Items filtered by date: September 2019

Research has indicated that foot pain may increase in obese patients. This can be a result of added pressure that the plantar fascia must endure. It may lead to a painful foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis. Additionally, patients who are overweight may suffer from heel pain, and may develop heel spurs. An effective method of losing unwanted weight is to practice a regular aerobic exercise routine. Obese people may find difficulty in maintaining a healthy weight possibly due to a lack of exercise, and this may be a result of chronic foot pain that may accompany obesity. Consult with a podiatrist about any foot pain you have from being obese as this will provide you with the best methods in losing excess weight.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have a medical condition that is known as plantar fasciitis are often familiar with the severe pain and discomfort this ailment can cause. The pain is felt in the heel, and may be accompanied by tenderness and stiffness. It occurs when the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that is located on the sole of the foot, becomes inflamed. This is often caused by running or walking excessively, or from standing on concrete floors for the majority of the day. Additionally, a common cause of incurring this type of injury may happen as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Some patients find that wearing custom-made orthotics may be helpful in relieving a portion of the pain. If you feel you may have plantar fasciitis, please consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis, and offer correct treatment options. 

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 Podiatry Associates of Texas. 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 our offices located in Arlington and Weatherford, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who have a medical condition that is known as plantar fasciitis are often familiar with the severe pain and discomfort this ailment can cause. The pain is felt in the heel, and may be accompanied by tenderness and stiffness. It occurs when the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that is located on the sole of the foot, becomes inflamed. This is often caused by running or walking excessively, or from standing on concrete floors for the majority of the day. Additionally, a common cause of incurring this type of injury may happen as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Some patients find that wearing custom-made orthotics may be helpful in relieving a portion of the pain. If you feel you may have plantar fasciitis, please consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis, and offer correct treatment options. 

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 Podiatry Associates of Texas. 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 our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many patients will experience blisters on the feet as a result of friction. These can form on the back of the foot from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly, which may cause difficulty in walking. When the skin in the affected area becomes damaged, the body’s natural response will be to form a small bubble over it. This is filled with liquid that will protect the area that has become raw. Additionally, there may be other reasons for blisters to form. These can include allergic reactions to insect bites, frostbite, or severe burns, and medical conditions such as herpes or eczema. As new skin grows, the majority of blisters will drain and heal on their own. If your blister has become infected, or is not healing in a timely fashion, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains are considered to be a common injury to the lower leg. They can happen when the ankle suddenly twists, or lands on the ground in an unnatural way. This can occur while participating in sporting activities, or from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. The symptoms that are commonly associated with this type of injury include severe pain and discomfort, swelling, and it is generally difficult to walk. Relief can be found when the affected foot is elevated, and this may help to diminish a portion of the swelling. A proper diagnosis typically consists of having an X-ray performed, and this is advantageous in eliminating the possibility of a fracture. An effective treatment technique can consist of wrapping the ankle in a bandage, which is often helpful in providing the support that is needed for healing. If you have sprained your ankle, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to properly heal.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many pregnant women notice their feet become larger as their pregnancy develops. This is often a result of additional weight gain caused by the growing fetus. Changes in hormone levels may cause the joints in the feet to become loose. Swollen feet are a common symptom that affect many pregnant women. Mild relief can be found while resting and elevating the feet. Additionally, it may be beneficial to perform gentle foot stretches, and this can be helpful in reducing excess fluid that may accumulate in the feet. It is important to wear shoes that fit correctly, and can offer the correct amount of support. Some pregnant women find it helpful to wear compression stockings in addition to wearing insoles, as they can add to the support of the shoe. If you have questions about how pregnancy affects the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the best information and recommendations.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.