Just like other parts of your body, your feet and toes have many muscles. These muscles can become cramped, leading to pain and difficulty walking. The pain is usually temporary and often goes away without treatment. Possible causes of toe cramps include having tight or weak muscles, a muscle injury, wearing poorly-fitted shoes, and being dehydrated. Sometimes, toe cramps can be a symptom of a more serious problem. For example, poor circulation can make the feet and toes ache and spasm, while nerve damage can cause pain, cramps, tingling, and numbness in the toes. Both of these conditions are often seen in patients who have diabetes. Another potential cause of toe cramps is arthritis, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in joints, including those in the toes. If you have persistent toe cramps that are bothering you, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Podiatrists treat many types of disorders that cause pain in various parts of the heel. The most common heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue), which causes pain on the bottom of the foot. Other common sources of heel pain include a calcaneal (heel bone) fracture, heel pad syndrome (a wearing down of the cushion on the bottom of the heel), nerve entrapment, including tarsal tunnel syndrome (which can also cause tingling, numbness or burning), neuromas (nerve swelling), and Achilles tendinopathy (damage to the tendon that attaches to the heel bone). Growing children may also be prone to Sever’s disease, which is irritation in the growth plate of the heel. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist. They will typically begin their evaluation by asking where the pain is located in the heel, along with medical history questions, followed by a physical examination. They may also use various diagnostic tools to determine the underlying cause of your heel pain and how best to treat it.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Dry or cracked heels are a common foot problem. Though the condition is often cosmetic, in some cases the heels can develop deep, painful cracks. To prevent this and keep your heels smooth and supple, there are three things that you can do at home. First, periodically soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes and gently exfoliate them with a loofah or wet pumice stone. After this, dry your feet and apply moisturizer. You should moisturize your feet regularly, up to three times per day. Apply moisturizer in a circular motion to the heels and avoid putting moisturizer between your toes. Finally, wear thin cotton socks after moisturizing your feet. If home treatment does not improve your dry, cracked heels, or if they are painful, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. 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

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Osteoarthritis in the ankles is a very painful condition which causes the cartilage that protects bones in the ankle to deteriorate. This leads to bones rubbing against each other, swelling, stiffness, tenderness and intense pain in the ankle, and a decreased ability to walk or bend and flex your ankles. Several factors can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) in the ankles, such as previous ankle injuries, recurrent high-impact stress on the ankles, misaligned joints, genetics, obesity and age. Your podiatrist can diagnose OA with a physical exam to test joint tenderness and swelling, X-rays, a gait analysis to assess your stride and foot and ankle biomechanics, and blood tests to distinguish OA from other forms of arthritis. There are many ways a podiatrist can help you manage the symptoms of OA, from lifestyle changes and physical therapy to various braces and orthotic devices, topical creams, pain relievers, and steroid injections. In severe cases of OA, surgery may be beneficial to remove spurs and loose cartilage, fuse the ankle to reduce pain, or replace damaged cartilage and bone with prosthetic parts (arthroplasty). If you believe you may have osteoarthritis in the ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment as soon as possible to begin treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Southlake Keller (Fort Worth) Hurst Flower Mound and Argyle, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.