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Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00
Heel Spurs May or May Not Cause Pain
Heel spurs are small, bony growths on the heel of the foot. A spur may grow when the plantar fascia ligament that connects the heel bones to the toe bones become inflamed. The inflammation from a heel spur might cause discomfort or not. If it does hurt, there will be pain or tenderness over the weight-bearing part of the bottom of the heel. A bump can sometimes be felt when the area is touched. A spur will not be treated unless other conditions caused by inflammation causing the pain are non-existent. For example, plantar fasciitis may be the main source of pain, and that condition will be treated and the bone spur left alone. If you have a bone spur and pain, see a podiatrist to find out the source of pain so you can receive appropriate treatment options.
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 Thi Pham, DPM from Foot Specialists of Tri-County. Our doctor 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 Sulphur Springs, Winnsboro, and Pittsburg, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
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Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are the result of calcium deposits that cause bony protrusions on the underside of the heel. Heel spurs are usually painless, but they have the potential to cause heel pain. Heel spurs tend to be associated with plantar fasciitis, which is a condition that causes inflammation of the band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. They most often occur to athletes whose sports involve a lot of running and jumping.
Some risk factors for developing heel spurs include running and jogging on hard surfaces, being obese, wearing poorly fitting shoes, or having walking gait abnormalities.
It is possible to have a heel spur without showing signs of any symptoms. However, if inflammation develops at the point of the spur’s formation, you may have pain while walking or running. In terms of diagnosis, sometimes all a doctor needs to know is that the patient is experiencing a sharp pain localized to the heel to diagnose a heel spur. Other times, an x-ray may be needed to confirm the presence of a heel spur.
Heel spurs can be prevented by wearing well-fitting shoes that have shock-absorbent soles. You should also be sure that you are choosing the right shoe for the activity you want to partake in; for example, do not wear walking shoes when you want to go on a run. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight can be beneficial toward preventing heel spurs, as it will prevent an excess amount of pressure being placed on the ligaments.
There are a variety of treatment options for people with heel spurs. Some of these include stretching exercises, physical therapy, shoe inserts, or taping and strapping to rest stressed muscles and tendons. If you have heel pain that lasts longer than a month, don’t hesitate to seek help from a podiatrist. Your doctor can help you determine which treatment option is best for you.
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Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00
Ankle Pain at Night
Foot pain, no matter when it occurs during the day, can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. While it is common for individuals suffering from conditions like plantar fasciitis to experience foot pain at the very beginning of the day, others experience foot pain at night. For example, it is possible to experience ankle pain during the night, and can happen for several reasons. First, tarsal tunnel syndrome can create pain that's worse at night. When nerves in your ankle become compressed and pinched, tarsal tunnel syndrome can develop. Individuals can experience pain not just in the ankles but also numbness and discomfort on the soles of the feet. Since the pressure on these nerves is most potent at night, the pain is typically more acute at this time. If you experience ankle pain at night, it may be caused by nighttime foot cramps. Comparable to the nocturnal leg cramps that usually affect the calves, foot cramps work similarly and can cause shooting pains in the feet. Sometimes, foot cramps can create pain that travels up to the ankle. If you have pain in your ankle that is more noticeable at night, contact a podiatrist to help address the problem.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Thi Pham, DPM from Foot Specialists of Tri-County. 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
- Bursitis
- 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 offices located in Sulphur Springs, Winnsboro, and Pittsburg, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00
Ankle Pain
The ankle joint is the point at which the bones of the leg and foot join. This joint is crucial because it is responsible for the foot’s mobility. Ankle pain is typically the result of inflammation from an injury to bones, joint space, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the area. Commonly associated symptoms with ankle pain are bruising, redness, numbness, stiffness, weakness, and tingling.
The most common causes of ankle pain are sprains and injuries. Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Sprains occur when the ligaments of the ankle become partially or completely torn due to sudden stretching. Sprains can occur on either the inner or outer sides of the ankle joint. Usually, these injuries occur when the ankle is twisted in an activity by stepping off an uneven surface. More specific causes include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, and Achilles tendonitis.
If you are experiencing ankle pain, you should consult with your podiatrist to choose the best method of care. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your ankle to determine the underlying cause of the pain.
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Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00
Bunion Formation
There are a number of foot conditions that you may encounter at one point during your lifetime. Some of them involve the formation of certain abnormal bony protrusions that can cause pain or discomfort. One such foot condition involving a bony protrusion is known as a bunion. Bunions typically develop on the side of the big toe, and in some cases, bunionettes might form on the smallest toe. Since bunions can be an annoyance to those afflicted by them, bunion formation and its causes are of the utmost importance. Bunions are commonly caused by ill-fitting footwear that makes the toes crowd together. Whenever an individual puts a significant amount of pressure on their big toe joint for an extended period of time, this can also potentially lead to bunion formation. Having other conditions or diseases might also lead to bunion formation. For example, having rheumatoid arthritis, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome makes one particularly vulnerable to developing a bunion. After a bunion forms, it can cause soreness at the affected area or even swelling around the big toe joint. If you believe that you might be at risk of developing a bunion, contact a podiatrist who can help you either prevent or treat a bunion.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Thi Pham, DPM of Foot Specialists of Tri-County. 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 offices located in Sulphur Springs, Winnsboro, and Pittsburg, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00
Bunions
A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Bunions form when the big toe pushes against the next toe, which forces the big toe joint to get bigger and stick out. As a result, the skin over the bunion may start to appear red and it may feel sore.
