General Practitioners

• Osteoporosis
• Warts
• Arthritis
  Conditions affecting the feet due to complications with arthritis can take many forms, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Osteoarthritis typically affects the joint connecting your big toe to your foot, though it can also be found in the midfoot or ankle region. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis typically affects both feet and deals with the same joints on each foot. Gout, which normally affects the big toe, is comprised of needle-like crystals that trigger inflammation in the joints. Psoriatic arthritis causes sausage-like swelling in the toes. Lastly, ankylosing spondylitis can lead to plantar fasciitis and pain at the Achilles tendon.
• Fibromyalgia
  A: YES, it is real. Generally, there is a history of some traumatic or very upsetting event in a person’s life that severely disrupts their sleep patterns for an extended time. This alters the normal production cycle of serotonin by the body, which can make the central nervous system hyper-sensitive to pain. In the feet, as elsewhere in the body, fibromyalgia can make conditions that would normally be painful even more painful. Because of this, treating patients with fibromyalgia often takes a little extra time, patience and understanding.
• Plantar Fasciitis
  Because plantar fasciitis is known to worsen over time, it’s recommended that you meet with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan.
• Medical Weight Loss
  If you’re experiencing any discomfort or pain due to one of the above forms of arthritis, consider over-the-counter pain medication and investing in comfortable footwear. Pain medication coupled with top of the line comfort footwear is a great way to ease the pain that often comes with arthritis. If you’re overweight, it’s also recommended to think about setting a weight loss goal to ease some of the pressure on your feet, as well stay as active as possible. Applying ice or heat to the affected area is another way to calm the discomfort you may experience. It’s important to do research and see whether inserts may be beneficial for you. General foot care, like pampering your feet and keeping them well maintained, is also recommended. Lastly, you should seek professional advice and learn about potential surgery options, if necessary.
• Pediatric Care
  At Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists, we devote time and effort into our practice by providing expert foot and ankle care to our patients. We are located in Greenville, NC and have three podiatrists that serve the Greenville, Tarboro, Kinston, Goldsboro, Wilson, Washington, and Rocky Mount areas. Our podiatrists specialize in wound care, reconstructive surgery, orthotics, and pediatrics. We also treat sprains, bunions, joint pain, heel pain, and plantar fasciitis.
• Primary Care
  A: Limb salvage is a term that describes the goal of treating foot ulcers in such a way as to preserve as much of the foot and lower leg as possible. It generally applies to diabetic foot wounds and represents a coordinated effort between the podiatrist, vascular surgeon, endocrinologist, primary care physician and orthotist to heal foot wounds, minimize the need for amputation, and provide for a patient’s ability to be able to stand and walk. A rolling stone gathers no moss, as they say, and we want our patients to be up and moving as much as possible.
• Diabetic Foot Care
  Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists are available to treat foot and ankle ailments such as diabetic foot care, ingrown toenails, fungal toenails, warts and painful calluses. Our practice specializes in general foot care. Please call (252) 830-1000 for an appointment.

Gynecologists

• Pregnancy

Internists

• Internal Medicine

Endocrinologist

• Diabetes Care

Radiologist

• MRI
  A hairline crack in a foot bone it's also known as a stress fracture. Frequently participating in running and jumping activities may cause stress fractures, which can happen from the repetitive force. A stress fracture can gradually occur, and many people choose to ignore the dull ache that accompanies this injury. When the pain becomes severe medical attention is often sought, and relief tactics are begun. Swelling may accompany a stress fracture, and walking can become difficult. A bone scan or an MRI can be performed to determine the extent of the fracture, as it may not be visible on an X-ray. Additionally, people who have osteoporosis or who consistently run on hard surfaces may be prone to getting a stress fracture. Treatment can begin by temporarily stopping the activity that caused the fracture, and elevating the affected foot may reduce the swelling. It may help to wear a protective boot that can provide the necessary stability as it heals. If you have a stress fracture of the foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.
• X-Rays

