Blog

The medical term known as onychomycosis is also referred to as toenail fungus. This condition may cause the toenails to become discolored and brittle, and may gradually separate from the nail bed. The reasons why this condition can develop may include having a medical condition that diminishes blood flow to the feet, or wearing shoes and socks that are too tight. Preventive measures may include wearing comfortable shoes and socks, and making sure pedicure tools are disinfected before being used. Additionally, it may be beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in public showers and pool areas, and this may limit this contagious fungus from spreading. Many patients find it beneficial to seek the services of a podiatrist who can properly trim the affected nail.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals &  Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Arthritis is inflammation in or around joints and it mainly affects the older population. The inflammation associated with arthritis causes swelling, pain, and stiffness. For some, arthritis can be debilitating, but there are ways to cope with arthritis and reduce the symptoms. Supportive shoes can go a long way for those with arthritis, because arch support can stabilize joints that may be displaced. Stretching helps boost your flexibility and mobility. Stretching the Achilles tendon is a good exercise to help with movement within the joints. Stretching is helpful but should not be overdone if it is causing pain. Foot massages can also help loosen tension in the foot and result in pain relief. Kneading the sole of your foot around the balls of your feet and your toes is an effective method for relief. If you have arthritis and would like to learn about other ways to help care for your feet, it is recommended that you speak with podiatrist for more information.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years, but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities, and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arhritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that a foot massage is a popular form of foot therapy. Many people enjoy the benefits of this type of therapy, and have realized the positive effects the overall body may enjoy. According to chinese medicine, when pressure is exerted on specific areas of the feet which is referred to as reflexology, it may aid in healing conditions that may be present in the body. Patients who endure chronic pain throughout the body may be helped by the practice of foot massages. Additionally, general pain throughout the body, lower back pain, and anxiety are uncomfortable ailments that may gradually ease when pressure is applied to certain pressure points in the feet. If you would like additional information about the benefits of foot therapy, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly guide you.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, Dr. Jonathan Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What To Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The medical condition that is referred to as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity of the joints in the toes. It most often occurs in the second toe, and will cause the toe to resemble a hammer, which is a result of the top of the toe turning downward. Many patients may develop this condition if they are flat-footed or born with the second toe that is longer than the first. There are several reasons why this uncomfortable condition may occur, and these may include wearing shoes such as high heels, which may provide inadequate room for the toes to move freely in, arthritic conditions that are present in the feet, or a predisposed inherited gene. There are noticeable symptoms that are often associated with this condition, including toes that curl, difficulty in wearing shoes that fit properly, or possible pain in the ball of the foot. When specific toe stretches are performed frequently, it may help the tendons in the foot to relax. Additionally, if the toe is splinted, this technique may aid in stretching the tendons and ligaments in the foot, which may bring a moderate level of relief. If you notice the formation of a hammertoe, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist, so the correct treatment can begin.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact one of our our offices located in Dallas, Athens, and Gun Barrel City, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.