Items filtered by date: May 2022

Tuesday, 31 May 2022 00:00

Ankle Sprains, Strains, and Breaks

Injuries to your ankle such as sprains, strains, and breaks may feel similar, but are different. Sprains occur when there is an unnatural stretch or tear in the ligament(s) that support and bind the ankle. There may be an audible pop when you sprain your ankle, and there will be varying degrees of pain, bruising, swelling, and inflammation, and even a deformity, depending on the severity of the sprain. It may be difficult or even impossible to walk on the affected foot. Strains occur when tendons or muscles around the ankle are stretched or pulled repetitively or excessively. The symptoms of an ankle strain are similar, and may also include cramping and muscle spasms. Breaks are chips, fractures, or complete breaks in one or more of the bones in your ankle. Walking on a broken ankle may be impossible. Regardless of which injury has occurred, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist right away to be properly diagnosed and treated.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

 

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Tuesday, 24 May 2022 00:00

Heel Pain in the Morning?

Heel pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life. Simple activities like walking can become incredibly uncomfortable or painful due to heel pain.

Don’t live with heel pain and get treated.

Tuesday, 24 May 2022 00:00

Why Dry Skin Can Lead to Cracked Heels

When the skin on your heels is allowed to become overly dry, rough, and thick, this can sometimes set the stage for cracked heels to develop. That is because when the weight of the body bears down—and the heel naturally spreads out—this callused, inflexible skin can crack. If cracked heels (heel fissures) are left untreated, they can deepen, become painful, and possibly even bleed or become infected. The best way to treat cracked heels is to avoid getting them at all. Applying topical emollients or occlusive moisturizers at night and covering your feet with socks can help seal in moisture and keep the heel hydrated. Also, gently massaging the heels with a pumice stone may help to smooth out mildly cracked heels, but this practice is not advised for people with diabetes or nerve damage. If your heels are badly cracked, red, painful, bleeding, or you believe they may be infected, it is suggested you contact a podiatrist to receive professional care.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to 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 care needs.

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Tuesday, 17 May 2022 00:00

Which Orthotics Are Right for You?

Runners and other people who are active in sports may find that their feet ache at the end of the day. One way to alleviate some of the pain is to invest in orthotics. Typical shoe liners may provide extra cushioning, but if you put miles on your feet each day, as many runners do, it is worth looking into which orthotics would best suit your feet. In cases of avid runners, an insole can be custom-made by a podiatrist to fit your foot. These inserts will likely be made from synthetic, high-performing materials that provide extra support and cushioning. The average lifespan of such orthotics is 400 to 600 miles, which is about the same time as your running shoes generally last. When fitting you with orthotics, your podiatrist will also consider the way you pronate and if you have flat feet, high arches, or any other foot problems. All these factors will help a podiatrist determine the best orthotics for your feet.

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, and Argyle, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes

Blisters are a common occurrence for runners, and it is a good idea to find ways to avoid getting them. A blister is caused by continuous rubbing of the skin of the feet and toes against the inside of the running shoe. As the skin is disturbed it forms a pocket that fills with fluid, which if ignored will likely pop and possibly become infected. It also can become extremely painful. To avoid blisters, take a look at your footwear. Choose a running shoe that provides ample room for your toes and properly supports the arch. It is suggested that you break in your new shoes gently before taking a long run. It is equally important to wear socks that minimize friction, offer additional support for your feet, and wick moisture, all of which can help to combat the formation of blisters. Further, some running experts recommend moisturizing your feet prior to a run, to reduce friction. If you have a history of blisters, or if you have one that is causing extreme pain, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible for other treatment options. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the foot specialists of Academy Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

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Tuesday, 03 May 2022 00:00

The Senior Population and Foot Wounds

Wounds on the feet can be a common occurrence for much of the population, and they can be a serious concern among the elderly. This can be a result of diminished blood flow in the feet and immediate medical attention may help to avoid potential problems. Effective wound prevention can include moisturizing the feet and drinking plenty of fresh water daily. Additionally, it may help to take a multivitamin that is designed to protect the skin. The skin color may turn when a wound is present, and a clean environment is needed for successful wound healing. This is followed by using a non-adherent dressing and placing a cushioned bandage over the wound. A pressure ulcer is a common type of wound that elderly people may develop. This often happens as a result of pressure that occurs over a bone. If you would like more information about types of foot wounds and how to treat them, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

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.

Read more about Wound Care

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