Items filtered by date: October 2022

Many problems with the feet, such as blisters, corns, and calluses, are either caused by or adversely affected by the type of shoes you wear. A shoe that fits well can not only help to alleviate foot pain, but also keep it from getting worse. The choice of proper footwear is largely dependent on knowing what is wrong with your feet. To find out exactly what you need, you may want to see a podiatrist, who is medically trained to deal with problems of the feet and ankles. The doctor can perform tests and examine the biomechanics of your feet to determine treatment options and offer guidance on footwear choices. If you have bone deformities, such as bunions or hammertoe, these must also be taken into account while making your footwear decisions. As a rule, when buying shoes it is a good idea to measure your feet accurately and purchase the size that fits the larger foot. If you need orthotics, inserts to correct problems such as fallen arches and overpronation, you will need to bring them with you as you try on shoes. If custom orthotics are necessary, your podiatrist can have them created to address your particular foot problems.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, and Argyle, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The risk of infection from a wound on the foot may be reduced when it is cleaned properly. The wound can be cleaned by rinsing it under running water for several minutes and covering it with a gauze pad. This is generally followed by applying a protective covering that is adequate to stop existing bleeding. If the wound is severe, pressure may be applied temporarily which may help to control bleeding. Diabetic patients may develop wounds on the feet more frequently than other patients. This may be a result of the inability to feel cuts, bruises, or wounds on the feet because neuropathy may be present. Wounds on the feet can be a serious matter, and it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly evaluate why the wound and treat it accordingly.

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 the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, and Argyle, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There is no mistaking a broken foot when it happens. It produces immediate pain and may be accompanied by bruising and swelling. This can be the result of a fall, or if a heavy object drops on the foot. Prompt medical attention is suggested, and it is difficult or impossible to walk on it. In severe fractures, the bone can protrude through the skin, and appear displaced. Having an X-ray taken is the most successful method to obtain a proper diagnosis, and this can help to determine the extent of the break. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may also be used in addition to an X-ray, which may help to confirm the diagnosis. The majority of patients wear a boot or cast on the affected foot, and this is effective in stabilizing the foot as the healing process begins. Additionally, it is beneficial to elevate the broken foot as often as possible, which may reduce any existing swelling. If you have broken your foot, please contact a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment for a broken foot. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, and Argyle, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The amount of lower limb amputations is at an increased rate, and this is especially true of diabetic patients. High blood levels and poor glucose management can significantly contribute to the onset of diabetes which can lead to the amputation of a toe or a leg. An unnoticed cut on the bottom of the foot may lead to an infection that grows into a diabetic foot ulcer. This can be from the inability to heal properly, in addition to not keeping the weight off of the foot. There are methods that can be implemented which can help to eliminate the need for amputation. These can include controlling the body’s sugar levels, and having regular foot assessments performed by a podiatrist. Research has indicated this may help to reduce the risk of developing a foot ulcer by approximately 50%, which can lead to possible prevention of amputation. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist, who can help you to properly manage this condition, and guide you toward methods in controlling your blood sugar.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with the foot specialists from Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake, Keller (Fort Worth), Hurst, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, and Argyle, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.