Dallas (214) 340-8885
Athens (903) 677-9090
Gun Barrel City (903) 887-4341
Dallas (214) 340-8885
Athens (903) 677-9090
Gun Barrel City (903) 887-4341
Pain in your ankle or the unusual gradual flattening of the foot during adulthood are just some of the early indications of acquired adult flatfoot deformity. Once these are observed, it is important that you consult with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis of the foot condition. This is to stop the deformity from progressing and to take advantage of non-surgical treatments. Visit a podiatrist for more information on AAFD. Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with foot disorders.
Treatment options for Acquired adult flatfoot deformity are based on the severity of the condition. Those in the latter stages may require a more aggressive approach hence the need for surgery. This is done to correct structural damage in the foot and restore normal functioning.
Symptoms of AAFD
Non-surgical treatments can be used during the early stages of AAFD. There are four stages of the deformity and if the condition is diagnosed in the first two stages, conventional treatments can be very helpful. Conventional treatments for Acquired adult flatfoot deformity includes:
For those with severe cases of AAFD or those stage 2 and above, surgical intervention may be required. This is to correct structural deformities to restore normal function and movement in the feet. Surgery is also done to restore the foot’s normal appearance. Restoring your foot’s normal appearance and function can be done through several surgical procedures:
Texas Foot Works located in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrell City, TX, we specialize in helping people with AAFD (Acquired Adult Foot Deformity). To schedule an appointment, call 214-340-8885.
Shoes are an important arsenal in a woman’s wardrobe. In fact, women go into great lengths just to get that perfect shoe to complement their evening gown or office clothes. When it comes to shoes, high heels will always come on top as one of the must haves.
The risk of foot injury among high heel wearers is high. Giving your feet a break and proper foot care goes a long way in preventing foot injury. Visit a podiatrist for chronic foot pain. Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with foot disorders.
These are some of the foot conditions that can occur as a result of wearing high heels too often.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony protrusion located near the big toe. It starts as a small, tender swelling that eventually hardens with time. Pain is caused by the irritation of a nerve. Swelling is due to inflammation, an indication of injury in the area. Wearing high heels shifts our weight forward. This sends extra pressure on the forefoot which can cause damage to bones and joints in the area.
Hammertoes
This is another foot deformity which may occur as a result of a bunion. Shoes with small toe boxes can cause hammertoes as well. Corns can develop and damage the toe joints. Long term injury can result in permanent toe deformity.
Morton’s Neuroma
This is a foot condition characterized by the irritation of a nerve located at the ball of your feet. Wearing high heels causes stress buildup at the ball of the feet. Prolonged wearing can compress the bones and tissues irritating the nerve.
Stress Fractures
Our feet are responsible for carrying our body weight. This is dispersed evenly over the feet. Stress fractures can be caused by an accident or when too much weight is placed over a bone. Foot structures are not indestructible. It too has its limits and when we place stress that goes beyond its load bearing limit, a stress fracture happens.
Texas Foot Workslocated in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrell City, TX, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment, call 214-340-8885.
Our toenails may not get the same attention as other foot structures. This is why many cases of toenail disorders have significantly progressed before it is brought to the attention of a podiatrist.
A common toenail condition is onychomycosis or fungal nails. Symptoms include a yellowish discoloration of the toenails accompanied with thickened nails. While a fungal nail is easy to identify, other toenail conditions exist as well.
Below is a list of toenail conditions and causes.
Senile nails – this condition usually comes with aging. As we grow old nails become brittle and ridges develop. You can minimize the formation of ridges by not soaking your toenails for long periods of time.
Red/ black nails – this can be dry blood on the nail bed resulting from injury or trauma. However, this is pushed out as the toenail grows. For those with black and red nails that doesn’t go away or move from its location then it is advised that you consult a podiatrist.
Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with foot conditions and disorders.
Lines and ridges – this can be caused by hormonal changes are is often seen in pregnancy. A ridge at the center of the nail can be caused by nail bites.
