to truly eradicate the wart and prevent it from returning.
- Pediatric CareThe first time you see something a little bit different with your child’s foot, call us. The earlier we treat your child’s foot injury, the more likely it is that the injury won’t permanently impact them.
- Diabetic Foot CareDiabetic foot care is as important as it gets. Because diabetes is associated with a reduction in blood flow, as well as painful nerve damage called neuropathy, your feet are especially susceptible to problems like cuts, small sores, and internal injuries to bones and soft tissues. Corns, calluses, dry and cracking skin, nail distortion, warts and fungal infections are more common, and pose potentially more problems. The disease weakens your foot structures, too, possibly contributing to bunions, hammertoes, claw toes, and other painful conditions. What’s more, poor circulation slows your body’s ability to heal and a loss of sensation means you may have a complete lack of awareness that an injury has occurred.
- Diabetes Care
- X-Rays
- OrthopedicsHe and his wife, Dr. Julie Percival, moved to South Carolina to start their own practice in 1999. The doors of Carolina Podiatry Group, Inc. opened in Sept 1999 and have been “growing” strong ever since. Dr. Brandon Percival became board certified with the American Board of Podiatric Medicine in 2003. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and The American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine. Dr. Brandon Percival was elected to serve on the S.C. Board of Podiatry as an examiner. He also served as an officer for the South Carolina Podiatric Medical Association.
- Wound CareLong ago, knights wore suits of armor to protect their bodies. Nowadays, we walk around with a protective suit as well—our birthday suit! Our skin provides us with a layer of protection between our bodies and outside forces that can damage it, like infection and extreme temperatures. When a wound damages this barrier, it leaves us open to a host of problems. This is especially true if you suffer from diabetes. Because of sensory loss and poor blood circulation associated with the disease, you might not feel a wound on your foot or heel, and you may have difficulty healing. This is a recipe for disaster. That’s why wound care treatment is so important.
- Pinched NerveTarsal Tunnel Syndrome – This is a pinched nerve within a structure on one side of your ankle called the tarsal tunnel. An injury or irritation in the tunnel compresses the nerve and creates serious pain and sometimes weakness.
- Minimally Invasive SurgeryHappily, on that front, we have some good news: When it comes to correcting a whole range of foot issues, minimally invasive surgery might be an option for you. These simple procedures are often extremely effective in relieving pain and promoting healing with a much shorter recovery time.
- Ankle SurgeryAre You a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Foot or Ankle Surgery? Our Team of Lancaster SC Podiatrists Will Discuss All Your Options
- Bunion SurgeryIf your big toe can’t stop snuggling up to your others, the joint is forced outward, causing a bony protrusion. The resulting bump at the base of the toe is called a bunion. Excessive pressure and friction can then cause pain in your big toe joint, making walking and even just wearing shoes uncomfortable. Once formed, this deformity does not go away. Conservative treatments can slow the progression and help to ease discomfort, however, you may want to consider bunion surgery if pain becomes chronic.
- BunionsLapiplasty® is a procedure for bunions that seeks to solve the cause of bunions rather than simply removing the bone that is causing the problem. This is accomplished by realligning the big toe to its natural position so bunions do not return. Many patients are back on their feet quickly after the procedure using a surgical boot. Contact us today to learn your options.
- Heel SurgeryDr. Harris has several publications in peer-reviewed medical journals and has co-authored chapters in Heel Surgery and Orthobiologics in McGlamrys textbook of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He also serves as a peer-reviewer for the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. Harris is a past-president of the South Carolina Podiatric Medical Association and currently serves on the South Carolina Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners.
- Ingrown ToenailsHave you ever noticed how you don’t think about your healthy toenails from day to day, but the minute something goes wrong you immediately feel your nails with every step? Ingrown toenails are one of the most painful nail conditions you’ll experience. They happen when the side or corner of your toenail digs into your skin. But the pain they cause is only half of the story: ingrown toenails are fertile grounds for bacteria to breed, causing a dangerous infection that could put your health in extreme jeopardy.
- Reconstructive SurgeryDr. Robert Ezewuiro hails from Hamilton, NJ. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Rutgers University in 2010. Subsequently, he went on to earn his Masters in Public Health from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey with a concentration in healthcare administration in 2012. He then went on to graduate from Temple University, School of Podiatric Medicine in 2016. Next, he completed a rigorous three-year foot and ankle surgical residency specializing in trauma and reconstructive surgery at Jefferson Northeast Health in Philadelphia, PA in 2019.
- Skin CancerSkin cancer of the foot can initially appear as reoccuring bleeding or cracking of the feet. Unlike other areas of the body that are more often exposed to the sun, cancers of the foot can be caused by viruses, chemical exposure or chronic inflamation or irritation. If you discover a new mole or patch of the skin that is irregular, it is in your best interest to have a professional examine the affected area.
- CornsIn history, a city that needed to keep out invaders built a wall all around it. The thicker the wall, the sturdier the protection was. Your body has its own “wall” to protect you from invaders like dirt and germs: your skin. Pressure and friction can trigger your body to thicken this wall, too. That creates corns and calluses.
- UlcerWe will examine the ulcer and remove any foreign particles, as well as check for additional injuries. Following this, your wound will be cleaned and treated with antibiotics. If it is deep, it may require sutures to close it. Your foot will then be bandaged and you will need to keep weight off of it while you heal. Regular visits will be necessary to ensure treatment is successful.
- CallusesWhen was the last time you wore sandals? Were you embarrassed? Did large calluses or plantar warts leave you ashamed of showing off your feet?
- EczemaEczema affects the feet in the form of small blisters, which are generally itchy. It can be caused by exposure to certain metals, excessive sweat, allergies, fungal infection and even stress. Treatment typically involves topical creams but it is best to consult with your podiatrist to find a solution that is right for you.
