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When dancers begin to perfect their art, the first few things they realize are difficult to deal with are the choreography, grueling hours of practice, and foot issues due to their shoes and positions they have to be in. So for someone to become a dancer, they quickly realize that it takes more than just practice and talent. The feet, ankles, and legs play a vital role in dancing. Ballet, tap, jazz – you name it – all of these types of dance require you to use your lower extremities in non-typical ways. At the end of long periods of…

Those who experience foot cramps often will tell you that it’s no day in the park. The sudden, involuntary muscle contraction can cause extreme pain and even limit mobility of the feet or ankles. For some, cramps can happen very suddenly, without warning. For others, they can happen after a workout or a long day of standing or walking. There are many possible causes, depending on individual situations. Below are some reasons why you may be getting foot cramps. Nerve Damage or Compression – If a nerve is being pressed or is damaged from injury, it is possible that the signals…

When was the last time you gave your feet some love? A foot rub or pedicure can go a long way to aid aching or sore muscles and to relax any tension. After all, your feet carried you all day and helped you get you where you need to be. This month, we encourage you to take special care of your precious feet to prevent issues down the road. Here are our top tips for foot care: Daily Tips Wash your feet each day, even if you’re not showering every day. Not only will warm water help to soothe any…

  While rock climbing uses a lot of upper body strength, long-time climbers will tell your use of feet while climbing is just as important. The feet can help you span far distances, as well as give your arms a break by carrying your weight as you rest. The importance of taking care of your feet, then, is not to be ignored. If you are an avid rock climber, chances are you’ve dealt with foot health issues from foot odor to pain and disfiguration. Much of the issues come from the shoes that are used for rock climbing. Not only…

Diabetics already have enough to take care of with checking blood sugar levels, watching what you eat, and getting a good amount of exercise. However, you can experience further complications, especially when diabetic neuropathy develops. In some cases, neuropathy can be the first sign that a person has developed diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy happens when there is nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels. Nerve fibers throughout the body can be affected, but it tends to occur more in the legs and feet. This means that there is a loss of feeling in the lower extremities, making you vulnerable to…

Have you been dealing with unattractive toenail fungus (Onchyomycosis)? The anti-fungal creams just aren’t cutting it and the only way to cover it up is with socks and shoes or with nail polish. Don’t be embarrassed by your toenails any longer! At Texas Foot Works, we have the solution right here in our office. We offer you the technology of laser treatments, which can safely and painlessly treat your toenail fungus! Our laser treatments use specific wavelengths of light to target fungus that survive under the toenails, which are unreachable with creams and other medication. And unlike the many possible side…

Our feet and ankles are subject to many different problems because of the roles they play in carrying us around and keeping us fit each day. They include acute and chronic pain issues that often do not have a quick and easy treatment. Enter, EPAT. EPAT, or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive treatment for a range of musculoskeletal issues. According to the Curamedix brochure about EPAT, “This proprietary technology is based on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing process. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals.” How…

Got bunions? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Catherine Zeta-Jones, JLo, and Amy Adams are just a few celebrities that have been sighted with the problem. It’s not really a surprise, though since women are more prone to having foot issues then men are. It’s most likely due to the types of shoes that women wear, often sacrificing comfort for fashion. What are bunions? While it can begin with genetics, shoes that force the toes into a specific shape can aggravate this common problem of the big toe joint (and sometimes the pinky toe). Additionally, foot injuries, birth deformities, ill-fitting…

When you have a deformity in the first joint of the toe making it point up and then down, it’s called a hammertoe. The tip of the toe may still be flat, but between that and the foot, there is an upside-down V. It may or may not cause pain, but it needs to be treated if it causes swelling and redness of the toe, has a painful corn on top, gives you pain at the base of your toe, and/or causes pain when you try to move the toe. Hammertoes can be caused by abnormal development of muscle tissue…

Many of us lead busy lives, which often makes us forget about self-care, let alone foot care. Our feet often get neglected, even though they carry us everywhere, every day! It’s time to appreciate our feet. At Texas Foot Works, we want you to care for your feet. We have come up with some simple ways to practice good hygiene and remember to care for your feet at home. Leave your shoes and your work at the door. When you get home, it’s time to relax and enjoy yourself, whether it be with your favorite meal and TV show, or with…

