Items filtered by date: July 2022

The Achilles tendon is a large band of tissue which attaches the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone. It is engaged while walking, running, jumping, and elevating on the toes. Athletes, and especially runners, can aggravate this tendon from overuse, which may cause it to become thickened and inflamed. This is known as Achilles tendonitis. Pain from Achilles tendonitis is usually felt above the heel or in the back of the lower leg. A podiatrist can examine you if you are experiencing this type of pain, which may intensify after sprinting, stair climbing or running for a long period of time. They may suggest certain strengthening and stretching exercises, along with resting the leg and icing the affected area, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help with the pain. Long-term relief may include using custom orthotics and special types of footwear to offload pressure on the affected area. For more information or to receive treatment for Achilles tendon, make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrist of North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

If you are among the elderly, you are at an increased risk of falling. Improving your balance and becoming more aware of your body and how it is moving through exercise can help you prevent falls. If your podiatrist approves, you can try simple balance exercises at home such as the single leg stance with variations. These exercises all have a resting position where you stand with your legs slightly apart while supporting yourself behind a chair or table. First, lift one leg up to the side about 6 inches and hold for 10 seconds. Do 5-10 reps on each leg. Now, go back to the resting position, but this time bend your right knee and lift your leg about 6 inches off of the floor and hold for 10 seconds before switching to the other leg. Once again, return to the resting position keeping your knee straight. Lift one leg behind you and hold for 10 seconds, and repeat on the other leg. These single-leg stance exercises can be done up to three times daily and once you feel ready with your podiatrist's approval, you can try them with your eyes closed to improve your balance even more. Consult with your podiatrist for more balance exercises and to receive a fall risk assessment. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrist from North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Over the course of your life, you may develop foot ailments that could potentially threaten the health of your feet. It is critical for you to be able to discern when these ailments can be treated at home and when you ought to see a podiatrist. Gout is one such foot ailment, and it is imperative that you know when the condition merits consultation with a podiatrist. Gout is a kind of arthritis that can affect the joints of the toes and ankles. This unpleasant condition typically forms when uric acid accumulates in the blood, forming tiny crystals around joints in your feet. As a result, the joints become red, inflamed, and often painful. Although almost anyone can develop gout, men over 30 years of age and post-menopausal women are most at risk. There are several signs that you should be aware of that could indicate that it is time to see a podiatrist about your gout. First, you might see a podiatrist if the pain and swelling of your gout worsens considerably or if you also happen to have a fever. Second, consider reaching out to a podiatrist if you experience a flareup of gout after taking prescribed medication, especially if the medication does not alleviate the condition after a few days. When in doubt, it might be best to see a podiatrist and receive a diagnosis because gout can produce symptoms similar to other foot ailments. If you think you have gout, you can contact a podiatrist today for a diagnosis.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrist from North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

As people age, they are at an increasing risk of suffering a dangerous fall. However, there are several ways in which seniors can prevent trips and tumbles by focusing on their feet. Specifically, seniors can practice simple, isolated foot exercises to strengthen their muscles and improve stability. First, a senior can practice heel-toe walking by slowly placing one foot directly in front of the other in succession, making sure that each time the heel is placed up against the other foot’s toes. It might be helpful to extend the arms horizontally at one’s sides or lightly touch a wall for extra balance. Additionally, a senior may perform foot taps, where one stands at the bottom of a staircase with their feet hip-width apart and slowly raises each foot to gently tap the top of the bottom stair. One can alternate feet each time to help build stability and balance. Each of these exercises can be performed three to five times per week. A senior might even consider performing these exercises with the help of a friend or loved one. A podiatrist can give you more tips about improving balance to prevent falls.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrist from North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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