- FungusYou are on your feet every day. With the friction of walking, poor fitted shoes, and exposure to fungus, your feet are at a constant risk of developing a nail or skin condition that could cause you embarrassment or pain. With help from our compassionate team of podiatrists, we give you the treatments needed to banish those unsightly and painful nail or skin conditions.
- LesionsWarts are stubborn infections that have a habit of spreading to other parts of the lower limbs, or reappearing repeatedly. Sometimes multiple lesions grow clustered together and form mosaic warts. The plantar varieties generally grow under high-pressure areas, such as the ball of the foot or the heel. Since they can be sensitive to pressure, this can make it uncomfortable to walk around.
- PsoriasisPsoriasis tends to manifest itself as a scaly, red rash but different types of psoriasis exist. The condition is caused by one’s immune system and can be treated at home with over the counter topical medications. Those who are unable to treat psoriasis at home are encouraged to contact our office to consult with our podiatrists.
- Sports MedicineOkay, huddle up. If you play sports, you know that injuries can occur, sometimes from overuse, and other times from a sudden blow. Even the fanciest of shoes and top-of-the-line equipment can’t completely protect you. So if you run, jump, pivot, kick, or skate, here is a list of common sports injuries and tips on how to avoid or treat them. Know the symptoms and you can tackle the problem before it sidelines you for too long.
- Physical TherapyYou had hoped your foot or ankle problem could be solved with physical therapy, shoe inserts, padding, or a brace. However, you have been told that the only effective and permanent solution is surgery. Your fear of surgery is making you consider just living with the pain. The thought of being in the hospital, undergoing anesthesia, being cut open, and having a long recovery is just too much to bear.
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Ankle SprainAnkle Sprain – Usually an accident, you get an ankle sprain when your foot twists suddenly and sharply to the side. The motion overstretches the stabilizing ligaments, leaving them painfully weak and unstable.
- Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy
- General PodiatryAll our professionals at Carolina Podiatry Group maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in podiatry.
- Achilles TendonitisIf you have a popping sensation, contact your podiatrist immediately. This is an indication that your Achilles tendonitis has caused your tendon to rupture, which is very serious.
- Ankle SprainFractures, damaged ligaments and tendons, and other traumatic foot or ankle injuries might not be properly corrected with conservative treatments. In these cases, surgery can help.
- Bunions ProblemsBunions occur when your big toe is misaligned. The protruding bone makes it uncomfortable to wear closed-toed shoes and embarrassing to wear sandals. More importantly, it causes you a world of pain whenever you walk.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot CareIf you’ve ever played dodge ball, you know that the key to winning is to avoid being hit by the ball. You can actually make a similar comparison to diabetes: the key to living successfully with the disease requires avoiding the complications it can throw at you. Of course, diabetes is far from fun and games, but in-depth and regular diabetic foot care helps you “dodge and deflect” those potentially serious problems.
- Flat FeetThis can be an inherited foot shape, or your arches can “fall” and flatten for other reasons. A number of people have naturally low arches. These may or may not cause pain or difficulty walking. Fallen arches are typically the result of some preexisting condition, like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, a tight Achilles, an injury, arthritis, or even diabetic foot collapse. These are often accompanied by discomfort and foot fatigue that can make participating in activities more difficult.
- Fungus ToenailsToenail fungus can be embarrassing, bothersome, and super stubborn. If you’ve tried topical medications to rid yourself of the thick, crumbly, distorted, and discolored nails that a fungal infection …
- HammertoesWhen your second toe is deformed and stuck in a bent position, it is called hammertoe. This deformity can make wearing shoes uncomfortable. It can also cause significant pain when you walk. Hammertoes can be treated without surgery if they are flexible enough to keep moving. If not, surgery may be required to return your second toe to its natural position.
- Heel SpursPlantar fasciitis does not improve on its own. It does, however, get worse, making it harder and harder for you to participate in your favorite activities—or any activity at all. The repeated swelling and sudden stretching-out of the plantar fascia when you go from resting to standing or walking can create micro-tears in the tissue. This compounds the swelling and thickening. After a little while, the condition becomes chronic and extremely difficult to treat. You may develop small heel spurs. The pain can contribute to other biomechanical issues as you attempt to accommodate your discomfort, too. This may create problems elsewhere, including your knees, hips, and back. Eventually the strain on the band can be enough to actually rupture the tissue.
- Heel Pain
- Foot Pain
- Foot InfectionsFungus is everywhere. Think about an old log in a forest. You’ll frequently see visible fungi popping up as the wood fibers break down. Mold, a cousin of traditional fungus, appears on foods that go bad or in damp corners of homes as they get old. The tiny spores of the organisms are all around is in the environment. When the right type comes into contact with your skin, you can grow a fungus, too—it’s called an athlete’s foot infection.
- Ingrown ToenailsThe first step to preventing an ingrown toenail is to watch your foot care routines. There are a few things you can do to keep your toenails healthy and growing properly...
- Foot Injuries
- MetatarsalgiaThere are plenty of other problems runners deal with, too, like blisters, metatarsalgia, and flatfoot pain. No matter the injury, you’ll need to invest in proper care to eliminate the discomfort and get back to running safely.
- Pediatric Foot Care
- Plantar FasciitisHeel pain can be a crippling condition. Anyone who has felt that sharp, stabbing sensation in the heel bone knows how difficult it can be to enjoy activities or even to walk when your feet are uncomfortable. There are many different problems that can create this potentially chronic condition. The most common, however, is plantar fasciitis.
- Podiatric SurgeryWe should note that minimally invasive foot surgery is not always the best option. Traditional surgery may be necessary for some patients and for some conditions. Your podiatrist can make the best recommendation for your specific needs.
- Allergies