Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.
Wearing shoes that are too tight can either cause foot conditions or make existing problems more painful. For that reason, being aware of a proper fit when buying shoes for any reason is important, especially in this era of online shopping. Among the many foot problems related to wearing tight shoes are bunions, corns, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails. When purchasing shoes, measure your feet properly beforehand to have both the correct length and width. Be sure that your foot does not feel pinched or cramped within the shoe, in addition to ensuring the toes are not being squeezed together. The structure and materials of the shoe itself are as important as its appearance. The width and depth of the toe box should allow ample room for the toes to move freely in, and the heel should slip easily into the back of the shoe. Check for adequate support and cushioning, particularly if you have bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet. When you try on the shoes, it is beneficial to wear the foot coverings you would have on while wearing them. If you are having difficulty finding the proper shoes to fit your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for more information.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
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.
Heel pain can be common in children and young teenagers who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. It may indicate Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Sever's disease occurs due to overuse and increased body weight, and it generally happens in the early teenage years during a growth spurt. Parents may notice their child is limping or walking on their tiptoes, and the pain may be worse in the morning. A diagnosis consists of having a physical examination performed, and treatment can begin by learning how to manage the symptoms. It is beneficial to stop the activity that caused the condition. Some relief may be found when the foot is frequently elevated. There are specific stretches that can be performed to strengthen the affected foot. If your active child has heel pain, it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist is contacted who can diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
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 injuries.
The band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel is called the Achilles tendon. This tendon helps the body to walk, run, and jump, in addition to standing on tiptoes. When an Achilles tendon injury is experienced, it can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. Common causes include increasing speed and distance too quickly while running and training on hard or uneven surfaces. Additionally, long-term conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid disorders may lead to Achilles tendon injuries. Some of the symptoms associated with this ailment are stiffness, dull or sharp heel pain, and the back of the ankle may be swollen. If the injury is severe, surgery may be an option to consider for permanent repair. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide the treatment solution that is right for you.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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 Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
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.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and may begin at any time in life. This type of condition attacks the joints in the body and can cause pain and discomfort. It can progress quickly, and the joints often become swollen and red. Many patients notice the disease affects the same joints on both sides of the body and may be felt in the balls of the feet. Patients may feel generally unwell and can easily become fatigued. The majority of people who have rheumatoid arthritis will have foot pain, and relief is often sought. Additionally, the foot may change shape, and nodules in the joints may form. The joints in the foot that are most affected are the ankle, talonavicular, and metarsocunieform joints. Relief may be found when custom-made orthotics are worn, which may help to reduce painful symptoms. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat rheumatoid arthritis.
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
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.
Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.
Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.
While skateboarding can be a fun activity, it can also be hard on the feet and cause foot pain. Among other things, reasons for this might include that shoes are too tight, flat feet that can cause arch and heel pain, or jumping, landing, or doing skateboarding tricks can cause foot or ankle fractures. Ways to prevent foot pain while skateboarding start with wearing skate shoes that are properly fitted and supportive footwear. Wearing protective gear that pads joints, stretching and warming up muscles before beginning the activity, and improving technique are also ways to prevent foot pain. If you would like more information about protecting your feet and ankles while skateboarding, or if you have injured yourself in this activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for advice or treatment.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
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.
A broken toe hurts. It can happen from stubbing it against a piece of furniture or dropping a heavy object. Immediate symptoms often include bruising and swelling, and walking is often difficult. A broken toe generally takes approximately four weeks to heal, and it can help to refrain from walking on it and frequently elevating the foot. Many people use crutches when they have a broken toe, which can help to provide mobility. A mildly broken toe can be treated by using the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which generally provides the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. It is beneficial to place a piece of felt or foam between the toes, which helps to prevent the toes from rubbing against each other. If the bone is protruding from the skin, this is considered to be severely fractured and often requires medical attention from a podiatrist. If you have broken your toe, it is strongly suggested that you contact this type of foot doctor who can diagnose and treat this injury accordingly.
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
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 an individual does not take proper care of the bones in the feet, then they could be subject to many different conditions. For example, bones may break or fracture. They could even be subject to a stress fracture. In particular, the bones in the feet might also be dislocated. A dislocation can form when the bones in the joint are completely separate. As a result, the bones can move out of their natural position. This dislocation phenomenon can occur in the bones of the toes. If there is a case of a dislocated toe, then a medical professional might treat this in several different ways. For example, the dislocated toe might be addressed by wearing a splint or cast. The affected toe may also be addressed by buddy-taping it to another toe. If you are someone that is concerned about dislocated toes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who will be able to help you with the correct treatment options.
If you have any concerns 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.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
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.
The pain from the foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is generally felt between the third and fourth toes. It affects the nerve in this area and can happen from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room in the toe area. High heels fall into this category, and Morton’s neuroma may develop when they are frequently worn. A neuroma occurs when the nerve becomes pressed or irritated, and if left untreated, it may begin to swell and enlarge. Common symptoms that are experienced can consist of pain, burning, or a numbing sensation. Some people describe the feeling as having a pebble or marble in their shoe, and the discomfort may increase if tightly laced shoes are worn. Relief may be found when shoes are worn that have enough room in the toe area to move freely in, and the affected foot is elevated. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Frank Henry, DPM of Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
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.
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