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Items filtered by date: December 2023
Tuesday, 26 December 2023 00:00
Three Grades of Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ankle ligament gets overly stretched. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that bind and support the bones and other structures that make up the ankle. In more severe ankle sprains, the ligament(s) tear—either partially or completely—and there may be an audible popping noise at the moment of injury.
Ankle sprains are quite common and can occur when the ankle rolls outwardly (eversion) or inwardly (inversion), causing the ligament(s) to stretch beyond normal limits, or even tear. Falls, twists, or blows to the ankle during sports or other activities can cause this injury, as well as wearing improper footwear, running on uneven surfaces, or having weak ankles.
Depending on the injury’s severity, an ankle sprain will be classified as Grade I, Grade II, or Grade III. Grade I sprains involve ligament(s) being overly stretched but not torn, with symptoms of mild pain, swelling, and ankle instability. There may also be some difficulty bearing weight. A Grade II sprain usually involves a partial tear of the ligament which brings more intensity in these symptoms, along with possible bruising. With a Grade III sprain, the ligament is completely torn, the symptoms are severe, and it may not be possible to put weight on the affected foot at all.
To diagnose and grade an ankle sprain, a podiatrist will perform a physical examination, checking for tenderness and range of motion in the ankle. For more severe sprains, X-rays or other imaging studies may be necessary.
It is vitally important to have an ankle sprain treated properly as improper healing often leads to future ankle sprains and possibly even chronic ankle stability. Treatment for an ankle sprain will vary, depending on its severity, and may include the RICE method (Rest/Ice/Compression/Elevation), physical therapy, bracing, medications, and possibly even surgery to repair a torn ligament. Rehabilitation is very important for the sprain to heal properly and to restore functionality.
Tuesday, 26 December 2023 00:00
Definition and Causes of an Acute Ankle Sprain
An acute ankle sprain refers to a sudden and unexpected injury to the ligaments that support the ankle joint. These ligaments can become stretched or torn when the foot twists or turns beyond its normal range of motion. This injury often results from a misstep, an awkward landing, or a sudden change in direction, such as in sports activities. The causes of an acute ankle sprain are typically linked to excessive or forceful movements that strain the ankle ligaments. Common situations include stumbling on uneven ground, stepping off of a curb, or rolling the ankle during sports activities, such as basketball or soccer. Wearing high heels and poorly fitting footwear can also increase the risk of ankle sprains by destabilizing the ankle. Understanding the definition and causes of an acute ankle sprain is essential for both prevention and timely treatment. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose this condition, and offer treatment methods that are right for you.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
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.
Tuesday, 19 December 2023 00:00
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail is a nail that has curved downward and grown into the skin. This typically occurs at either the nail borders or the sides of the nail. As a result, pain, redness, swelling, and warmth may occur in the toe. If a break in the skin forms due to the ingrown nail, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area; this is typically characterized by a foul odor and drainage.
Ingrown toenails have multiple reasons for developing. In many instances, the condition is a result of genetics and is inherited. The most common cause, however, is improper trimming; cutting the toenails too short forces the skin beside the nail to fold over. An ingrown toenail can also develop due to trauma, such as stubbing the toe, having an object fall on the toe, or participating in activities that involve repeated kicking or running. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too short can also cause ingrown toenails.
Treatment for an ingrown toenail varies between patients and the severity of the condition. In most cases, it is best to see your podiatrist for thorough and proper treatment. After examining your toe, your podiatrist may prescribe oral antibiotics to clear the infection if one is present. Surgical removal of either a portion of the nail or the entire nail may also be considered. In some cases, complete removal or destruction of the nail root may be required. Most patients who undergo nail surgery experience minimal pain afterward and can return to normal activity the following day.
Ingrown toenails can be prevented with proper nail trimming and by avoiding improper-fitting shoes. When cutting the toenails, be sure that you are cutting in a straight line and avoid cutting them too short. Shoes should not be too short or tight in the toe box.
