The Importance of Safe Footwear at Work

Wearing safe footwear at work is vital for preventing various foot conditions and ensuring overall health and safety. Wearing ill-fitting or inappropriate shoes can lead to issues such as blisters, calluses, and bunions, causing discomfort and affecting productivity. More serious conditions can include plantar fasciitis, which results from inadequate arch support, and metatarsalgia, caused by excessive pressure on the ball of the foot. Additionally, workplace hazards like heavy objects or slippery surfaces increase the risk of injuries like fractures or sprains without proper footwear. Choosing shoes with adequate support, cushioning, and non-slip soles can prevent these problems. Investing in the right footwear enhances comfort, reduces fatigue, and minimizes the risk of chronic foot conditions and acute injuries, ensuring a safer and more productive work environment. If you have had one or more foot injuries from wearing the wrong shoes while at work, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and educate you on appropriate shoes for your workday.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. 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 contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Types and Causes of Ankle Pain

Ankle pain, a common complaint with various origins, can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. Acute ankle pain often arises from sudden injuries, such as sprains or fractures, resulting from twists, falls, or impacts. Symptoms of these injuries include sharp pain, swelling, and bruising. Conversely, chronic ankle pain may develop gradually over time, due to repetitive stress or underlying conditions like tendonitis or arthritis. Such persistent discomfort may be accompanied by stiffness and weakness in the ankle joint. Overuse injuries, such as Achilles tendonitis or peroneal tendonitis, can lead to localized pain along the back or sides of the ankle. Contributing factors include improper footwear, biomechanical issues, and insufficient warm-up or conditioning. If you have developed ankle pain for any reason, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Definition and Symptoms of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are common viral skin infections that occur on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus, abbreviated HPV. These warts often appear as small, rough growths that can be painful when pressure is applied, such as during walking or standing. Characteristically, plantar warts may have tiny black dots on their surface, which are actually small, clotted blood vessels. The skin around the wart may become thickened or callused due to the constant friction and pressure. In some cases, plantar warts can cluster together to form mosaic warts, which can be particularly difficult to treat. Symptoms can include tenderness and discomfort, particularly when the wart is located on a weight-bearing area of the foot. The majority of people experience pain while walking with plantar warts. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Recognizing Common Symptoms of a Broken Foot

A broken foot can present with several clear symptoms, and it is vital to identify them for prompt treatment. One of the most telling signs is a sharp, severe pain that often worsens with movement or weight-bearing activities. A sensation of dislocated bones, where the foot feels misaligned or abnormal, is also common. Swelling and bruising typically develop rapidly around the affected area, indicating internal bleeding and inflammation. Visible deformities or an inability to move the foot or toes may also occur, in addition to a pronounced tenderness when touching the injured area. Treatment may include immobilization with a cast, use of crutches, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to realign the broken bones. If you feel you may have broken your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose it and treat it accordingly.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Relief for Acute Ankle Sprains

Acute ankle sprains are often caused by sudden twists that stretch or tear ligaments surrounding the ankle, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty while walking. Immediate treatment for an acute ankle sprain is important for effective recovery and to prevent long-term complications. Supportive measures include a lace-up brace, an air stirrup brace, or an elastic compression wrap to stabilize the injured ankle and promote faster healing. Early mobilization, as tolerated by pain levels, has been shown to aid in quicker recovery and reduce the risk of chronic ankle instability. Pain relief medications can help to manage inflammation and discomfort. Athletes and those prone to recurrent sprains may wish to consider using ankle supports during sports to prevent future injuries. If you have recently sprained your ankle or are experiencing persistent discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan to ensure proper healing, and to minimize the chance of future ankle problems.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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