Surgeons

• Wound Care
  Wound care is particularly important for those with diabetes. It’s possible that what appears to be a small wound could turn into more severe foot complications down the road if left untreated. It’s common for those with diabetes to experience neuropathy. Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects the body and can cause you to lose feeling in the feet. If you’re no longer experiencing feeling in your feet and a wound develops, it’s very possible it may go unnoticed if you don’t check your feet daily.
• Ankle Surgery
  When it comes to receiving foot and ankle surgery, it’s typically a case by case situation. Some factors that play a role in whether or not you need surgery include the severity of your symptoms as well as your response to other conservative, noninvasive treatment methods.
• Bunion Surgery
  A: Well, that depends upon what type of bunion surgery you are having done. Not every bunion is the same, and thus not every bunion needs to be corrected by the same type of procedure. For some very mild bunions, in which the connective tissues are balanced out and the bump shaved off, partial weight bearing with a walking boot may be allowed. For bunion corrections involving a cut made in the bone and pins or screws to secure the bone, non-weight bearing for about 3 weeks is required, following by walking in a boot for another 4-5 weeks. For the more involved bunion corrections, non-weight bearing with a cast may be required for 6-8 weeks before putting weight on the foot.
• Bunions
  Reasons that a person may develop a bunion can vary. Some patients may form bunions due to genetic factors, complications with arthritis, or a weak foot structure. General aging can also play a role in the formation of a bunion.
• Gangrene
  A: YES. One patient stepped on a sewing needle. Because of his diabetes, he did not feel it at first. By the time he did, he was starting to develop a serious infection. The infection put him in the hospital, and he developed gangrene and lost the front half of his foot. The rule with sharp things dropped on the floor is this: the one you do not find will find you. An ounce of prevention...
• Ingrown Toenails
  Ingrown toenails can form when the side of a toenail begins to grow into the flesh surrounding the nail. As a result, the affected toe—most commonly the big toe—may become red, swollen, painful, and—in severe cases—infected.
• Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic Surgeons

• Hammertoe Surgery
  In particular, Dr. O’Quinn specializes in the following things: treatment of Diabetic Foot Infections and Diabetic Wound Care; treatment of painful Ingrown Toenails; custom Foot Orthotics (Arch Supports); Bunion and Hammertoe Surgery; treatment of Foot and Ankle Fractures; treatment of Warts and other Skin Infections of the feet; treatment of Sports Injuries of the feet and ankles; treatment of Flat Feet and Tendinitis; and the treatment of Heel Pain and “Plantar Fasciitis”. His guiding principle is, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Dr. O’Quinn enjoys the companionship of animals, drawing, cooking, reading, gardening, martial arts, hiking and writing poetry. Dr. O’Quinn has published a collection of his poetry under the title...

Dermatologists

• Skin Cancer
  A: YES. Any lesion of the skin that does not look or feel right, or that begins to change in size, shape, color, or become painful or bleeds, needs to be examined and possibly biopsied. One patient dropped a can of peppers on her toe. The nail came off, and over a period of months, a blue-black discoloration developed on her skin. I performed a biopsy, and it turned out to be a malignant melanoma. She was referred to a cancer specialist immediately.
• Corns
  Corns are hardened bumps, normally found on the top or on the side of the toes. Some may also be found on the bottom of the feet. Corns are typically small and circular and have either hard or soft centers. Hard corns are generally found on the more firm areas of the foot, while soft corns are typically found in areas prone to be more moist, such as in between the toes.
• Cyst
• Ulcer
• Calluses
  Cracked heels, which are a common foot condition, are usually non-threatening but can become potentially serious. It is best to try to prevent cracked heels from developing in the first place. It is a good idea to examine your heels and if they begin to feel dry, apply moisturizer regularly. Also, if you gain weight, the pressure on the heels increases and calluses may form. Extra weight, quite common among pregnant women, expands the heel skin while walking and standing and can cause cracks to widen. Wearing sling-back shoes, sandals, or flip flops also may cause the heels to dry out. Dried and cracked heels also can be a problem for those with diabetes, which can diminish the moisture supply to the feet. If the cracked skin on the heels does not improve with daily foot care precautions, they may deepen into fissures or begin to bleed. This opening of the skin can invite bacterial or fungal infections. An antiseptic lotion may help to keep the area clean. If cracked heels become an ongoing problem, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine the area, and determine the best course of treatment.
• Eczema
• Fungus
  The area of the toes is generally warm and damp, unfortunately making it a great area for fungus to grow. If left untreated, the fungal infection can spread, which is why it’s so important to get professional help early on and look into your treatment options.
• Lesions
  A: There are several characteristics of skin lesions that can be concerning for cancer. Size greater than 6 mm across, border irregularity, asymmetry, color variation and variation in the thickness of the lesion can be concerning and warrant biopsy. I have identified several skin cancers this way, allowing for expeditious referral to cancer specialists. Biopsies can save lives.
• Chemical Peels
  A: A plantar wart is a painful sore on the bottom of the foot caused by a viral infection of the skin. This is usually contracted by walking barefooted in public places where others have also walked barefooted. In the vast majority of cases, there is a special acid compound that can be used to create a tightly controlled “chemical peel” of the wart, resulting in a gradual and fairly comfortable removal of the wart over a period of typically 2-6 weeks. There are other treatments available, but they are rarely required.
• Psoriasis
  There are several different causes of cracked heels. One of the most common reasons for this ailment is dry skin. This problem may make your keeps feel rough tight and itchy. Dry skin may be caused by cold air, extremely hot water, harsh soaps, and aging. Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis may eventually lead to dry skin. In some cases, complications may arise from cracked heels. Some of these complications are a loss of feeling in the heel, cellulitis, or a diabetic foot ulcer.

