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The ankles may suffer for women who choose to frequently wear high heels. This can be a result of the amount of body weight the ankle joints bear, and is generally increased when high heels are worn. Research has shown that arthritis may develop in women who enjoy wearing high heels, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, the Achilles tendon can be affected. This is the tendon that is located in the back of the leg, and connects the calf muscles to the heel. Consistent wearing of high heels, can make this tendon feel stiff. If you would like additional information about the effect high heels have on the feet, please confer with a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads 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.

Arthritis is a painful and debilitating disease that affects many millions of people in America. Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis and, in some cases, can begin as early as childhood. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the joint lining is attacked by the body’s own white blood cells, triggering the lining to release harmful chemicals which ravage the joint’s surrounding bone, cartilage, and supporting tissues. This can occur in various joints—often on both sides of the body. People suffering with Rheumatoid Arthritis are encouraged to do what they can on their own such as: eating a healthy diet to manage their weight and stay healthy, doing modified exercises when they can, protecting their joints, and resting during flare-ups. If you are experiencing any joint pain, stiffness, or lack of mobility in your ankles or feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for relief of symptoms through a variety of treatments, medicines, and procedures.

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.

A bunion is a hard, bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe joint. The bump can be unsightly and cause pain while walking or wearing shoes. It may also push the big toe out of alignment, causing it to lean towards the smaller toes. Bunions tend to become progressively worse over time if they are not treated. Fortunately, bunions can be easily treated. Wearing roomy, comfortable shoes, using orthotic inserts or padding the bunion, and taking over-the-counter pain medications can all help manage bunion pain. For more severe bunions, surgery may be recommended. If you have bunions and would like to learn more about potential treatment options, please consult with a podiatrist.

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.

There are more incidents of foot and ankle fractures in the elderly than ever before due to an increased population of older adults, and the fact that they are more active than older adults of past generations. With age, bones become more brittle and fragile, causing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis has been traditionally regarded as the major factor contributing to both ankle and foot breakage in seniors. However, new distinctions are being drawn, placing obesity as a driving factor in ankle fractures, with fragile bones more associated with fractures of the foot. While there is some difference of opinion regarding how best to treat foot and ankle breaks in elder patients, experts agree that comorbidities and functionality levels in the patient should be determining factors regarding treatment—and not age alone. Consultation with a podiatrist is the best way to determine what treatment options exist for the elder patient with a foot or ankle break.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

There are plenty of factors to consider when buying shoes for your toddler. These include the shape of the shoes, their fastenings, flexibility, and the materials they are made of. Shoes for a toddler should be the shape of their foot, and flexible enough to provide adequate support and cushioning. They should also be made of soft, breathable materials. The fastenings on the shoes should be adjustable to help get the proper fit. As toddler’s feet grow very quickly, it is important to have their feet measured prior to trying on and buying new shoes. You should avoid buying shoes for the child to “grow into,” as wearing the wrong shoe size can lead to discomfort and injury. For more information about how to find the right shoes for your toddler, please consult 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.

Walking and running are two sports that many people enjoy where wearing the correct shoe can help to protect the feet. When people run, there is a period of time during the stride when both feet are off the ground, therefore more support is needed with running shoes. Walking lessens the impact the feet have on the ground, so walking shoes are more flexible in the top of the shoe.  Additionally, the height of the heel is different between the two types of shoes, and running shoes will also have a flared heel. If you would like to learn more about the differences in walking and running shoes, it is advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.

Stubbing your toe into a piece of furniture or dropping a heavy object on it are common ways to get a toe broken. It is often immediately noticed, and symptoms can include bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking. Minor fractures are treated by using the buddy taping method, which is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. An X-ray is generally performed to determine the severity of the broken toe, and it often takes approximately six to eight weeks to heal. If the break is severe, the bone may need to be pushed back into place, or surgery may be necessary for proper healing. If you have broken your toe, please speak with a podiatrist as soon as possible.
 

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.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which veins do not work properly and have a reduced capacity to transport blood throughout the body and back to the heart. Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency frequently show in the legs and feet. You may experience heaviness, throbbing, or dull aches in the legs, swelling in the legs and ankles, cramping, changes in skin color or texture, and open sores, blood clots, and varicose veins in the legs. There are a variety of treatments available for this condition, including medications and both surgical and nonsurgical procedures. For more information about chronic venous insufficiency, please consult with a podiatrist.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Frank Henry, DPM of Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.