May 2023

Many people are aware when they have fractured a bone. The pain is sudden and often happens from an injury. This may not be true with stress fractures, as it develops over time. A stress fracture is considered to be a hairline fracture and is caused by repetitive movements. This is a common injury among people who enjoy running, or frequently participating in jumping activities. For example, osteoporosis can weaken the bones, which can make it easier for stress fractures to happen. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly can gradually weaken the foot bones, possibly leading to developing a stress fracture. Mild relief may be found if sporting activities are temporarily stopped, and a supportive boot or cast is worn until complete healing has taken place. This can be followed by implementing specific stretches that can help to strengthen the foot. If you have a stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this foot condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Jumping rope can be an exciting and exhilarating activity. Nostalgic for some and physically challenging for others, jumping rope is an activity that many can enjoy. However, if one is not careful, jumping rope can lead to a foot injury. For example, if you are not jumping rope on the right surface, then injury can result. Some individuals might jump rope on hard surfaces like concrete, leading to shin splints. Rather, you might consider jumping rope on a surface that offers more shock absorption. This will ultimately put less stress on the joints of the feet as well. If you are someone that exercises by jumping rope, then it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for advice and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Even novices to the field of podiatry might be familiar with what some people call a twisted ankle. But what exactly does it mean to twist one’s ankle? The answer is that twisting the ankle is another way to say that the foot is inverted or moved outwards in an awkward position. As a result of this, an individual might suffer an ankle sprain. The patient’s outer, or lateral, ligaments might be stretched past their natural point, contributing to the sprain. There are many common symptoms associated with a sprained ankle. For example, a person might experience pain, swelling, or bruising. Importantly, a sprained ankle is distinct from a broken ankle, which occurs when the ankle bone becomes fractured. If you are someone that is currently living with a twisted or sprained ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to schedule an appointment today. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.

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 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.

The job of a podiatrist is to treat foot conditions. These can include bunions, hammertoes, or a multitude of ailments that affect the lower extremities. A benefit of choosing podiatry as a career can be a desirable work-life balance. This may be a result of having limited emergencies and a predictable work schedule. The education requirements to become a podiatrist begins with obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by enrolling in an accredited podiatry school. This will earn the potential doctor a degree that is called Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM. This will take four years to complete, and courses such as biology, anatomy, and pathology will be taught. After this is completed, a residency program begins for three years, giving the candidate an opportunity to interact with patients. People who are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry are urged to speak with this type of doctor, who can help them determine if this is a right choice for them.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

A foot is fractured when any of the bones located in the foot become broken. As a result, the foot may be painful, and it can be difficult to put weight on it. There are many different reasons why the foot might fracture. For example, since humans use their feet everyday for significant periods of time, the feet are susceptible to slipping and twisting. Thus, the bones in the feet can break. They also can develop stress fractures from repetitive pounding during activities that involve running. Due to their close proximity to the ground, the feet can likely be impacted by heavy objects falling that can cause fractures. Of course, a foot might fracture due to some kind of sports injury, as well. If you are someone who has fractured their foot, it is suggested that you immediately schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide treatment options.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.