The journey from childhood to adulthood is marked by numerous transformations, and the evolution of your feet is no exception. Children's feet, characterized by their pliability and cartilage dominance, are more susceptible to external influences. Their arches may appear flat, and the bones are still developing. As children age, these structures solidify, forming the more defined arches and shapes typical of adult feet. Moreover, the fat pads on children's feet provide natural cushioning, while adults may experience thinning of these pads over time. The growth patterns and proportions differ significantly, with children's feet being relatively wider in comparison to their length. Recognizing these distinctions is vital for selecting appropriate footwear and addressing potential concerns in either developmental stage. If you would like additional knowledge about how adult and children’s feet vary, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, and the feet are often one of the first areas to display symptoms. Understanding the signs of RA in the feet is essential for early diagnosis and effective management of this chronic condition. One common symptom of RA in the feet is joint pain and stiffness. Affected individuals may experience discomfort in the joints of the toes, ankles, or the midfoot. This pain is typically more pronounced in the morning and may improve with movement. Swelling is another noticeable sign. RA can cause inflammation in the synovium, a lining that surrounds joints. When this occurs in the feet, it leads to visible swelling, making it harder to wear shoes comfortably. Deformities, such as bunions, claw toes, or hammertoes, can also develop due to the erosion of joint tissues. These ailments are often accompanied by limited mobility in the affected toes. If you notice these symptoms in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose RA, and help you to manage this condition. 

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.

Laser therapy uses focused light to destroy toenail fungus, preventing it from spreading or getting worse. This type of treatment has evolved since the 1980s with various lasers now in use, affecting the success rate for different individuals. Laser treatment can be particularly useful for individuals who cannot take certain medications due to liver or kidney problems, in addition to people with diabetes, and older adults who might not tolerate drugs well. Early treatment of toenail fungus is advised by the CDC to stop the spread of the infection and ensure better results. If not treated, the fungus may spread beyond the toenails. If you have toenail fungus, particularly if it does not resolve with more conservative treatment, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether laser treatment may be an option worth considering.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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.

Whether you are dealing with chronic discomfort, the aftermath of an injury, or the wear and tear of daily life, Multiwave Locked System, or MLS, laser therapy may be a solution. MLS laser therapy is a non-invasive approach to foot pain. It aids in recovery from a variety of foot ailments, including sports injuries, arthritic pain, and nerve pain from diabetes, as well as heel pain from plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon injuries. It has also been helpful in dealing with wounds that will not heal. MLS laser therapy does not involve medication, needles, or surgery and is FDA-approved for both safety and effectiveness. Furthermore, MLS laser therapy addresses the challenge of inflammation, a common hindrance to mobility and a source of discomfort in podiatric conditions. It actively reduces inflammation, decreasing pain and increasing comfort. MLS laser therapy not only accelerates the healing process but also allows for treatment plans that cater to specific foot care needs. To determine if MLS laser therapy is right for you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

MLS Laser Therapy is a successful alternative for treating any pain you may be experiencing related to certain podiatric conditions.  If you are interested in MLS Laser Therapy, consult with Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

MLS Laser Therapy

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy is a patented, FDA-cleared technology that helps relieve pain and inflammation from a number of podiatric conditions, including:

• Heel Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Sports Injuries
• Wounds
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Neuropathy
• Neuromas

MLS Laser Therapy is an ideal alternative to surgery and prescription medication, as it has no negative side effects and encourages accelerated healing. Among its many clinical benefits, MLS Laser Therapy also:

• Reduces swelling due to bruising or inflammation
• Blocks pain
• Reduces formation of scar tissue
• Improves nerve function

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.

Peripheral neuropathy is a complex condition that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms that can significantly impact the feet. This disorder results from damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often caused by various underlying conditions such as diabetes, infections, or autoimmune diseases. When it affects the feet, individuals may experience numbness, tingling, or a sensation of pins and needles. This can progress to sharp, shooting pain and muscle weakness. As the condition advances, it can lead to a loss of balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. The feet may also become more susceptible to injuries, blisters, and ulcers, with a reduced ability to detect pain or discomfort. Managing peripheral neuropathy often involves addressing the underlying cause, along with pain management and lifestyle adjustments. If you have symptoms of neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can perform routine foot exams which may help to prevent potential complications.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.