April 2020

If you are afflicted with diabetes, maintaining proper foot care is important in possibly preventing foot ulcers and infections from occurring. Cuts, wounds, and bruises on the feet may heal slower in diabeteic patients, and need to be addressed promptly. The elevated blood sugar levels may initiate a loss of feeling in the feet, and this may cause difficulty in feeling new or existing cuts that have developed on the feet. It is beneficial to practice proper foot care everyday. This consists of gently washing and drying the feet, and checking to ensure there is minimal swelling and redness. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the routine care of a podiatrist who can properly monitor your condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A hard bump on the side or bottom of the big toe may indicate a bunion has developed. This may cause the big toe to shift toward the other toes, and larger shoes may need to be purchased to accommodate the bunion. The reasons bunions may form can include genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, you may notice a bunion developing due to medical reasons that can consist of having flat feet, or from having an abnormal foot structure. Many patients experience symptoms that can include pain in the big toe and surrounding areas, and the affected area may become red and irritated. Mild relief may be felt when larger shoes are purchased, and it may be beneficial to wear custom-made orthotics which can provide optimal support. If you have a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The condition that is known as Sever’s disease affects the growth plate in the heel. This condition can be common among children and teenagers who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. It is considered to be a bone disorder that can develop from swelling in the injured heel. The heel pain may increase from wearing shoes that do not fit properly, in addition to having an existing foot condition that may include overpronation or high arches. It may be beneficial to temporarily stop the activity that caused this condition to develop, and it may help to elevate the affected foot. If your child has heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose and guide you toward proper treatment techniques, which may include wearing orthotics.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

The painful foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis is a common foot ailment. It is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the portion of tissue that connects the toes to the heels. It typically occurs gradually, and can develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many patients find they are afflicted with plantar fasciitis when they stand for extended periods of time throughout the day, and it may be accelerated while standing on hard surfaces. Additional causes can include obesity, an increase in performing sporting activities, or it may develop from a foot structure deformity. There are a variety of treatment methods that may help to provide patients relief. It is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine which is the best type of treatment for you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.