A condition common among the diabetic community is peripheral artery disease, PAD, which affects between 8-10 million people a year in the United States. Many of them are over 50 years old, studies show. PAD causes fatty buildup in the arteries, including those in the feet. The clogged arteries restrict blood flow, and if left undetected can lead to severe tissue damage. Among the most common symptoms of PAD are pain and numbness, especially when walking. Weakness, cold feet, and wounds that take a long time to heal are also telltale signs to look out for. Taking proper medication to reduce the inflammation in the arteries is important, along with regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and giving up smoking. In severe cases of PAD, medication and lifestyle changes may not be enough. If the condition persists, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for an evaluation and extensive treatment plan.
Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD include:
It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.
Diagnosis
While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.
Treatment
Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
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.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Signs that you may have contracted a fungal toenail infection are rather easy to spot. Typically, you will notice a whitening or yellowing of the nail, and it will appear to be thicker and more brittle. The fungus, known as onychomycosis, is often spread in swimming pools, saunas, gyms, or nail salons – places where you are likely to walk barefoot. Tight socks that hold in moisture may also be a contributing factor. Heat, humidity, and perspiration help spread the infection, which is highly contagious. A few natural remedies that may help reduce the fungus from spreading include applying tea tree, lavender, lemon, or thyme oils to the affected nails. A foot bath with baking soda or white vinegar may help too. However, if the nail condition persists or spreads it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for an examination and treatment plan.
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.
Podiatrists are physicians, and often surgeons, who have studied the foot, ankle, and lower leg, along with all associated ailments. They have received an undergraduate degree as well as medical degree and undergo four years of postgraduate study with a three-year residency. They treat a variety of foot and ankle issues, including fungal and ingrown toenails, heel pain, fractures, ankle sprains and strains, nerve damage (neuromas), bunions, hammertoe, arthritis, wound care, and complications of the feet due to diabetes and peripheral artery disease, and much more. They can also perform surgeries to treat certain foot and ankle conditions, perform gait analyses, and fit and create custom orthotics for their patients. If you experience any discomfort in your feet or ankles or are having a hard time getting around, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can get to the bottom of your condition and treat it accordingly.
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.
If you hear a crackling sound when you move your ankle, experience stiffness or minor pain in the area above the heel, or feel heel pain when walking uphill or climbing stairs, you may have a condition known as Achilles tendonitis. Being overweight, lacking flexibility, and weakened calf muscles are thought to be contributing factors to this inflammation. Activities that call for sudden starts and stops, or abrupt changes in direction can also aggravate the tendon. If you have flat feet, you may be at further risk as well. Preventative measures include wearing proper footwear with adequate support, maintaining strong leg and calf muscles, and stretching especially prior to activity. If the pain continues, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can examine your heel and offer an appropriate treatment plan.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Foot pain can have a wide variety of sources. For example, issues such as arthritis, which causes inflammation in the joints, or tendonitis, which causes inflammation to the tendons, can gradually develop over time. Trauma to the foot can cause a painful injury such as a sprain or fracture. Even issues with blood flow to the feet, such as peripheral vascular disease (where there is a constriction of blood flow) or deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot), can result in painful foot conditions. Biomechanical issues like flat feet can also lead to foot pain. Because of the variety of pain that can occur in the feet, patients who are struggling with foot pain should see a podiatrist to help develop a personal treatment plan.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
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 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.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
If you have sprained one of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints in your foot your podiatrist may suggest that you do gentle exercises to help your recovery. Gentle stretches can help to keep your muscles and ligaments flexible. One simple stretch is a great toe extension. To do this exercise, sit down and place your affected foot over your other knee. With one hand, grasp the heel. With your other hand, gently pull your big toe backwards. You should feel a stretch along the bottom of your foot. Hold this stretch for 15-30 seconds and repeat several times for best results. To find more stretches and determine which ones may be right for you, please consult with your podiatrist.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. 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.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
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.
Taking care of our feet will help you to stay active and mobile throughout your lifetime. One of the best paths to healthy feet is to wear good shoes that fit well, are supportive, and have plenty of room in the toe box and proper cushioning on the sole and heel. Maintaining a healthy weight is also very important. Carrying around extra weight puts undue stress on your feet and ankles can increase our chances of developing conditions like diabetes, which can further compromise the health of your feet. Good old-fashioned hygiene is another basic element in maintaining optimum foot health. Feet should be kept clean, dry and moisturized, and fresh socks should be worn every day. Toenails need to be trimmed straight across and kept around 1-2 mm (0.04” to 0.08”) long. Trimming toenails too short might allow them to grow into the skin. Also, to prevent getting a cut or fungal infection, you should avoid going barefoot in public, especially in communal shower areas and other wet spaces open to the public. A podiatrist can also offer additional advice and professional care throughout your lifetime to keep your feet healthy and functional.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
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.
Doctors who focus on treating foot and ankle conditions are known as podiatrists, or doctors of podiatric medicine (labeled DPM for short). Conditions that podiatrists commonly diagnose and treat include skin conditions, such as blisters, warts, and corns; nail conditions, like ingrown toenails and fungal infections; and injuries, such as sprains or breaks. Many podiatrists focus on specific areas in foot medicine with specialties that include biomechanics, wound care, and sports medicine. Patients who have underlying health conditions, like obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and poor blood circulation, should also be under the care of a podiatrist. If you have foot pain, swelling, numbness, or a possible infection in your feet or ankles, visiting a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment method is suggested.
If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. 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?
Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.
Podiatric Treatment
A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:
A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.
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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