Items filtered by date: September 2022

Friday, 30 September 2022 00:00

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Tuesday, 27 September 2022 00:00

How Do Blisters Develop?

Blisters are generally caused by excess friction that can come from wearing socks and shoes that do not fit correctly. The tissues and blood vessels can become damaged, and may result in a blister. It is defined as a small area that is filled with protective liquid, and forms over the damaged skin. It is the body’s natural healing process that allows new skin to form underneath the blister. It is a common ailment among runners, and a protective covering may have to be worn over it while running. When the skin has formed, the blister will gradually drain, as it is not needed any longer. A red spot where the blister forms often appears first, and this can be a warning sign to take proper precautions to protect the feet. Blisters may develop for other reasons, including having an allergic reaction, or possibly from a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. If you frequently get blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options, and discuss preventive methods with you.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

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Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00

Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Feet

Rheumatoid arthritis is a specific kind of autoimmune disorder that primarily impacts the joints and other body systems. Although individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can experience a wide range of different symptoms, foot pain is an important symptom of RA. For example, individuals with RA can experience swelling, pain, and abnormalities in the feet. Not only can this be annoying in and of itself for those with RA, it can also make falling or tripping due to weakened feet more likely. This can be especially problematic for older individuals who are already susceptible to trips and falls. If you are someone that suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and is experiencing foot pain, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 one of our podiatrist of North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 offices located in Euless and Southlake, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00

Obesity and Foot Swelling

Having swollen feet is certainly not a pleasant experience. Swelling in the feet occurs when bodily fluids become trapped or built-up in the tissues. As a result, the affected area can become significantly puffy, causing them to look markedly bigger than usual. Although swelling in the feet has a litany of different causes, obesity is one potential contributing factor to swollen feet. When an individual is obese, or overweight, they can sometimes experience reduced blood circulation, which then can make the feet become swollen. Additionally, since obese people carry more weight, they consequently exert more pressure on their feet and this can cause pain when walking. As a result, obese people may minimize their physical activity, which can make fluids become trapped in the feet. If you are an individual that struggles with obesity, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss ways to mitigate your foot pain. In consultation with your podiatrist, you may discuss whether or not losing weight would help you reduce the problems that you are experiencing in your feet. Do not take any chances with the health of your feet–contact a podiatrist today.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrist from North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

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Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00

What Athlete’s Foot Looks Like

Athlete’s foot is a fairly common affliction of the foot that primarily affects the skin. Caused by a fungal infection, athlete’s foot is developed when an individual’s skin comes into direct contact with an infected person. This condition can also occur when walking barefoot in warm, moist, public environments such as locker rooms and pool sides. Athlete’s foot might look significantly different depending on where the infection is located and which fungus has caused the infection. For example, when located on the top of the foot, athlete’s foot may appear to be red and patchy. In some individuals, the top of the skin might even look scaly. When located between the toes, athlete’s foot can make the skin look soggy or even split. It is important to note that when this condition affects the skin between the toes, it is quite common for the skin to be significantly itchy. Lastly, athlete’s foot can manifest itself on the bottom, or soles, of the feet. When it appears on the soles of the feet, the condition may appear to be a shade of pink or red. It will also tend to have a scaly texture. If you suspect that you have a case of athlete’s foot, contact a podiatrist to help you address your problem.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrist from North Texas Podiatry Associates.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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.

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