Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly can lead to a range of painful foot problems. Blisters form from constant friction, while corns develop due to pressure on bony areas. Unsupported arches may cause discomfort during walking or standing, and improper alignment can contribute to plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the heel and arch. These issues can worsen over time and affect your mobility and quality of life. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend properly fitted footwear, and offer treatments such as orthotics or medication. If you are experiencing foot pain that is coming from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to find relief and protect your feet from further damage.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Derek Smith, DPM from Oklahoma. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Ponca City, and Stillwater, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It involves a thickening of the tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to the toes, often caused by pressure or irritation. Common culprits include wearing tight shoes, high heels, or participating in high-impact sports. Morton’s neuroma is more common in women, likely due to footwear choices. Symptoms typically include a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, and the sensation of standing on a pebble. There is usually no visible swelling, but the discomfort can be intense and persistent. Podiatrists may recommend footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, or corticosteroid injections. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected nerve. If you have pain in this part of your foot,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton's neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Derek Smith, DPM of Oklahoma. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Ponca City, and Stillwater, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet and ankles are a common but often overlooked issue that can signal underlying health problems. Causes range from standing for long periods to medical conditions like gout, arthritis, poor circulation, or kidney and heart issues. The swelling may appear as puffiness or tightness in the skin and can be accompanied by pain, warmth, redness, or even shiny, stretched skin. Some people also experience a heavy or throbbing sensation, reduced mobility, or difficulty fitting into shoes. Chronic swelling may lead to skin breakdown or infections if left untreated. A podiatrist can identify the root cause of swollen feet through physical examination, imaging, and circulation testing. Treatment may include compression therapy, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, dietary guidance, or referrals for additional medical care. They also provide strategies to reduce swelling and improve circulation. Swollen feet can be uncomfortable. If you have developed this condition,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Derek Smith, DPM of Oklahoma. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Ponca City, and Stillwater, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Chronic foot wounds that do not heal often result from underlying conditions, such as diabetes, which affects circulation and nerve function in the feet. Poor blood flow limits oxygen and nutrients essential for healing, while neuropathy reduces pain awareness, leading to unnoticed injuries. Infections can develop easily in these cases and complicate the healing process. A podiatrist plays a key role in identifying the cause of non-healing wounds, managing infections, offloading pressure, and improving wound care. Regular foot checks and early intervention are critical in preventing complications like ulcers or limb loss. If you notice a wound on your foot that does not improve, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for expert care and treatment guidance.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Derek Smith, DPM from Oklahoma. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Ponca City, and Stillwater, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.