Items filtered by date: December 2023

Neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage, can significantly impact the feet, leading to various symptoms that range from tingling sensations to sharp pain. Diabetes stands as a primary contributor to neuropathy, with prolonged elevated blood sugar levels damaging nerves over time. Other systemic conditions such as autoimmune disorders, kidney diseases, and vitamin deficiencies can also instigate neuropathic symptoms in the feet. Moreover, exposure to toxins, certain medications, or infections may provoke neuropathy, affecting the peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting signals between the feet and the central nervous system. Trauma or injury to the nerves, often arising from accidents or surgeries, can induce neuropathic symptoms. Understanding the diverse causes of neuropathy is paramount for an accurate diagnosis and targeted intervention. If you have tingling or numbing sensations in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat neuropathy.

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 one of our podiatrists  from Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors 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 offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, and Sachse, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths at the base of the heel bone, and implementing targeted exercises is a proactive approach to managing heel spur pain. Stretching exercises, such as towel curls and toe stretches, help maintain flexibility in the foot's connective tissues, mitigating strain on the heel. Calf stretches, performed against a wall, alleviate tension in the Achilles tendon, and may help to reduce the impact on the heel spur. Rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot not only provides relief but also minimizes inflammation. Incorporating these exercises into a regular routine can contribute to the gradual alleviation of heel spur discomfort. It is imperative to approach these exercises with patience, allowing the body time to adapt and heal. Consultation with a podiatrist is advisable to tailor exercises to individual needs. If you have developed a heel spur, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, and Sachse, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Selecting the right pair of running shoes is paramount for a comfortable and injury-free experience. When embarking on this journey, consider the shoe's fit as a top priority. The shoe should snugly cradle the foot without causing tightness, allowing for a secure yet comfortable feel. Pay attention to the arch support, ensuring it complements the natural arch of your foot. Cushioning is vital for impact absorption, protecting joints and reducing the risk of injuries. Consider the type of running you engage in, including road running, trail running, or a mix of varied surfaces, and choose shoes tailored to the specific terrain. The heel counter, the back portion supporting the heel, should provide stability. Flexibility is also key. The shoes should bend where your foot naturally does. Lastly, examine the outsole for durability and traction. If you are seeking additional information about what type of running shoes to purchase, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist, who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, and Sachse, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Forefoot disorders are common and can significantly impact a person's ability to walk and may affect their overall quality of life. One prevalent issue is metatarsalgia, which causes pain in the front part of the foot. To alleviate metatarsalgia, individuals can use metatarsal pads, bars, or forefoot cushions. Another common problem is hallux valgus, characterized by the deviation of the big toe towards the other toes. Treatment options for hallux valgus include toe spreaders, valgus splints, and bunion shields. Hallux limitus and hallux rigidus, which cause limited movement in the big toe, can benefit from kinetic wedge foot orthoses or rocker soles. Additionally, hammer, claw, and mallet toes, which involve unusual bending of the smaller toes, can be managed with toe sleeves, padding, or metatarsal off-loading insoles. Morton's neuroma, a painful condition affecting the metatarsal area due to a benign nerve growth, can be relieved through the use of metatarsal bars, plantar pads, or cushioned insoles. It is important for individuals with these forefoot disorders to avoid wearing tight-fitting or high-heeled shoes and instead opt for comfortable footwear. If you suffer from forefoot pain, including toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate management strategies.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, and Sachse, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.