Tuesday, 19 December 2023 00:00
Types of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails, a common foot ailment responsible for approximately 20 percent of podiatric visits, can be attributed to a variety of causes. Among these, improper nail trimming plays a significant role, as cutting nails too short or rounding them incorrectly encourages ingrowth. Wearing tight shoes or high heels that exert pressure on the toes is another prevalent cause. Trauma to the toe, such as injuries, can also contribute to the formation of an ingrown toenail. Three main types of ingrown toenails are categorized by their location on the toe. The lateral ingrown toenail, occurring most frequently, involves the side of the nail edge growing into the skin at the sides of the toe. A distal ingrown toenail can occur when the nail edge grows or curls into the skin at the end of the toe, where the top of the nail meets the skin. Proximal ingrown toenails happen when the nail grows into the skin at the base of the toe, near the cuticle area. This type is characterized by new toenail growth pushing the old nail upwards, causing it to become thick and embedded. Avoiding excessive shortcuts and wearing well-fitted footwear can significantly diminish the risk of ingrown toenails. In instances of persistent discomfort or suspected ingrown toenails, seeking professional advice from a podiatrist is suggested. Podiatrists possess the expertise to accurately diagnose the issue, determine the severity and type of ingrown toenail, and suggest suitable treatment options.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. 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 are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
- Improper toenail trimming
- Genetics
- Improper shoe fitting
- Injury from pedicures or nail picking
- Abnormal gait
- Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
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.
Tuesday, 12 December 2023 00:00
What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine who treats the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. If you are having any pain, injuries, or abnormalities in these areas, it is best that you seek help from a podiatrist.
Podiatrists complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school. Their training is like that of other physicians, and they may go on to complete a fellowship training after a residency training. Some podiatrists are board certified meaning they have advanced training, clinical experience, and have taken an exam to prove their skills. Certifying boards for podiatry are the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Podiatrists may work in private practices, hospitals, clinics, or they may even become professors at colleges of podiatric medicine.
While in college, those who want to be podiatrists often take biology, chemistry, and physics classes in preparation for podiatry school. In podiatry school, students study how the bones, nerves, and muscles work together to help you move around. Additionally, they study injuries and how to properly diagnose and treat them. Admittance into podiatric medical school requires the completion of 90 semester hours of undergraduate study with a good grade point average, and acceptable scores on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
Podiatrists treat many different conditions such as: aching feet, ankle pain, bunions, corns, hammertoes, fungus, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, sprains and more. Common forms of treatment for these conditions are physical therapy, drugs, or surgery. Podiatrists may also recommend corrective shoe inserts, custom-made shoes, plaster casts, and strappings to correct deformities.
Even if you are someone whose feet are in generally good condition, you should still visit a podiatrist to have your feet properly exfoliated and maintained, or to make sure you are looking after your feet properly.
Tuesday, 12 December 2023 00:00
Common Advice From Podiatrists
Taking an average of 8,000 steps a day, it is essential to give your feet the care they deserve. Podiatrists emphasize the importance of foot health, offering useful advice. One key recommendation is to refrain from walking barefoot in public showers, as they are hotspots for athlete's foot-causing fungus. Wearing protective footwear such as flip-flops or water shoes is advised. Extra attention should be paid to drying the feet, particularly between toes. The condition of your feet can be indicative of overall health. For instance, changes like the disappearance of toe hair or alterations in skin texture may signal peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, which can suggest broader cardiovascular issues. Dry skin and non-healing ulcers could point to undiagnosed diabetes. Choosing the right footwear is critical. Pointy pumps, for example, can lead to bunions and other painful conditions. Shoes with a wide toe box and heels under two inches are recommended. Additionally, the length of your toes matters. If your second toe is longer than your first, it can lead to various foot problems, including bunions and back issues. This condition, known as Morton's toe, requires wearing appropriate footwear to mitigate problems. Toenail fungus is another common issue, often indicated by discolored or brittle nails. Keeping the feet dry and changing sweaty socks frequently may help to avoid fungus. If you would like to obtain additional information about good foot care,it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful advice.
