Research has indicated that pain in the ankle is often the result of an ankle sprain. This type of injury can happen if damage to the ligaments has occurred. Common ways of incurring an ankle sprain can include stepping off of a curb unexpectedly or twisting it in a sporting event. The symptoms that are associated with ankle sprains are intense pain and swelling, and patients may hear a popping sound at the time of the injury. The ankle may feel better when the leg is elevated, as this may reduce any existing swelling. It also may help to wrap the ankle in a tight elastic bandage in order to stabilize the foot as the healing process takes place. If you have any form of ankle pain, it is advised that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors 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:
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 one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Toenail fungus appears after there has been a fungal infection on the feet. There are noticeable symptoms that often accompany this condition, including the nail becoming thick and having a yellowish tinge, in addition to lifting off of the nail bed. Many patients notice their nails appear brittle, and the edges of the nail may crumble. If there are existing medical conditions, the possibility of developing toenail fungus may increase. These include diabetes, vascular disease, or immune system issues. Additionally, if you wear shoes which are not made of a breathable material, a fungal infection of the feet may develop. One treatment option includes taking prescribed medicine for several months. If you feel that you may have toenail fungus, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can determine the best course of treatment for you.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
Treatment
If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.
Prevention
In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.
In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Walking is a task that occurs subconsciously for most people. However, the gait cycle, or the manner in which one walks, is a complex process. The gait cycle includes the nervous, musculoskeletal, and cardio-respiratory systems. Any dysfunction with the foot or ankle can disrupt this entire process. It is vital to understand the basic components of the gait cycle in order to know if your foot or ankle issue is causing complications. One part of the gait cycle is the various stances. The first form of contact that your foot has with the ground is the heel strike. This is when the ankle is in a neutral position. The next stance is when the foot is completely flat and the ankle is flexed. During mid-stance, when the body begins to move over the foot, the ankle begins to flex in the opposite direction. The fourth stance occurs when the heel lifts off of the ground. The final stance is when the toes leave the ground. If you have any foot or ankle complications, such as flat feet, calluses or hammertoes, the gait cycle may be disrupted. Considering how often most people walk, it is vital to discover any issues in this process as early as possible. It is suggested to consult with a podiatrist if you experience any issues while walking.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. 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
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 one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The medical condition that is referred to as poor circulation occurs when there is an inadequate blood supply to the cells that they need to properly function. Many patients experience symptoms that include a tingling or numbing sensation in the feet, and the toes may feel cold. A common condition that is known as peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when the arteries in the legs become blocked. This can inhibit blood flow to the cells in the body, possibly causing poor circulation to occur. Another condition affiliated with poor circulation is known as Raynaud’s syndrome. The symptoms that are associated with Raynaud’s syndrome often include a burning or tingling sensation in the feet, and can develop as a result of stress or cold temperatures. If you have symptoms of poor circulation in your feet, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward the proper treatment.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:
Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
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