Physical Therapists

• Sports Medicine
  Some common contributors that lead to foot and ankle injuries in the realm of sports include not stretching properly or failing to warm up, wearing the incorrect footwear needed for your particular sport, as well as not taping or providing your feet and ankle with the needed support. There are a number of foot conditions that can develop if certain safety measures are ignored. Some of the most common conditions related to sports injuries include Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures, to name a few.
• Physical Therapy
  Possible conditions that may arise due to injury of the Achilles tendon include tears, ruptures, tendinitis, peritendinitis, tendinosis, tendinopathy, and bursitis. When trying to diagnose if one has issues with their Achilles tendon, a podiatrist will commonly check for any pain, swelling, or discoloration around the heel or lower leg area. Different treatments for issues concerning the Achilles tendon vary, but may include over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers for intense discomfort, alternating ice and heat therapy, custom-made orthotics, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. To help prevent injury to the Achilles tendon, it’s recommended to regularly perform stretches involving the muscles of the lower leg.
• Flatfoot Correction
• Heel Pain
• Ankle Sprain
  There are many factors that play into the cause of ankle sprains. Simple, everyday activities like walking can lead to an ankle sprain if the activity is being done on an uneven surface. The same goes for running or exercising. Those who partake in sports may be more susceptible to obtaining a sprained ankle because they’re more likely to fall or land uncomfortably after a jump, which can lead to an injury.
• Neck Pain
• Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy

