Items filtered by date: October 2024

Skiing relies heavily on the coordinated function of the feet for balance, control, and power. The toes grip and engage the ski boots, while the arches provide stability and absorb shock. When turning or shifting weight, the feet guide the skis, ensuring smooth transitions and precise movements. Proper foot alignment is essential for effective weight distribution, improving performance and reducing fatigue. Incorrect biomechanics, such as poor alignment or uneven weight distribution, can lead to foot problems or injuries. Conditions like overpronation or supination may strain muscles and ligaments, causing pain or instability. These imbalances can result in long-term damage if not addressed. If you have experienced a foot injury while skiing, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist. They can treat various foot conditions and offer guidance on improving foot technique, ensuring a safer and more effective skiing experience.

If you have any concerns 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to 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.

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force or overuse, often seen in athletes or individuals engaging in high-impact activities. Common symptoms include localized pain that worsens with activity, tenderness, swelling, and bruising surrounding the affected area. Individuals may also experience discomfort while walking or standing for extended periods. To relieve the pain and promote healing, rest is vital, allowing the body to recover without further stress on the injured foot. Elevating the foot helps minimize discomfort, and in some cases, wearing a supportive brace or orthotics can provide additional stability. Gradually returning to activity, along with strengthening and stretching exercises, can help prevent future injuries. If you have suffered a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Purple feet can signal underlying health issues that require attention. One common cause is blocked arteries, which restrict blood flow and can lead to discoloration due to inadequate circulation. A lack of oxygen in the blood, often resulting from respiratory conditions or cardiovascular problems, can also cause the feet to appear purplish. Cold temperatures can worsen this condition, as blood vessels constrict in response to cold, reducing circulation and leading to a purple hue. Additionally, low blood pressure can contribute to insufficient blood flow to the extremities, causing similar discoloration. If you notice your feet have a purple hue to them, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrist from North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Severe ankle fractures often require surgery to restore stability and function. When a fracture affects the ankle in multiple areas, such as with bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures, surgery is typically needed to properly realign the bones. Bimalleolar fractures involve injuries to both the inner and outer bones of the ankle. Trimalleolar fractures also include an injury to the back of the tibia near the ankle joint. These complex fractures lead to joint instability, making non-surgical treatment less effective. Symptoms like significant pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight often accompany these injuries. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity of an ankle fracture using imaging tools to determine if surgery is necessary to stabilize the ankle and prevent complications like arthritis. If you have severe ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Diabetic foot ulcers require careful management to promote healing and prevent complications. Proper wound care involves keeping the ulcer clean and protected with appropriate dressings. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is vital, as stable glucose levels support the body's natural healing processes. Also, maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can aid in wound repair. It is also important to relieve pressure on the affected foot by using specialized footwear or offloading devices. Daily foot inspections help catch any changes or infections early. A podiatrist can provide personalized treatment plans, including possible antibiotics or wound care therapies. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage its effects on your feet.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrist from North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.