Items filtered by date: November 2022

Corns are thickened areas of skin that can occur on the feet due to friction or pressure. They develop naturally to help protect the skin underneath them. They are commonly seen on the tops and sides of the toes and the balls of the feet. Corns can be hard and dry or soft and mushy. Corns can be caused by arthritis or poorly fitting shoes. Home treatment of corns usually consists of soaking the affected foot in warm water until the skin softens, and then gently filing the corn down with a pumice stone. One needs to use care when with this process and be sure to not press too hard to avoid bleeding and possible infection. Adding a donut-shaped adhesive pad around the corn can help the corn from touching the inside of the shoe. Routine foot care, including moisturizing the feet and keeping the toenails trimmed properly, are good preventative measures. If you are not sure why you have developed a corn, it becomes painful, or is not healing properly, see a podiatrist for treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact the foot specialists of Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Orthotics may help correct specific types of abnormal foot structures. They have been used to find relief with hammertoes and bunions, and are made of different materials for specific foot conditions. Rigid orthotics may be successful in controlling the movement of the feet below the ankle joints, in addition to improving the range of motion. This type of orthotic may be used when the patient has arthritis, high arches, or plantar fasciitis. Existing diabetic foot wounds and foot deformities may be helped by wearing accommodative orthotics, and it may help to improve overall foot function. Semi-rigid orthotics are comprised of soft and rigid materials and are generally used to treat flat feet. Additionally, they have been used to treat children’s disorders such as in-toeing and out-toeing. If you have foot pain, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine which type of orthotic is correct for you, and measure your feet correctly for custom-made orthotics.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common reason for heel pain. This condition results from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tendon connecting the heel to the toes. People of all ages can suffer from plantar fasciitis. It is developed over time and several factors can play into the cause of it. When children have this ailment, it is often associated with overuse. Repeated stress from being active in sports, being on their feet a lot, and not properly stretching before and after workouts might lead to plantar fasciitis. Anatomical deformities, like high arches or an inverted position of bones in the heel, can predispose active kids to develop this condition. It is generally associated with a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate, known as calcaneal apophysitis. Ill-fitting, poorly cushioned footwear that does not provide adequate arch support can be another reason a child might develop plantar fasciitis. Typical symptoms are heel pain, particularly upon arising, that improves with walking, and tenderness near the arch of the foot. Since untreated plantar fasciitis can lead to complications, such as heel spurs or a rupture of the plantar fascia, it is suggested that if your child complains of heel or foot pain, you consult with a podiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis and offer a treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

Our feet do so much for us and so much can go wrong with them, but we do not often consider them unless we feel foot pain. Feet play an important role in the function of the gait cycle and influence the rest of our bodies. If our pronation or supination is off, shock absorption and walking can be affected. If the toe-off phase is not proper, propelling the body forward is impacted. Orthotics may help when things are off with the movement of our feet, but they may also not be necessary. If you are having foot discomfort or pain, contact a podiatrist who can examine your feet and evaluate your gait as well as provide the right treatment options for you.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 big toe is generally affected when an ingrown toenail has developed. It happens when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Many people can get ingrown toenails from frequently wearing shoes that are too tight, or from trimming the toenails incorrectly. The skin surrounding the affected toenail may become inflamed, and is often red and swollen. Occasionally, there may be new tissue that grows over the toenail, and this is referred to as a granuloma. It may be accompanied by a discharge which can be blood or pus. Additionally, it may emit an odor if bacteria gets into the wound. Temporary relief may be found when the affected nail is soaked in warm water, followed by gently pushing the nail away from the skin using a cotton swab. For more severe infections, surgery may have to be performed that can permanently repair the nail. If you are afflicted with an ingrown toenail, please speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact the foot specialists of Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.