Podiatrists

• General Podiatry
  To ensure your convenience, below is the information you need about our podiatry office, including our hours, location, appointment scheduling and insurance acceptance.
• Achilles Tendonitis
  There are many different causes of heel pain, including strains or sprains, tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, and heel bursitis. One of the most common causes of heel pain for children and teenagers specifically is Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease can develop due to overuse or repetitive microtrauma of the heel bone's growth plates. This condition is often seen among those who are active in sporting activities.
• Ankle Instability
  A: There is wisdom to our design. The ligaments on the outside of the ankle are loaded with special nerve endings that help us maintain our balance when walking and running. If these ligaments have been damaged by past injury, you may develop chronic ankle instability. An MRI will help identify the location and extent of damaged ligaments. If the damage is minor, physical therapy and ankle braces may do the trick. If the damage is more severe, surgery may be required to repair, or reconstruct, those ligaments. Surgery will typically be followed by additional physical therapy.
• Ankle Sprain
  Ankle pain, while initially thought of as an issue for athletes, can affect anyone at anytime. Simple, everyday activities, such as walking or running on an uneven surface, have the possibility of causing serious harm to one’s ankle. That is, however, not to discount athletic injuries; in fact, half of all ankle sprains are inflicted during an athletic activity. The most common causes of ankle injuries include tripping or falling, landing awkwardly after jumping, a sudden impact such as a car crash, or twisting, rolling, and rotating of the ankle.
• Arthritic Foot Care
• Bunions Problems
  A bunion is a bony, painful swelling that is often formed on the first joint of the big toe. Bunions can be extremely painful due to the weight of all your body resting on it each time you take a step. Everyday activities, such as walking and wearing shoes, can cause you extreme discomfort if you have a bunion.
• Calluses
• Diabetic Foot Care
  Unfortunately, foot problems are often a common result of having diabetes. As time goes by, it’s likely that diabetes can cause nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy. This can lead to tingling or a painful sensation, and it may also cause you to lose feeling in your feet. The loss of feeling in your feet can become incredibly dangerous, especially if you can longer sense a blister or cut on your foot; this can lead to sores or infections.
• Flat Feet
  When it comes to treating flat feet or fallen arches, it’s suggested you get plenty of rest. Frequently ice the affected area to help reduce swelling. Performing daily stretches are a great way to loosen up your muscles and relieve strain. It may also be beneficial to look into orthotics or shoe inserts to help relieve the pain.
• Fungus Toenails
  Fungal infections occur due to fungus getting through the cracks of the toes or cuts in your skin. Common signs that you may have a fungal infection include thicker than normal toenails, oddly shaped toenails, discoloration, a yellowish hue to the nail, and separation of the nail and nail bed. Fungal infections can affect anyone but are most common among men, those with diabetes or athlete’s foot, and smokers. The risk of having toenail fungus also increases as you age, if another family member has it, and if you have a weaker immune system.
• Geriatric Foot Care
• Hammertoes
  Hammertoes can be identified by an abnormal bend in the middle joint of the toe. This abnormal bending can lead to added pressure on the toe when wearing shoes. It can also cause pain or discomfort when walking or running. Because hammertoes typically worsen overtime and become increasingly more rigid, it’s recommended that you seek the help of a podiatrist for treatment options if you believe you’re experiencing the symptoms of this deformity.
• Heel Spurs
  There are different causes that may lead to a heel spur including poorly fitted shoes, excess weight or obesity, repetitive stress from running or jogging on hard surfaces, and arthritis. Treating a heel spur often requires a lifestyle change as well as getting plenty of rest. Using cold compresses is another method to help alleviate the discomfort of a heel spur. To prevent further damage, it may be useful to look into wearing shoe inserts or custom orthotics.
• Heel Pain
• Foot Pain
• Foot Infections
  A: Athlete's foot is a common foot infection caused by fungi. Fungi are especially common in the warm, moist environments of pools, showers, locker rooms and other sports facilities, where people walk with bare feet. Once fungi contaminate the skin of someone's foot, the warm, moist environment of sweaty socks and shoes encourage them to grow. Symptoms include itching of the feet, cracked or peeling areas of skin. It is important to avoid walking barefooted in areas where others have walked barefooted. There is a highly effective prescription medication that is applied daily to the skin. Also, there is a list of daily recommendations for treatment of both your feet and shoes.
• Ingrown Toenails
  Treatment for an ingrown toenail will vary on a case by case basis. One form of treatment requires lifting the ingrown nail and placing a splint or piece of cotton underneath. Another method for a more severe case would involve partially removing the nail. For cases that need extreme care, the nail itself and tissue would have to be removed.
• Metatarsalgia
  Pain in the ball of the foot, which is the area between the toes and the arch, is termed metatarsalgia. Anything that adds pressure to the ball of the foot, such as dancing, running, yoga, or wearing high heels, can contribute to metatarsalgia. In addition, having high arches, existing foot conditions, excess weight, and aging can also affect the ball of the foot. In some cases, resting the feet and taking pain medication can reduce the effects. But if pain continues, then other factors may need to be considered. For instance, nerve damage, tendonitis, and arthritis may be contributing to this painful condition. Structural factors, such as bunions and hammertoes, may be throwing off the alignment and affecting the ball of the foot. Irritation of the nerves beneath the third and fourth toes may cause Morton’s neuroma, which is sometimes described as having a small pebble in the shoe. This development is more common among women who have been wearing high heels for a prolonged period. If you have increased pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and possible treatment options.
• Foot Neuroma
  Morton’s neuroma may develop when the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your foot begins to thicken. When this occurs, you may experience some discomfort as if you were standing on a pebble stuck in your shoe. Most symptoms will not appear outwardly and will be experienced in the form of a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, as well as a stinging or burning feeling in the toes that may sometimes lead to numbness.
• Foot Orthotics
  A: YES. A difference in the length of the two legs can cause chronic pain and difficulty walking for several reasons. If the legs are of two different lengths, it can make you feel unbalanced when you walk, like you’re swaying side to side, like a weeble-wobble. The foot on the longer leg will try its best to compensate for this by pronating (flattening), which can cause painful, strained joints and ligaments. The difference in leg length can also cause severe back and neck pain, even scoliosis, as your spinal column tries its best to adjust to the difference. One of the simplest treatments for milder leg length differences is a pair of custom foot orthotics with a heel lift for the shorter side.
• Plantar Fasciitis
  Orthotics, unlike typical shoe inserts, are prescribed by a podiatrist to help provide your feet with cushion and support. They can also aid in correcting a specific foot condition that you may be dealing with. Conditions such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, arthritis, and flat feet can highly benefit from the use of orthotics, and orthotics may assist you in alleviating pain that often comes with those ailments.
• Podiatric Deformities
  Some factors that contribute to the formation of Morton’s neuroma include wearing high heels or ill-fitting shoes that put extra pressure on your toes or the balls of your feet. There has also been a tie to the development of Morton’s neuroma and certain high-impact sporting activities. Activities you may want to avoid from participating in too frequently include both jogging and running. Too much repetitive trauma can cause a strain on the feet and increase the chances of developing a foot complication. Other sports that require the use of tightly worn shoes, such as skiing or rock climbing, may also increase your chances of getting Morton’s neuroma. Certain foot deformities can also lead to the development of Morton’s neuroma. Some of these deformities that increase the likelihood of getting this condition include bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet.
• Podiatric Surgery
  Dr. Rosenthal attended Pennsylvania State University, and Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine where he received his podiatry degree. He then completed a three-year residency at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, specializing in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, and medical management of foot and ankle disorders. During his residency he completed a reconstructive surgery fellowship in Torino, Italy. Dr. Rosenthal is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.