August 2022

People who work on their feet daily may find their ankles are swollen at the end of the day. This may be a result of circulation issues and wearing compression socks can help to relieve some of the swelling. Some people choose to wear compression ankle braces which may be less conspicuous, and the benefits are often the same as wearing compression stockings. People who stand for most of the day may benefit from standing on a stress mat. This is helpful in decreasing the impact a concrete floor may have on your feet. A foot roller can make the soles of the feet feel better since it replicates a foot massage. Additionally, a heated foot massager may help people with flat feet or who stand all day as it can increase circulation. If you have any questions about how to pamper your feet after working all day, please confer with a podiatrist who can help you.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Every time a runner takes a step, force is transmitted through the foot and ankle up into the legs, with the ankle taking the brunt. Since the average runner takes between 160 to 180 steps a minute, it is easy to see why ankle pain is common. It is believed that ankle pain results from a combination of factors, including muscle imbalance, overuse, previous injuries, bone problems, and running shoes. Any weakness or tightness in the muscles of the foot, ankle, calf, knee, and hip can affect how the foot reacts when it hits the ground ultimately affecting the ankle joint. Increasing the length or intensity of a run too quickly can impact the strength and stability of the ankle. Runners who go back to their routine too soon after an injury jeopardize the health of their ankles and may result in re-injury. Bone injuries, such as stress fractures, can cause tightness and stiffness that become painful. Running on old or worn shoes can cause pain also. They can lose their cushioning, shock absorption, and shape, which can place more pressure on the ankle. Experts recommend that running shoes be replaced every 500 miles. For help with ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can examine your ankles and discuss any treatment that may be needed.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. 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
• 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 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 medical name for flat feet is called pes planus. Flat feet are noticeable while standing on the floor, as the entire foot lies flat. There are some patients who have a small arch, and this is considered to be in the flat foot family. Babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops between ages three and six. This happens as a result of the baby’s foot outgrowing the fat pad, and balance is often improved. If the arch fails to develop, it may be because of tight calf muscles, flexible foot and ankle ligaments, and generally poor foot stability. Many patients have little pain with flat feet, and specific stretches may help to improve flexibility. If there is pain and discomfort from this condition and completing daily activities becomes difficult to accomplish, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can prescribe custom-made orthotics, and help you with correct exercises and stretches that may provide relief.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

People who are infected with toenail fungus can be embarrassed to wear flip-flops and sandals in the warmer months. It is an unsightly foot condition that leaves the nails yellowed and thickened and in severe cases, brittle. Additionally, the toes can itch or turn black, and may often be accompanied by athlete’s foot. There are a variety of remedies for toenail fungus, including laser treatment. This consists of using a laser to target and destroy the nail fungus without damaging the surrounding skin or nail. Research has indicated there is generally no risk, and most patients do not have side effects. The 10-minute per toenail sessions are typically painless and have a high percentage rate for successful fungal removal. If you have toenail fungus and are interested in this type of treatment, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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.

There are several reasons why many elderly people can experience uncomfortable foot conditions. These include a loss of cushioning as the aging process occurs, and the skin and nails can become brittle. Additionally, many seniors develop foot sores, and this may be a result of poor circulation. One of the best things elderly people can do for their feet is to wear shoes that are comfortable, and to refrain from wearing high heels. Research has shown the feet can become wider in later years, and it is important to have them properly measured before purchasing shoes. The feet can feel better when specific stretching techniques are frequently performed, in addition to avoiding wearing socks that are too tight. Common foot conditions can consist of dry, cracked heels, corns and heel spurs. These may be able to be avoided when a good moisturizer is used daily, and the shoes that are worn fit properly. Additionally, many patients can develop hammertoes and ingrown toenails which often need medical treatment. If you would like more information about what foot conditions can affect seniors and how to treat and prevent them, please consult with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.