August 2024

Millions of people in the United States experience chronic foot pain, which can interfere with daily activities. Common causes can include bunions, which are painful bumps at the base of the big toe caused by joint misalignment. This condition is often managed with wearing roomier shoes or, in severe cases, surgery. Fallen arches, resulting from a loss of tendon elasticity, can lead to pain in the arch, ankle, and leg. Typical treatment includes supportive insoles and certain stretching exercises. Hammertoes, where a toe bends abnormally and rubs against shoes, can cause discomfort that may be relieved by changes in footwear or undergoing surgery, if necessary. Ingrown toenails, frequently the result of improper nail trimming, can cause pain and swelling, often requiring professional care to prevent infection. Lastly, plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain stemming from tiny tears in the foot's supporting tissue. Relief may be found from practicing specific stretches, wearing heel inserts and night splints. If you are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

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

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 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.

Walking and running shoes are designed with distinct features to accommodate the different needs of each activity. Walking shoes typically offer more flexibility and cushioning in the heel and arch to support the rolling motion of the foot during walking. They often have a more rigid sole to provide stability and promote a natural gait. Conversely, running shoes feature more shock absorption and cushioning in the heel and forefoot to handle the higher impact and repetitive stress of running. They are designed with more advanced shock-absorbing materials and often have a curved sole to enhance propulsion and forward motion. While both types of shoes aim to provide comfort and support, choosing the right shoe for your activity can help prevent injuries and improve performance. Foot injuries may happen from wearing the wrong type of shoe for your desired form of exercise, and can be treated by a podiatrist. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can offer treatment solutions, in addition to guiding you on choosing the right type of running or walking shoe.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.

Foot arthritis often presents with early signs that can be essential for timely management. Pain is a common initial symptom, usually felt in the joints of the feet, and may worsen with activity or after periods of rest. Swelling surrounding the affected areas is another indicator of arthritis, causing discomfort and sometimes making the foot appear puffy. Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity, can limit the range of motion and make walking challenging. These symptoms, while sometimes subtle, are important to recognize early. If experienced, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

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

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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.

Laser therapy for toenail fungus is a non-invasive treatment aimed at eliminating fungal infections in toenails or fingernails. This procedure involves using concentrated light energy to target and destroy the fungus that resides beneath the nail bed without causing damage to surrounding tissues. The laser penetrates the nail plate to reach the infection, effectively killing the fungus and promoting healthy nail growth over time. Laser therapy is considered safe and painless, but typically requires multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results. It is often preferred for its minimal side effects compared to oral medications or topical treatments. However, like any treatment, results can vary, and some individuals may require additional sessions to completely eradicate the fungal infection. If you have developed stubborn toenail fungus, and are considering having this type of therapy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this is the right treatment for you.

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.