Items filtered by date: April 2022

Saturday, 30 April 2022 00:00

Let the Expert Treat Your Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be painful and can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable. Seek professional help if you believe you've developed an ingrown toenail and be treated safely. 

Tuesday, 26 April 2022 00:00

Barefoot Babies: Pros

Newborns' feet are mostly fatty tissue that progresses into bone as the aging process occurs. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops during the school years. Research has shown it is beneficial for young children to walk barefoot, as this may help to strengthen the overall foot. Additionally, walking barefoot may help to toughen the soles of the feet. Studies have shown parents may have to guide their children to walk on different surfaces, including dirt, gravel, sand, and carpet. If you would like more information about why your child can benefit from walking barefoot, 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 Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy

Swelling in the feet and ankles (edema) is caused by fluid that builds up in these areas. It is often the result of standing or walking for too long, having too much salt in your diet, being overweight, or being pregnant. Several medications, such as steroids, blood pressure meds, contraceptives, and antidepressants, may also cause swelling in the extremities. Other causes include blood clots, kidney or liver problems, bee sting or insect bite, or infection.  Symptoms of edema are shiny, red, or stretched skin and puffy feet, ankles, and lower legs. Ways to reduce the swelling include keeping your foot elevated when sitting or lying down, doing simple exercises to encourage blood flow, and wearing wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole. If you have frequent bouts of edema, or if the swelling does not recede after a few days, it’s a good idea to check in with a podiatrist for an examination and recommended treatment options.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care
Tuesday, 12 April 2022 00:00

What Might Be Causing Your Heel Pain

Heel pain—and pain at the back of the feet—in older adults can typically be caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, or various types of bursitis. Plantar fasciitis causes pain and stiffness at the bottom of heel, when the plantar fascia tissue that attaches there becomes damaged/torn and inflamed. It can typically be treated by night splinting to keep the plantar fascia in a neutral position, custom orthotics, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and more. Bursitis is an inflammation of one of the bursas in the feet. Bursas are sacs filled with fluid that provide cushioning between bones and tendons and help reduce friction between bones. Bursitis in the feet can occur either where the plantar fascia or the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, or in response to pressure from shoes at the back of the foot. These conditions can often be treated with footwear modifications, heel pads, gel wraps, orthotics and padding, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, night splints, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cold or warm compresses and more. If you have any type of pain in your heel, call a podiatrist. They are experts at diagnosing and treating all forms of heel pain.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

Read more about Heel Pain

A bunion is defined as a bony lump on the side of the big toe. It can come from genetic factors, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or possibly from enduring a toe injury. As the bunion grows, it can push the big toe closer to the second toe, and larger footwear often needs to be worn. Some patients experience pain and discomfort, and the bunion and surrounding areas can become tender, red, and inflamed. It can be difficult to complete daily activities, and it may impact the ability to exercise. It can help to maintain the correct weight to keep unnecessary pressure off of the foot. If the bunion is severe, surgery may be necessary for permanent removal, and this is referred to as a bunionectomy. If you think you may have a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can help you to find relief.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Read more about Bunions

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