December 2017

You’ve probably seen products for corn removal and callus pads at your local drugstores and supermarkets. You may have wondered about them, and who would need them. Or maybe you’ve had corns and calluses, but they haven’t gotten better. Well, we’re going to talk about your options today.

Corns and calluses develop due to constant repeated friction on the skin of your feet. Thick skin that forms as a bump is called a corn, while thick skin that develops on the bottom of the feet are called a callus. If you’ve had them, you know that not only are they unpleasant to look at, but they can also cause you pain. Unfortunately, the most likely culprit is your footwear.

That’s right, if your shoes are constantly rubbing on feet, the friction will cause your skin to thicken to protect itself. However, the longer it develops, the more likely it is that you may feel pain.

While they are not contagious or life-threatening, they sure can be a huge nuisance. Here are some questions to ask yourself for dealing with corns and/or calluses:

• Are your shoes causing you pain? Maybe you have a pair of work shoes or casual shoes that leave you with pain or feel too tight. It may be the cause of your corns or calluses. High heels, especially, can cause you to have calluses on the balls of your feet.
• Do you wear socks with your shoes? Even if it seems like some shoes aren’t meant to have socks worn with them, if you are prone to corns and calluses, you should always wear socks. Socks, even thin, sheer socks, can help reduce friction. 
• Do you have foot deformities or other problems? Some foot issues like bunions or hammertoes can make you more prone to developing corns because the deformities may cause more friction with your shoes. Get shoes that are roomier and try using some pads for painful sites. For some, custom orthotics can be the most helpful in relieving painful symptoms for deformities and the corns and calluses that come with them.
• Do you pamper and care for your feet? Sometimes, all your feet need are some TLC (tender loving care). In the case of raised and thickened corns and calluses, try a warm soak and then use an emery board or pumice stone to file them down. If it’s painful, do not proceed without a podiatrist.

If you have pesky corns and calluses that are bothering you, our podiatrist can help remove or reduce them. Make an appointment at Texas Foot Works to have your feet checked and to find the best solution to treat them. Our podiatrist Jonathan M. Kletz, DPM can treat your feet at our offices in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrell City, TX.

The weather has changed so drastically – do you even remember what winter felt like? Something along the lines of, “it was a bit colder,” right? Along with the change in weather comes a change in the way you should care for your feet.

Now that we are smack dab in the middle of the summer, you probably find yourself thinking about ways to keep cooler. This may include wearing tank tops, shorts, and some flip flops or sandals. But we want to warn you, don’t forget about foot care just because it’s summer!

Your feet in the summer are prone to getting hot, sweaty, burned, cut, and/or injured. The following are some tips to address these consequences in order to best care for your feet as you try to beat the heat!

• Hot: You’ll be leaning towards wearing shoes that do not fully enclose your feet. This usually means flip-flops and sandals. While they can be great for staying cool, it can also mean that you risk leaving your feet unsupported. To prevent foot issues, it’s best to have good cushioning, arch support, and heel cupping. Many flip-flops, sandals, and even flats do not always have these qualities. Look for sandals that have more of the qualities that keep them stable and supported.
• Sweaty: If you choose to stay supported by wearing sneakers or custom orthotic shoes, make sure you carry around extra socks to change into in case they become soaked (especially if you have hyperhidrosis)
• Burned: The summer sun can leave your skin, including the skin on your feet, with a burn. If you’ll be out in the sun and your feet will be exposed, make sure to use sunblock all the way down to your feet.
• Cut and/or Injured: It’s tempting to take off your shoes and walk around on the grass or other surface while barefoot, but it exposes you to other possible problems. You can get cut from broken shards of glass. You can get bruised or injured from small pebbles you may not see. You can even get bitten by a colony of feisty ants if you accidentally step on an anthill! Additionally, going barefoot exposes you to infection, especially on shared floors, like at community pools and locker room showers.

Also, don’t forget to stay hydrated! The summer heat and sun can get pretty brutal, so if you plan to be out for a long time, bring some water with you. If you get dry cracked heels from wearing sandals, it may be a sign that you need more hydration and moisturizing!

Do you have additional concerns about summer foot care tips? Come see our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.

Have you seen those commercials that say that eating their foods can help you be healthier? Eat this cereal to lower cholesterol. Drink this product to build strong bones. Eat spinach to get strong. (Okay, that last one was from the cartoon Popeye, but still.)

Have you ever seen any commercials telling you what to eat for healthier feet? Probably not. It’s another way that your feet can get neglected when considering your overall health. If you think about it, your feet have bones, joints, tissues, and skin, just like the rest of your body. So eating for your feet benefits your whole body!