Onychocryptosis, commonly known as ingrown toenails, tend to occur on the big toes, but it can affect all the little toes too. The toenail can curve into the skin or the skin may grow thickly around it, causing pain, inflammation, and even bacterial or fungal infections. What causes you to get ingrown toenails? Genetics: Curved toes or toenails can be a hereditary trait. When the toes are curled into each other, the pressure applied by the other toes can cause the nail to grow down and into the skin. People with curved toenails have a natural growth direction downward into…

More than anything, smelly feet can be embarrassing. To remedy the situation, you need to take your feet out of your shoes, but if you do, people around you might smell the horrid odor. So you continue to do your best to hide it. But did you know that it makes the smelly feet situation worse? Your feet have about 3,000 sweat glands per square inch of feet. As you get hot throughout the day, your body uses these glands to release heat, making parts of your body sweaty. Some people may not sweat as much through the hands and…

Have you tried yoga yet? In recent years, many have benefitted from practicing Yoga. It is good for the mind and body, helping you to focus, strengthening your muscles, and improving your balance. For your feet in particular, it can be helpful in becoming more aware of two body parts that constantly carry the whole of you around. (Note: If you haven’t practiced yoga before, it is best to begin under the guidance of a Yoga instructor for proper alignment and form to prevent injury.) Are you ready to connect with your feet and challenge your body to go beyond…

The Superbowl is right around the corner! The Cowboys are in the running for the playoffs and it looks like they’re getting healthier than they have been all season. Whether the Cowboys make it to the Superbowl will be determined by the Championship game, which in turn, may depend on how injuries play out. While the Cowboys mostly have healthy players, those who have been injured previously are a concern. Morris Claiborne is back in action, but will he continue to play for the Cowboys? His extensive injuries leave him an uncertain player in the football world. Terrell McClain’s ankle…

Keeping our older loved ones active and mobile is essential to keeping them healthy. It affects not only their physical health, but also their mental health by giving them a sense of independence. Supportive footwear plays an important role in keeping older adults safe in their mobility. Promoting balance, maneuverability, and cushioning are key features of supportive footwear for seniors, who are at a higher risk of falls. If your loved one seems to be struggling with walking or is at high risk for falls, follow these tips for finding supportive footwear for older adults: Shoe structure and outer soles:…

How are you doing on your New Year’s Resolutions? They are not always so easy to keep, but we at Texas Foot Works want to encourage you to keep going! If your resolution(s) had something to do with getting in shape or engaging in a healthy, active lifestyle, we have some tips for you to help increase your step count! The weather has been fluctuating, but try to keep consistent with your activity while taking the proper precautions to keep you safe and warm in the winter weather (or cool during warmer days). Got a pedometer, activity tracker, or smartphone with activity…

Happy New Year! Have you made your list of resolutions yet? Most of them are probably related to self-improvement, like losing weight or eating healthier. This year, in addition to those goals, how about you put a focus on your feet? At Texas Foot Works, we want to encourage our patients to prioritize foot health so that you can achieve overall health. Here are some goals you might add to your list of New Year’s Resolutions: Make your annual podiatry appointment with your favorite podiatrist! Why put off ‘til tomorrow, what you can do today? Listen to your body, especially your…

Diabetes can the loss of sensation in the feet. This can result to foot injuries caused by cuts or bruises due to the loss of feedback and sensation. Diabetes can reduce the blood flow to your feet. This is because of the high levels of blood sugar. Without normal blood flow to your feet, injuries heal slower due to the loss of nutrients. Proper foot care is essential, especially for people suffering from diabetes. Consult a podiatrist for more information on proper foot care for diabetics. Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with foot disorders. Inspect your…

Did you know that the strongest tendon in the body is the Achilles tendon? This tendon connects your lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of your foot. It is also responsible for facilitating movements such as walking and running. The Achilles tendon gives the body provides mobility for major leg and foot movements. And any injury should be treated as soon as possible to prevent serious and complicated problems. Most common symptoms of the Achilles tendon disorder Achilles tendinitis. This is the milder injury of the Achilles tendon and manifests the following signs and symptoms: Pain that ranges from dull…

Our feet is a complex machine composed of many bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments all working together. But as we grow older, our feet will lose flexibility and strength. And having arthritis will only make matters worse. If left untreated, pain steadily grows worse that simple activities such as walking become difficult. But with proper treatment, you can slow the development of arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint where they become, swollen, stiff, and painful. Consult a podiatrist to learn more about arthritis Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with foot disorders. Caring for your…