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Gun Barrel City (903) 887-4341

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Tuesday, 12 March 2024 00:00

A sprained ankle, a common injury among people of all ages, occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear due to sudden twisting, rolling, or impact. The severity of a sprained ankle depends on various factors, including the extent of ligament damage and the force of the injury. Symptoms of a sprained ankle typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. The severity of the injury is often classified into three grades. Grade I involves mild stretching or microscopic tearing of ligaments, resulting in mild pain and swelling. Grade II indicates partial tearing of ligaments with moderate pain, swelling, and instability. Grade III represents complete tearing of ligaments, causing severe pain, swelling, and significant instability in the ankle joint. Proper diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing sprained ankles effectively. Treatment may include things like rest, compression, and elevation. Additionally, immobilization with a brace or splint may be recommended, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

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Sunday, 10 March 2024 00:00

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 05 March 2024 00:00

Hammertoe is a foot deformity characterized by an abnormal bending of the toe joints, causing the affected toe to resemble a hammer or claw. This condition typically affects the second, third, or fourth toes. It results from an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that control toe movement. Tightening of the ligaments and tendons, often due to wearing ill-fitting shoes with narrow toe boxes or high heels, can force the toes into a bent position over time. Additionally, genetic predisposition, foot structure abnormalities, and underlying conditions like arthritis or nerve damage can contribute to the development of hammertoes. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience pain, discomfort, corns, or calluses on the affected toes, making it difficult to wear shoes comfortably. Early intervention through proper footwear, toe exercises, orthotic devices, and, in severe cases, surgical correction can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with hammertoe. If you have hammertoe, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a podiatrist for an appropriate diagnosis and management of this condition.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Our doctor 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 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.

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Tuesday, 27 February 2024 00:00

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a vascular condition characterized by narrowed arteries, limiting blood flow to the extremities. Recognizing the signs of PAD, particularly in the feet, is essential for early detection and treatment. One notable symptom is intermittent claudication, causing pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity. Reduced blood flow can result in coolness or numbness in the feet, along with weakened or absent pulses in the ankles and feet. Slow-healing wounds or sores, especially on the feet, may indicate compromised circulation. Changes in skin color, such as paleness or a bluish tint, could also be observed. Additionally, individuals with PAD may experience hair loss on their feet and legs, as well as shiny or thin skin. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious complications, including tissue damage and an increased risk of amputation. If you have PAD, and your feet are affected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor 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:

  • Claudication (leg pain from walking)
  • Numbness in legs
  • Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
  • Paleness of the skin
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
  • Coldness in one leg

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 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.

Read more about Peripheral Artery Disease
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