July 2023

There are branches of medicine that target specific areas of the body. Podiatry is aimed at treating disorders of the feet and ankles that can include common ailments, injuries, and deformities. The mandatory education to become a podiatrist begins with earning a bachelor's degree, followed by completing four years at a podiatric school. A residency program that will take three years to complete starts after podiatry school. This generally takes place in a hospital setting, which can provide the students with practical experience. At this point, qualified candidates will become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, which is abbreviated as DPM, and these letters will follow their name. Podiatry has become a popular branch of medicine as a result of increased incidents of diabetes and chronic diseases. These types of illnesses can affect the feet, and medical attention is often sought for relief. There are various forms of podiatry that can include sports medicine, wound care, and pediatrics. If you are interested in pursuing podiatry as a career, it is suggested that you converse with this type of doctor who can answer any questions you may have.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. 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?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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 band of tissue called the plantar fascia runs along the sole of the foot, connecting the toes to the heel. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can result in pain in the foot, arch, and heel, and is a condition termed plantar fasciitis. Although the plantar fascia is built to absorb pressure, if too much is applied, the plantar fascia can tear. It is a common condition among walkers, runners, and other athletes, and is the most frequent complaint of heel pain. Symptoms can include a sharp or burning pain in the heel that feels worse when you get up in the morning but wears off after activity begins. Plantar fasciitis also can make lifting the toes off the ground more difficult. If the pain inhibits performing normal daily activities, or if it stops you from sleeping, it may be time to get medical help. Ignoring plantar fasciitis can lead to long-term heel pain. An X-ray or additional imaging tests can help to determine the cause and severity of the heel pain. If you think you may have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who is trained to deal with this condition.

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 Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. 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 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.

Despite the fact that plantar warts are harmless skin growths, they can produce severe pain. They grow inward and can produce discomfort as pressure is exerted while walking. They are considered to be contagious and may spread to other areas of the foot. Plantar warts can develop from exposure to a specific type of fungus, which is found in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and similar areas. It is important to refrain from sharing towels, shoes and socks, and this may help to prevent the spread of plantar warts. Many people choose to seek relief from using over the counter remedies, despite this being a temporary fix. If you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer a more permanent solution, which may include minor surgery for removal.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

One of the most effective methods of measuring the feet is by using a Brannock device. It was invented in 1925 by Charles Brannock, and has improved traditional foot-measuring techniques. This device is described as a base plate that has graduated markings. The foot is placed on this plate and the length and width of the foot can be accurately measured. This device can also measure the distance from the heel to the ball of the foot. The Brannock device was widely used among various military branches to ensure that enlisted men and women wore the correct shoe size. This measuring tool is generally found in the majority of shoe stores. People who purchase their shoes online may not have access to this device, and will often use other methods of obtaining an accurate foot measurement. If you would like to learn more about the Brannock device and other techniques of measuring the feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.