So what are some foods that you should make sure to include in your diet?

For starters, dairy products and dark, leafy greens like spinach have the calcium needed for strong bones. Make sure to have some each day, as well as some sunlight for vitamin D (which helps to absorb calcium into the bones).

Raw vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish are all foods that have a variety of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and enzymes. Foods like ginger, walnuts, and salmon have great anti-inflammatory properties. Enzymes, as well as protein, are needed to assist with muscle repair, especially after a workout. Those with arthritis pain should look for anti-inflammatory foods and stay away from sugar and fried foods.

And don’t forget about your skin! Make sure to drink plenty of water (bonus if you have electrolytes) to increase circulation, support muscle tissues, and keep skin hydrated. Foods with antioxidants such as wild blueberries and dark chocolate can help your tissues stay nourished and help protect skin and bones from cancer.

Don’t forget about exercise!

While healthy food is helpful for foot health, exercise is also important for preventing injuries and disease. Weight bearing exercises help to build strong bones, while stretching and strengthening allows for flexibility and resilience. Since your body needs to “eat” some Vitamin D from sunlight, try to get in an outdoor workout, such as running, biking, or hiking a few times a week. Remember that while cardiovascular workouts are great, some weight lifting can also do the body good.

Need more information on how to improve foot health? Come see our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.

If you’ve got arthritis, it can really affect your quality of life. Simple things, even just walking around and standing, can be such a painful activity. Because it can affect any joints, the feet and ankles, which have 33 joints, are particularly susceptible to pain. The disease is primarily one of inflammation and stiffness, so it’s not something easily treated with surgery or other procedures. It’s a disease managed by lifestyle changes, medications, and pain management.

We always want our patients to be educated in their self-management of the disease. The following are some ways you can care for your arthritic feet and ankles:

Find what works and doesn’t work for you.

• No two arthritis patients have the same symptoms or issues.
• Some activities and foods are particularly aggressive triggers for inflammation and pain. Keep track of the foods you eat (sugary foods can trigger flare ups, while omega-3s are helpful), the activities that give you pain, and how much sleep you’re getting.
• Fatigue can worsen your body condition, so make sure to get enough sleep.
• Too much stress can also aggravate the problem.

Stay active, but balance it with rest.

• Exercising regularly can help you feel better. Increasing muscles around your arthritic joints can help support them when they are weak. Staying in shape helps prevent overweight problems, which negatively affects arthritis.
• Stay away from high-impact activities, however, as they can worsen arthritis pain. Swimming and walking are great exercises for arthritis patients.
• Make sure to include times for rest and recovery. If your lifestyle is usually a go, go, go type of life, you may have to schedule times of rest.

Make changes.

• Purchase shoes that are comfortable and supportive. Consult with our podiatrist if need be, to get orthotics that can alleviate pressure and pain.
• At home, make changes to suit your needs. If you spend a lot of time standing, use foam mats to give you cushioning. Indoor slippers with extra cushioning can also help to relieve joint pressure.

Early treatment can help to slow down the progress of the disease. If you suspect arthritis, especially if it runs in the family, check for symptoms often. If you are suffering from foot pain due to arthritis, come see our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.

If you like to wear open-backed shoes, such as sandals, you are more prone to experiencing heel fissures or calluses. Without the support of the back of your shoes, the heels of your feet are subject to friction from sliding around. In addition, exposure to the open air can cause dry skin around the heel. Dry, cracked skin and calluses can occur on the heels and be not only annoying, but painful as well.

To treat mild to moderately dry heel fissures and calluses, try some of the following:

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you’re dehydrated, you may also notice dry skin on other parts of your body as well.
• Exfoliate: After a warm foot soak, use a pumice stone to scrub off the dry skin cells. Putting Epsom salt and/or honey in your foot soak is helpful for healing. If you happen to be by the beach, a walk in the sand can also help exfoliate dry feet.
• Moisturize: Especially after exfoliating, put on some lotion and let it soak into the heels. Be careful not to slip on non-carpeted floors – wearing socks can help with that.
• Cover Your Heels: If you happen to wear backless shoes, it may be helpful to wear shoes with backs for a while, or at least to wear backless shoes less often.
• Treat Infections: If your skin looks infected, clean it and then treat with antibiotic ointments or creams. Protect the heels by wearing socks to prevent another infection.

