September 2020

Tuesday, 29 September 2020 00:00

Why Does My Ankle Hurt?

Ankle pain can have a variety of different causes. An ankle sprain occurs when the joints of the ankle forcefully twist or bend, causing the ligaments to stretch or tear. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon and often causes pain in the back of the ankles. Arthritis is a condition that can affect any joint, including those in the ankle, and causes weakness and inflammation. Weak ankles, which might be weak due to genetics, overuse, prior injury, or excessive weight can also cause ankle pain. To determine the cause of your ankle pain, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist who can perform a full examination and provide proper treatment techniques.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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
Bursitis
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.

Thursday, 24 September 2020 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 22 September 2020 00:00

What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Toe?

Dropping a heavy object on your foot may cause a broken toe. There are noticeable symptoms that can develop which can consist of immediate bruising, swelling, and it may be difficult to walk. If the break is severe, the bone may protrude from the skin, which may lead to an infection developing. A common healing technique for a mildly fractured toe is referred to as buddy taping. This is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This can provide the stability that is needed as the healing process occurs. For severely broken toes, surgery may be necessary to realign the toe to its normal position. If you have broken your toe, it is recommended that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly assess and treat this condition.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

Throbbing pain
Swelling
Bruising on the skin and toenail
The inability to move the toe
Toe appears crooked or disfigured
Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

Monday, 14 September 2020 00:00

Extra Weight Can Cause Foot Problems

We’ve all heard that being obese is detrimental to your overall health, but did you know that being obese can hurt your feet, too? Multiple studies have found an association between increased weight and foot problems. The extra weight puts added pressure on your feet, leading to more wear and tear and increasing the risk of developing foot conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and heel pain. What is the solution? Weight loss. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, especially when foot pain prevents you from exercising. If you are experiencing any foot condition and worry that your weight is causing or contributing to the pain, seeing a podiatrist can help. A podiatrist can prescribe orthotics to make walking and exercising easier, diagnose and treat any foot conditions, and offer prevention strategies to help keep you healthy and on your feet.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot.

Tuesday, 08 September 2020 00:00

Types of Blisters and Dressings

Research has shown that there are different types of blisters that can develop on the feet, consisting of deroofed, intact, or torn blisters. Blisters are defined as a small pocket of liquid that naturally forms over the damaged skin. When new skin has formed, the blister will gradually drain, and then disappear. Blisters generally develop as a result of excess friction, which can come from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Proper healing is important, and this may be helpful in preventing an infection from occurring. It is beneficial to cover larger blisters with a dressing for protection. Island dressings are made with gauze in the center, and can be used for any type of blister. A blister plaster can protect the damaged area as it heals, and can provide an effective healing environment as a gel is emitted. Please consult with a podiatrist if you have frequent blisters on the feet. A podiatrist can guide you on how to properly manage and prevent blisters.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

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.

September 2020

Why Does My Ankle Hurt?

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Toe?

Extra Weight Can Cause Foot Problems

Types of Blisters and Dressings

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