If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.
What Do Podiatrists Do?
On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:
- Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
- Use innovative methods to treat conditions
- Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
- Correct walking patterns and balance
- Provide individual consultations to patients
It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.
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.
Wednesday, 06 December 2023 00:00
Let the Expert Treat Your Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can be painful and can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable. Seek professional help if you believe you've developed an ingrown toenail and be treated safely.
Tuesday, 05 December 2023 00:00
Exercise for Your Feet
Foot and ankle pain can be a nuisance in a person’s life, especially if it happens frequently. The best way to prevent this type of pain, is to exercise often. Regular exercise of the foot includes stretching and strength exercises. Stretching exercises can help prevent injuries such as a sprained ankle, while strength exercises can prevent ailments such as plantar fasciitis.
Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and the foot and ankle’s range of motion. These exercises can certainly help with those who participate in high-energy activities such as sports. Many athletes routinely perform foot and ankle exercises to prevent injuries like sprained ankles, which are common injuries where the tendons in the ankle are over stretched. Strength exercises help develop foot muscles for better support and protection.
Most exercises are simple and can be done at home, either standing or sitting. One chair exercise is called “limber up”. In this exercise, a person would start by sitting down with their feet flat on the floor. Then lift one leg up so the feet are not touching the floor, then rotate your foot clockwise 15-20 times, and 15-20 times counterclockwise. Repeat the same process with the opposite leg. Another sitting exercise helps stretch the back of your heel and requires an exercise band. It begins by looping the band around a heavy piece of furniture, or something stable that will not be moved when the band is tugged or pulled. Then sit directly in front of it, and slide one foot into the loop, so that the band curves around the forefoot. Start by pulling the forefoot back and holding it for 5-10 seconds. Doing this 10-15 times on each foot, will stretch the back of your heel, increasing your flexibility.
Foot exercises that require standing are also just as easy and simple. Referred as the “Achilles Stretch”, this exercise stretches the Achilles tendon, making it more flexible, helping prevent foot, ankle, and leg pain. It begins by first standing and facing the wall, with the arms outstretched and the palms on the wall. Then place one foot behind another keeping the back leg straight, and the forward leg bending at the knee. Make sure both heels are flat on the floor and adjust your stance accordingly. With your hips, lean forward to feel the stretch, you can also adjust the distance from your feet to feel the stretch in various parts of the calf. Make sure to hold the stretch for about 30 seconds and repeat the same process 3 times with each leg. An even easier foot exercise is simply walking on sand. Walking barefoot on sand both strengthens and stretches your feet.
Doing these exercises regularly can help prevent many foot and ankle problems. Other foot exercises can even relieve pain. For example, those affected with plantar fasciitis can simply sit down on a chair, and then place a tennis ball below their affected foot. By rolling the ball under the foot, and increasing or decreasing pressure, pain will be relieved. With any exercise, it is always important to do a small warmup such as walking a few laps around the house to get the blood flowing. If after doing an exercise to relieve pain such as the tennis ball exercise, or are unsure that your execution is correct, be sure to contact a podiatrist for further instruction.
Tuesday, 05 December 2023 00:00
Advantages of Exercising Your Feet
Regular exercise is often associated with overall health and well-being, but the benefits extend beyond just cardiovascular fitness. Including exercises that specifically target the feet in your daily routine can contribute to better foot health and overall mobility. Strengthening exercises, such as toe curls and arch lifts, enhance the muscles that support the feet, improving stability and balance. Flexibility exercises, like toe stretches and ankle circles, promote a greater range of motion and can reduce the risk of injuries and enhance agility. Additionally, foot exercises can help alleviate common issues, like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, by promoting circulation and preventing stiffness. Improved circulation also aids in the healing of foot injuries and minimizes swelling. Several additional foot exercises can be done regularly. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of exercising your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. 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.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
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.