Be aware, however, that dry, cracked heels can also be caused by tinea pedis, also known as Athlete’s Foot. Dry skin and fungal infections have similar symptoms, so it could be hard to treat. When your regular moisturizing techniques do not work, it’s safer to assume that you’ve got athlete’s foot and use medication that will treat the fungal infection. You can sanitize everything and use over-the-counter medication to treat the condition.

To properly treat your symptoms, whether it be heel fissures or athlete’s foot, consult our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Works. This is also important if you have heel fissures or calluses that are extremely painful, bleeding, or are infected. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.

Spring and summer are prime time for that fresh cut grass smell. But in order to get that smell, you need to mow your lawn. Some people find that time to be rewarding, but for others, it’s usually a teenager’s chore. Not only do you have to beat the summer sun and heat, you also have to be careful of the dangers of using a power lawn mower. Unfortunately there are thousands of hand and foot injuries each year, with even children and pets being accidentally involved.

There are several precautions to take when using a power mower, whether you are 12 or 70 years old. Remember to protect all parts of your body, including your feet when using these machines. The following are some safety tips that we recommend you follow:

Sun safety

• You should only mow the lawn in good weather so that the grass is dry and you have less of a chance of slipping.
• Remember to wear sunblock.

Protective Gear and Tools

• Goggles, ear protectors, and gloves help protect you from flying objects and the loud lawn mowers. Use closed-toed shoes and long pants to protect from flying objects.
• Use a stick to clear debris and stuck lawn cuttings instead of your hands as the rotary blades could have tension that suddenly releases.
• Auto-shut off lawn mowers will reduce accidents from when you have to suddenly let go of the handle, such as if you were to slip.

Prepare the area

• Remove any branches, toys, and other debris before you begin so that nothing gets stuck or flung out from under the mower.
• Make sure children and pets are safely inside and kept far away from the mower. It’s best not to go in reverse, as you never know what’s behind you.

Proper Usage

• Follow all safety instructions of the mowers, especially maintenance instructions. Improperly maintained mowers can cause injuries as well. Let lawn mowers cool before adding more fuel.
• Do not allow children to ride with you on riding mowers as they can get injured if they fall off or as they get off the machine.
• Do your best not to mow up and down, but rather across the lawn on hills.

Do you have a strain or sprain from working in your yard? If it’s not a severe injury (in which case you should go to the emergency department), come see Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.

Bone tumors, both benign and malignant, can affect any bone in the body. Whether or not they are cancerous, bone tumors tend to weaken bone as cells rapidly divide to form a new growth of abnormal tissue. The weakened bone can then be more easily fractured from stress or injury.

Identifying a bone tumor:

Usually a patient will feel pain in the area of the tumor. Instead of a sharp pain, it can be a dull or achy pain that increases with activity. Night sweats and fevers may accompany these symptoms. However, some may not even feel pain, but instead notice a lump or mass growing on the foot. A medical examination, including X-rays and even biopsies may be required to properly diagnose a tumor, and to determine whether or not it is cancerous.

In most cases, tumors are noncancerous. These benign tumors can happen due to trauma to the toes or just from hereditary factors. The following are some common bone tumors:

• Subungual Exotosis – This can happen due to trauma or injury, in which a small bone spur develops under the toenail. When they cause pain, the removal of the spur can relieve symptoms.
• Enchondroma – This cartilaginous tumor is common in the hands and feet. The tumor causes the small tubular bones to weaken and leaves thinned bones to easily break. If it develops right below the toenail, it can feel like the pain of an ingrown toenail.
• Osteochondromas – These benign tumors tend to grow on long tubular bones and do not always cause pain. If this tumor develops under the nail, it can cause a toenail deformity and lead to ingrown toenails. A hereditary condition, it tends to happen more in males and occurs on both sides of the body. The best treatment for this tumor is surgical removal.
• Ollier’s Disease (enchondromatosis) – This disease tends to affect small bones in the hands and feet. It tends to affect only one foot, and has a possibility of transforming into cancer.
• Maffucci’s Syndrome – This tumor growth is a rare type of enchondromatosis and has a greater chance of turning cancerous.

When a bone tumor is found to be cancerous, it usually is found to have spread (metastasized) from another part of the body; breast, lung, and prostate cancers tend to spread to bones.

Bone tumors, both benign and malignant, can be treated with medication or surgical removal, depending on the developmental stage. Radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may also be used for bones with cancer.

If you suspect a tumor growth in your feet, come see us right away. Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Workscan help you identify the problem and diagnose your bony growth. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.

Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy – the belly becomes bigger and rounder, hormones change and fluctuate, bones shift, and some parts of your body swells. In particular, your feet can undergo much more stress than they normally do in order to keep you active and stable.