There are risk factors that can increase your chances of developing bunions. People who wear high heels or ill-fitting shoes are more likely to develop them, in addition to those who have a genetic history of bunions or have rheumatoid arthritis.
The most obvious way to tell if you have a bunion is to look for the big toe pushing up against the toe next to it. Bunions produce a large protrusion at the base of the big toe and may or may not cause pain. Other symptoms are redness, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe if you have arthritis.
Nonsurgical methods are frequently used to treat bunions that aren’t severe. Some methods of nonsurgical treatment are orthotics, icing and resting the foot, taping the foot, and pain medication. Surgery is usually only required in extreme cases. However, if surgery is needed, some procedures may involve removing the swollen tissue from around the big toe joint, straightening the big toe by removing part of the bone, or joining the bones of your affected joint permanently.
Your podiatrist will diagnose your bunion by doing a thorough examination of your foot. He or she may also conduct an x-ray to determine the cause of the bunion and its severity.
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Wednesday, 20 April 2022 00:00
Solutions for Cracked Heels
Cracked heels can make life very frustrating and embarrassing when displaying the bare feet. Aside from being unpleasing to the eye, they can also tear stockings and socks and wear out shoes at a faster rate. When severe, cracked heels may cause pain or infection.
Cracked heels are a problem for those who are athletic, those who may walk a lot, and those who have especially dry skin. Those who use medication that dry the skin, those who swim often, wearing certain types of shoes, and those who are diabetic may have trouble with cracked heels. Seniors whose skin produces less oil may also have trouble with cracked feet. There is no one way to develop cracked feet, and there is no cure.
Today, the market consists of numerous products that have a variety of ingredients to promote healing. Some of these are over-the-counter. Others are prescribed by a doctor, especially for those who have chronic dry feet and heels.
Some doctors recommend wearing socks at night for those with rough skin. This helps further healing, and helps creams stay on longer and better absorb into the skin.
One way to alleviate dryness that causes cracked heels is by using moisturizers both day and night. Another way is to make sure the skin is clean and dry at all times. Using a pumice stone to buff away dead skin before putting on moisturizer can also help. Cracked heels will not respond to the cream unless the outer layer of skin is first removed through exfoliation. After exfoliation, lotion or ointment will be absorbed by the skin more easily.
Foods that produce healing and balance can also help the skin from within. Everything that is put into the body can either help it or hurt it. Taking supplements of omega-3 fatty acids and zinc can also be very beneficial.
Nevertheless, not all products are guaranteed to help treat cracked feet. Seeing a professional is best if other treatments options were unsuccessful. A podiatrist should be able to give the best advice to help with this problem.
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Thursday, 01 September 2022 00:00
See Your Podiatrist Regularly If You Work On Your Feet
Do you work on your feet all day and find your feet in pain? Don't go to work in pain each day. Your foot pain can be treated, and we can help.
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Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00
Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis
Juvenile plantar dermatosis is a common and chronic dry skin condition of the feet that usually affects pre-adolescent children between the ages of three and 14 years. It is also known as atopic winter feet and forefoot dermatitis. This condition affects boys slightly more often than girls. It is rarely seen in adults but can persist into adulthood. Juvenile plantar dermatosis can be caused by repetitive frictional movements, the occlusive effect of wearing covered footwear (particularly synthetic shoes), excessive sweating, genetic sensitivities, or warm or cool climate changes. This problem is usually visible on the weight-bearing areas of the soles, ball of the big toes, and forefoot of the foot with itchy, sore, shiny, red skin that has a glazed appearance and a loss of the epidermal ridge pattern. Typically, both feet are affected. The most common complication of juvenile plantar dermatosis is painful cracks and fissures, which may become infected. This affliction is sometimes confused with other skin conditions, such as atopic eczema, plantar psoriasis, or tinea pedis. Wearing well-fitting leather shoes, two or more pairs of cotton and wool socks, and changing socks regularly will help reduce friction. Moisturizing the feet will help prevent dry skin. Resting the feet to allow any fissures to heal will help as well. If your child is experiencing problems with the skin of their feet, consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose any conditions and provide options for treatment.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Thi Pham, DPM of Foot Specialists of Tri-County. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Sulphur Springs, Winnsboro, and Pittsburg, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00
How to Care for Your Child's Feet
It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.
It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.
Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.
As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.
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