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July 2020

Monday, 27 July 2020 00:00

Reasons to Visit a Podiatrist

Podiatrists can assess the foot’s health and provide a variety of treatment options for foot-related issues. One of the keys to proper foot health is making sure to visit a podiatrist early and take preventative steps. If you are feeling pain in your feet or ankles, the pain may be caused by a broken or fractured bone, a sprain, or tendonitis. Patients with diabetes should have yearly foot examinations since they may not be able to feel certain foot conditions due to reduced blood flow. Patients suffering from heel pain should also visit a podiatrist in case they have a heel spur or plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists are also able to treat corns, calluses, and bunions. All of these conditions can be painful to deal with on a daily basis. If you are experiencing any problems with your feet or ankles, please be sure to consult with a podiatrist for proper treatment options.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

  • Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
  • Use innovative methods to treat conditions
  • Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
  • Correct walking patterns and balance
  • Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

 

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If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

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Monday, 20 July 2020 00:00

Common Reasons a Hammertoe May Develop

Hammertoes, as its name suggests, may cause the affected toe to bend downward, resembling a hammer-like shape. Typically, this condition can affect the second, third, or fourth toes. Because hammertoes can be painful and cause a great deal of discomfort, it’s important that you seek professional help if you notice your toe’s appearance has become deformed. Common causes for a hammertoe’s development include a muscle imbalance, tightly-fitted footwear, a previous injury, and certain diseases such as arthritis or diabetes. Along with the noticeable change of appearance of the affected toe, some may also experience swelling, redness, a burning sensation, and the development of corns or calluses on the top of the middle joint of the affected toe. For more advice on how to treat a hammertoe, please seek the professional guidance of a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

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Monday, 13 July 2020 00:00

Caring for Foot Wounds

Our feet endure pressure during the majority of the day. It is important to promptly treat existing cuts or bruises on the feet, as this may be helpful in preventing foot wounds from developing. Patients who may be susceptible to developing wounds on the feet can include people who are diabetic or have medical conditions consisting of elevated cholesterol and blood pressure. It is beneficial to wear shoes and socks that are comfortable, in addition to trimming the toenails properly. A wound on the foot will heal faster when treated quickly, and it is strongly advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can effectively treat foot wounds.

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 podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. 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 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.

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Monday, 06 July 2020 00:00

Boating and Broken Toes

There are many people who enjoy the sport of boating. If a broken toe occurs, it may go unattended in the midst of the many duties that are performed onboard. Common causes of broken toes consist of stubbing the toe against a piece of furniture, or from dropping a heavy object on it. Noticeable symptoms of a mild fracture may appear within the first 24 hours, whereas a severe break will show almost immediately, so it is important to begin an effective treatment method. Some of the signs of a broken toe can include pain, swelling, and it may be difficult to walk. Mild relief can be found when the affected foot is elevated. Many patients choose to tape the toe to the toe next to it, and this is referred to as buddy taping. This can be helpful in providing stability as the healing process begins. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat broken toes.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

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