Dr. Thompson is getting busy but has room for same day appointments in many cases

August 2020

Monday, 31 August 2020 00:00

The Consequences of Flat Feet

Flat feet refers to the absence of an arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. While some people are born with and continue to have flat feet for their entire lives, others acquire flat feet over time. As you age, your arches can slowly collapse and cause your feet to become flat. This can result in an uneven distribution of your body weight across the surface of your feet when you walk, which might then lead to pain in your feet, calves, knees, hips, and back. If your flat feet are causing you pain or discomfort, then treatment may be necessary. Common treatments for this condition include wearing orthotic devices or specialized footwear and doing foot stretches to strengthen the arch. If you are experiencing pain from flat feet, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

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.

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Tuesday, 25 August 2020 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Monday, 24 August 2020 00:00

What Can I Do About My Sweaty Feet?

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessively sweaty feet. All of this extra sweat is not only embarrassing, but can also lead to health complications. For example, it may increase your risk of injury due to your feet slipping and sliding in your shoes, or increase your risk of skin infections because of the constant moisture breaking down the skin on your feet. Fortunately, there are several treatments for plantar hyperhidrosis. A podiatrist may prescribe antiperspirants, which block the overactive sweat ducts. Botox injections into the feet, which can temporarily disable sweat glands, are also an effective treatment option. Iontophoresis, in which the feet are submerged in water with an electric current running through it, has been shown to reduce sweating as well. To learn more about plantar hyperhidrosis and to find the right treatment for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment 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 and ankle needs.

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Monday, 17 August 2020 00:00

How Can I Prevent Running Injuries?

Injury to the foot and ankle can be common among runners. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent injuries. It is said when you first start running, build up your training regimen slowly, increasing the amount of time and distance that you run at a very gradual pace. Allow your body and feet adequate time to adjust, as well as rest and heal. It is also important to develop a good running technique. This can be accomplished through running lessons, where an instructor can teach you about proper foot placement and other techniques to ensure that you stay safe while you run. Finally, make sure that you wear supportive, properly-fitted running shoes when you exercise. For more advice on preventing running injuries, consult with a podiatrist today.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

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People who walk barefoot in specific types of places may be prone to getting toenail fungus. The medical term for this ailment is onychomycosis, and it is considered to be contagious. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments that can include public swimming pools. Additionally, it may be found in communal shower room floors, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. Common symptoms can consist of the toenails becoming brittle, thick, and yellowed. In severe cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed and lift off. It is suggested that  patients who have diabetes seek immediate treatment if toenail fungus has begun to develop. This is necessary for preventing sores and infections. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, please seek the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment options.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

 

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Monday, 03 August 2020 00:00

Types of Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe or, occasionally, on the pinky toe. The bunion causes the affected toe to point towards the other toes, instead of pointing straight ahead. Bunions may be painful, making it difficult to walk, stand, wear your typical shoes, or do your usual daily activities. There are two main types of bunions, although many bunions can be a combination of both types. A positional bunion is caused by the joint enlarging as new bone grows. This stretches the outer covering of the joint and pushes the big toe towards the smaller ones, eventually pulling the big toe out of alignment. A structural bunion is caused by the angle between the bone of the big toe and second toe being larger than normal. This can also push the big toe towards the smaller toes. Regardless of the type of bunion you may have, it is recommended that you seek treatment from a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Read more about What Are Bunions?
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