Some foot problems pregnant women may encounter include:

• Pain along the plantar fascia (ligament on the bottom of your feet) – As you carry more weight, the feet have to work harder and undergo much more pressure than they are used to. Excess weight can even change your feet to be flat feet.
• Swelling – Blood and fluid alone can be the cause of up to 20 pounds of weight gain during pregnancy. Long periods of standing, sitting, or work (including walking) can prevent circulation and cause swelling.
• Instability – With swelling and extra pressure on the feet, it’s possible that your feet can be less alert and sensitive. This can cause instability, especially if you are in high heels.

To combat these problems, here are some tips for keeping your feet happy:

• Be active – Long periods of inactivity (or too much activity) can cause pain and swelling for your feet. If you have an office job, try to get up, stand, and move your feet as much as possible to increase circulation.
• Hydrate – This will also help you with circulation, as well as give you an excuse to move with trips to the restroom!
• Wear compression socks – this will help prevent swelling in the feet and ankles.
• Relax in a warm Epsom salt, cold Tonic water, or warm Grapefruit Essential Oil foot soak – This is a great way to give your feet some pain relief, as well as reduce swelling.
• Get a foot rub – If possible, get regular foot massages to pamper your tired, hard-working feet. At home, have your partner give you a foot rub and/or roll your feet on a lacrosse or golf ball for a nice massage along your plantar fascia.
• Elevate your feet above heart level to reduce swelling in your feet.
• Wear shoes that fit you. If your nice shoes are giving you pain, you may need to put them away for the pregnancy. Instead, find athletic shoes that will give you comfort and support to protect your precious cargo from unstable situations. Additionally, it will prevent pain or swelling from uncomfortable footwear.
• Use orthotic inserts if your arches have flatten due to weight gain - Arch supports and good cushioning should do the trick.

If you feel that you are swelling excessively, or if the swelling is occurring unevenly (in one leg and not the other), contact your doctor right away. Swelling is not necessarily normal in all parts of the body and may indicate a more severe problem. If you are concerned about swelling in your legs or need assistance with finding relief, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Works is more than happy to help you. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.

Gymnastics is one of those sports, where the athletes make it look so easy. Unless you’ve tried it, you may think that it’s just something that you just need to practice. However, it takes years and years of training, conditioning, and strengthening to build muscles and have your body learn to move in that smooth, sleek fashion. It also takes trial and error, and more likely than not, injuries to the feet and ankles. That’s why gymnasts must learn early on, how to protect their feet and ankles to prevent injury. Not taking precautions, such as the ones listed below can lead to many painful injuries:

• Coaches should be made aware of any chronic or developmental issues, as well as any previous injuries.
• Strength, Balance, and Flexibility exercises should be taken seriously and gymnasts should make sure to do adequate warm-up before they practice, practice, practice their technique.
• Use tape or wraps to help with certain strains or injuries to the feet or ankles to prevent from worsening.
• Do not attempt new techniques without adequate preparation, the right safety equipment, and a confident attitude. Children, especially, should not be forced to try difficult or possibly dangerous techniques without a good mindset.
• See a doctor promptly if you sustain a severe injury. For mild sprains, use the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to relieve pain. If pain persists or gets worse, make an appointment to see our podiatrist.

Not taking steps to reduce risk of injury can lead to serious injury. Gymnasts can expect to experience muscle soreness, in which recovery and hydration is key, but other conditions require more attention. Look for signs of the following common injuries:

• Sprained or Twisted Ankles – A loss of balance or improper landing can lead to an ankle injury. Most likely, there will be pain at the moment of injury or when the gymnast tries to put weight on it. If the pain and/or swelling is mild, try the RICE method. If the injury is severe, see a doctor immediately. 
• Stress Fractures and Acute Fractures – While broken bones are not as common as sprained, fractures can occur. Stress fractures can build under repetitive pressure while acute fractures can happen from an improper position or landing. If you cannot bear weight or have excruciating pain, see a doctor immediately.
• Overuse Injuries such as Achilles Tendonitis or Joint Pain – Certain repetitive motions, unprotected high impact landings, and lack of good technique or form can lead to many different overuse injuries. At the first sign of pain in any part of the body, it’s best to have it checked instead of ignoring it or “shaking it off” as it can get worse over time.

If you or your child has a gymnastics-related foot or ankle injury, make an appointment to come see us ASAP. Early treatment can mean better results so that we can have you back at practice. Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Works is more than happy to help you at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.