May 2020

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that impacts the nervous system, often causing complications with the feet. If the nerves in your feet become damaged, they are no longer able to regulate your body temperature, or signal pain as they normally would. Those afflicted with this condition relay experiencing tingling sensations, or numbness in their feet. Neuropathy can be common among diabetic patients, as they are more prone to having complications with their feet. This can be dangerous if wounds go undetected due to the lack of feeling in the feet, as it’s likely an infection may then form. If diagnosed with this condition, medication may be prescribed to help ease the common symptoms. Having a healthy diet, keeping your muscles active and strong, and regularly getting massages or acupuncture may also be helpful in relieving some of the symptoms. For a proper diagnosis and an advised treatment plan, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist for professional care.

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.

When pressure is put on the joint of the big toe over a period of time, the foot condition referred to as a bunion may develop. This condition, or foot deformity, appears as a bump on the side of the big toe. One of the most common causes of this deformity is ill-fitting or tightly worn footwear. Existing conditions may also factor into the development of a bunion. Flat feet, gout, injury to the foot, and connective tissue or neuromuscular disorders may all increase the risk of developing a bunion. Bunions can be rather painful, often causing discomfort when wearing shoes or walking. This condition can also cause the big toe to feel numb, as well become red and inflamed. For more information on how to treat a bunion, please speak with a podiatrist for professional advice.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

Broken toes can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with walking. Many broken toes are not severe, and can heal properly with the correct treatment method. This ailment may occur from dropping a heavy object on the toe, or from stubbing it on a piece of furniture. The toes have small bones that are located on the outer edge of the body, which can make them vulnerable to outside forces. There are noticeable symptoms that develop with broken toes. These can include swelling, bruising, and they can look displaced if the fracture is severe. For mild cases of broken toes, an effective method known as buddy taping may be implemented. This consists of taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which may help to keep it stable. This can generally help the toe to heal properly. If you feel you have broken your toe, please consult  with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

If you work in a profession that requires being on your feet for the majority of the day, it’s often likely you will experience some sort of foot pain. These professions may include nurses, teachers, waiters, and mail carriers, to name a few. Lower-limb muscle fatigue and achy feet are common symptoms of working on your feet for extended periods of time throughout the day. To find relief from the discomfort or pain, it may be beneficial to wear custom orthotics or insoles to help provide you with sufficient support and cushion. If your work requires you to be on your feet for several hours of the day, it’s suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with care and treatment for any associated foot pain you may be experiencing.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.