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Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints and causes inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage. When RA affects the feet and ankles, it can lead to debilitating symptoms and complications. Common manifestations include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking due to joint inflammation and damage. RA can also cause the formation of nodules, particularly in pressure areas like the soles of the feet. It may also result in foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes. If you have RA that is affecting your feet and ankles, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This medically trained foot doctor can provide comprehensive treatment, including interventions, such as custom-made orthotics, corticosteroid injections, and guidance on foot care techniques to manage RA symptoms and prevent complications.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Frank Henry, DPM of Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain resulting from obesity can profoundly affect biomechanics and gait, as excess weight places undue stress on the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. This strain can alter the way you walk, leading to compensatory movements and further discomfort. Beyond physical discomfort, foot pain caused by obesity can significantly impact daily life, hindering mobility and limiting participation in activities. Seeking help from a podiatrist offers compassionate support and effective solutions for anyone suffering foot problems related to their weight. Podiatrists understand the complexities of foot pain associated with obesity and can provide personalized care to address your unique needs. They offer a range of treatments, including orthotic devices to support proper alignment and footwear guidance to alleviate pressure. If you carry excess weight and have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist so you can embark on a journey toward improved foot health and enhanced overall well-being.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet, or pes planus, is a common condition where the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. It affects approximately 20 to 30 percent of the population and can occur in both children and adults. Flat feet may develop due to specific factors, including genetics, weak foot muscles, injury, or certain medical conditions. People at higher risk include those with family history, obesity, diabetes, or who stand for long periods of time. There are different types of flat feet. Flexible flat feet are where the arches only flatten when weight is applied. Tight Achilles tendon limits foot movement. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is when the tendon supporting the arch becomes weakened. Treatment by a podiatrist aims to relieve painful symptoms and improve foot function. This may involve custom orthotic devices, stretching exercises, supportive footwear, or in severe cases, surgery to reconstruct the arch. If you have problematic flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper management and relief.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor 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 our office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Optimal foot health is important for maintaining overall well-being, and a podiatrist is instrumental in achieving this goal. This type of foot specialist will conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history, followed by a thorough examination to diagnose the cause of your foot, toe, or ankle problems. A podiatrist can then offer a range of treatment options, which in some cases may include surgical intervention. In addition to treating more common foot ailments, like ingrown toenails or sprained ankles, many podiatrists also specialize in managing sports-related injuries, diabetic wound care, and surgery. With their expertise in ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests such as X-rays and ultrasounds, podiatrists ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. Podiatrists can prescribe medications for pain management, as well as provide advice for ongoing or preventive care. Whether you're dealing with foot pain, or injury, or seeking preventive care, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor 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 our office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Are you often hiding your feet in closed-toe shoes, even at home? Crooked toes, including conditions like hammertoes, claw toes, and mallet toes, can cause embarrassment and discomfort for many individuals. They often result from a combination of genetic predisposition, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or underlying foot deformities. Besides the physical appearance, crooked toes can lead to pain, corns, and calluses due to friction against the footwear. Podiatrists offer various approaches to relieve symptoms and correct crooked toes. Conservative treatments may include wearing wider shoes, padding to reduce pressure, and custom orthotics to improve toe alignment. In more severe cases, surgical options like toe-straightening procedures may be recommended to alleviate pain and restore normal toe function. If you have bothersome crooked toes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored treatment and relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Frank Henry, DPM of Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

A Plantar fibroma is a benign growth that develops on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. This condition typically presents as a firm nodule or lump in the arch or ball of the foot, causing discomfort and pain with weight-bearing activities. The exact cause of plantar fibromas remains uncertain, but factors such as trauma, inflammation, or genetic predisposition may contribute to their development. Plantar fibromas can vary in size and may gradually increase in size over time, potentially interfering with normal foot function and mobility. While plantar fibromas are non-cancerous and generally harmless, they can cause significant discomfort and impact daily activities if left untreated. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the fibroma and restore foot function. If you have noticed a lump or nodule on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat a plantar fibroma or whatever else might be going on.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Frank Henry, DPM of Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

It is frustrating to experience foot blisters that keep coming back. Wearing well-fitted shoes and keeping the feet dry are two key prevention techniques for foot blisters. Choose breathable footwear to reduce friction and moisture, common culprits in blister formation. If you have a new pair of shoes, gradually break them in to help your feet adjust and minimize the risk of friction-related blisters. Moisture-wicking socks also help keep the feet dry, further reducing the likelihood of blister formation. Additionally, blister pads and petroleum jelly are friction-reducing products that can offer an added layer of protection from rubbing. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can inspect your feet for any signs of irritation and address blister-related pain quickly. If you are experiencing foot blisters, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer further prevention tips. 

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Frank Henry, DPM of Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures are small cracks in bones that often stem from repetitive motions. Stress fractures are common injuries among athletes, runners, or individuals with weakened bones due to poor nutrition or medical conditions. Symptoms of stress fractures include enduring pain during physical activity, tenderness, and mild swelling that primarily occurs in the lower leg and foot. Diagnosis of stress fractures can be elusive as an X-ray may be unable to detect the hairline cracks in the bones. In those cases, a podiatrist can employ an MRI or a bone scan for confirmation. Treatment typically entails rest, immobilization using casts or braces, and, in rare instances, surgery. Early detection and intervention can help to avert further complications and ensure a smoother recovery process. If you believe you may have developed stress fractures in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for thorough testing and treatment options. 

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor 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 our office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.