Items filtered by date: August 2022

Having foot and ankle pain is common among many people. The feet will feel better when they are frequently stretched. They will also have increased flexibility and range of motion. It is suggested that stretching the feet become part of a daily exercise regime, and there are simple methods that can be implemented to accomplish this. An effective stretch is known as the toe raise, point, and curl, and it is divided into three stages. It is started by sitting in a chair, and raising the heels while the toes are on the floor. The second phase consists of raising the heels, and positioning the toes so the tops of the big and second toe are on the floor. It ends by raising the heels, and curling the toes inward. Mobility may be increased when this is frequently practiced. Additionally, to stretch the big toe, bring the left foot to rest on the right thigh. Manually pull the big toe into an up position, and then down, and repeat several times. It is important to stretch the feet often. If you would like more information about effective foot stretches, please consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament. A ligament is a band of tissue that connect two or more bones to form a joint. The ankle is a complex joint structure that is held together by several ligaments. If any are torn or stretched beyond their natural limits, the injury is called a sprain. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on the amount of tearing and whether the ankle can bear weight. Grade 1 sprains are mild stretching of the ligament. Grade 2 is a partial tear with little or no joint instability. A Grade 3 sprain is a complete rupture of the ligament, along with full joint instability. Most sprains occur on the outside of the ankle joint. The foot can roll over by stepping into a hole or missing a curb thus causing the ligament to stretch too far. Sprains are also common in sports activities when running or changing directions quickly occur. Treating even a mild ankle sprain is essential because you run the risk of reinjuring the ankle and developing chronic problems when left untreated. If you have sustained an ankle injury, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament. A ligament is a band of tissue that connect two or more bones to form a joint. The ankle is a complex joint structure that is held together by several ligaments. If any are torn or stretched beyond their natural limits, the injury is called a sprain. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on the amount of tearing and whether the ankle can bear weight. Grade 1 sprains are mild stretching of the ligament. Grade 2 is a partial tear with little or no joint instability. A Grade 3 sprain is a complete rupture of the ligament, along with full joint instability. Most sprains occur on the outside of the ankle joint. The foot can roll over by stepping into a hole or missing a curb thus causing the ligament to stretch too far. Sprains are also common in sports activities when running or changing directions quickly occur. Treating even a mild ankle sprain is essential because you run the risk of reinjuring the ankle and developing chronic problems when left untreated. If you have sustained an ankle injury, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

If you have heel pain, you may find it difficult or even impossible to perform daily activities or participate in sports. There are several different causes of heel pain, with the most common one being plantar fasciitis. This is an overuse injury of the plantar fascia tissue that connects the heel with the toes on the bottom of the feet. People with plantar fasciitis can sometimes also have heel spurs, which are calcium deposits on the heel bone in response to repetitive trauma in the area. Heel spurs may or may not be symptomatic. Pain in the back of the heel may be due to calcaneal apophysitis. This condition can occur in children between 8 and 14 and is typically due to irritation from athletic activities or new shoes. Pain at the back of the heel may also be due to bursitis, which is an inflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa sac between the heel and the Achilles tendon. This is also usually an overuse injury causing pain and inflammation. Posterior calcaneal exostosis, or pump bump, also causes pain at the back of the heel. This is a bony growth that develops mostly in women who wear high-heeled pumps. Achilles tendonitis is another type of overuse injury causing pain and inflammation to the tendon attached to the heel bone. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment plan. 

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

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 Arlington and Weatherford, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you have heel pain, you may find it difficult or even impossible to perform daily activities or participate in sports. There are several different causes of heel pain, with the most common one being plantar fasciitis. This is an overuse injury of the plantar fascia tissue that connects the heel with the toes on the bottom of the feet. People with plantar fasciitis can sometimes also have heel spurs, which are calcium deposits on the heel bone in response to repetitive trauma in the area. Heel spurs may or may not be symptomatic. Pain in the back of the heel may be due to calcaneal apophysitis. This condition can occur in children between 8 and 14 and is typically due to irritation from athletic activities or new shoes. Pain at the back of the heel may also be due to bursitis, which is an inflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa sac between the heel and the Achilles tendon. This is also usually an overuse injury causing pain and inflammation. Posterior calcaneal exostosis, or pump bump, also causes pain at the back of the heel. This is a bony growth that develops mostly in women who wear high-heeled pumps. Achilles tendonitis is another type of overuse injury causing pain and inflammation to the tendon attached to the heel bone. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment plan. 

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

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 Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Swelling, called edema, generally occurs when fluid collects in the tissues, commonly in the feet. A number of conditions may lead to edema, including standing for too long, wearing shoes that do not fit properly, eating certain types of food, and various medical conditions. Swollen feet are particularly common among pregnant women, diabetics, and people with heart or circulatory problems. Aging, nutritional deficiencies, and premenstrual syndrome are other factors. A number of easy, at-home remedies can reduce the swelling in your feet. Among them are drinking plenty of water, reducing salt intake, keeping your feet elevated, wearing shoes that fit correctly, and wearing compression socks. Losing weight, eating more foods with potassium, and massaging your feet are other helpful remedies. If the edema in your feet and ankles becomes chronic, especially if you have an underlying health condition such as diabetes or heart disease, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for a complete examination and appropriate treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Swelling, called edema, generally occurs when fluid collects in the tissues, commonly in the feet. A number of conditions may lead to edema, including standing for too long, wearing shoes that do not fit properly, eating certain types of food, and various medical conditions. Swollen feet are particularly common among pregnant women, diabetics, and people with heart or circulatory problems. Aging, nutritional deficiencies, and premenstrual syndrome are other factors. A number of easy, at-home remedies can reduce the swelling in your feet. Among them are drinking plenty of water, reducing salt intake, keeping your feet elevated, wearing shoes that fit correctly, and wearing compression socks. Losing weight, eating more foods with potassium, and massaging your feet are other helpful remedies. If the edema in your feet and ankles becomes chronic, especially if you have an underlying health condition such as diabetes or heart disease, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for a complete examination and appropriate treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington and Weatherford, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When the outer edge of the toenail pushes into the skin\ it is referred to as an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails are generally painful, red, and swollen, and it can be difficult to walk. In severe cases, pus may ooze from the area and will need prompt medical attention. An ingrown toenail can happen as a result of wearing shoes and socks that are too small or from trimming the toenails incorrectly. When the toenails are trimmed in a straight line the likelihood of getting an ingrown toenail may be decreased. Diabetic patients may benefit from maintaining proper foot health and this can help to prevent ingrown toenails from developing. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water followed by gently pulling the skin away from the toe using a piece of cotton. This is generally a temporary fix and it is advised to contact a podiatrist who can perform surgery for permanent relief.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.