Green Nails – a greenish tint on your nails can be an indication of a bacterial infection. Treatment can be done by trimming the nail short every week. This could take anywhere up to three months. Avoid soaking the nails and dry the nails thoroughly after bathing. Anti-bacterial medications are also available.
Pitted Nails – is a nail bed condition that can be caused by skin disorders such as psoriasis. It can leave a tannish color and could be seen at the area of nail growth.
Chronic Nail Trauma – repeated nail injury due to sports or accidents. It can lead to toenail deformities. This can also be caused by wearing tight-fitting foot wear.
Redness of the skin around the nail – inflammation at the bottom of the nail can be caused by a bacterial infection. It can create skin openings which other infections can develop. Creams are available for treating this condition.
Yellowish nails - a tell-tail sign of a fungal infection. The yellowish discoloration is air located below the nail. Regular trimming for two to three months can cure the condition.
A change in skin color can also indicate other skin problems such as skin cancer.
If symptoms don’t go away after treatment, then a visit to a podiatrist can help you identify if these are caused by common toenail conditions or an underlying disease.
At Texas Foot Workslocated in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrell City, TX, we specialize in helping people with toenail conditions. To schedule an appointment, call 214-340-8885.
Sweaty Feet
Sweating is our body’s natural response to heat or stress. However, hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating. A person suffering from hyperhidrosis can experience this over their palms, armpits and feet. It’s no wonder why people with hyperhidrosis have excessive sweaty feet. With over 250,000 sweat glands in both feet, it has the greatest concentration of sweat glands in the body.
Hyperhidrosis in itself is not a cause of medical concern. It becomes a problem when it becomes a contributing factor to the development of athlete’s foot, plantar warts and other skin conditions. Hyperhidrosis can also be caused by another medical condition. When this is the case, this is called secondary hyperhidrosis. Consult a podiatrist for proper diagnosis. Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people suffering from all types of foot disorders.
Overactive sweat glands especially on the soles of the feet are the first obvious symptoms others include:
· Foot skin problems
· Smelly feet
· Fungal infection
· Clammy skin
· Sweat-soaked socks
Possible Causes of Sweaty Feet
Sweating is commonly caused by our body’s reaction to heat or strong emotions. People with a family history of excessive sweating also have a higher tendency of developing the condition. Exposure to toxins can lead to excessive sweating. Toxins can be found in the food we eat or alcohol and other vices. This can also be due to an allergic reaction to certain shoe materials.
Preventing Sweaty Feet
There are several ways of preventing sweaty feet. This mainly focuses on foot care and proper hygiene.
· If you’re suffering from excessive sweating or occasionally suffers from the condition, switch to shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Sandals for example brings the air in while letting sweat and moisture to escape naturally. Avoid wearing shoes made of rubber.
· Apply and antiperspirant and use an anti-bacterial soap to prevent infection
· Wash your feet regularly
· Change socks regularly and alternate shoes.
Talk to a podiatrist if you are suffering from excessive sweating in your feet. Foot care tips can only be used to manage the condition. If you feel that hyperhidrosis is causing discomfort, then a podiatrist can help develop a long term solution to your problem.
Texas Foot Workslocated in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrell City, TX, we specialize in helping people with sweaty feet. To schedule an appointment, call 214-340-8885.
It's easy to ignore toenail conditions, it could easily be hidden from the sight of others and most of these don’t cause pain. But if left untreated toenail conditions can lead to serious infection and even toenail deformity.
Green and yellowish nails – discoloration can be caused by an infection. A greenish tint indicates bacterial infection while yellow toenails can be due to a fungal infection. Medications and ointments are readily available for treating infections. Trimming your toes regularly could also help remove nail discoloration.
Prevent further infection by checking for wounds or blisters. These are easy entry points for infection. Wearing sandals when using public pools helps prevents your feet from direct contact with wet surfaces.
Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with foot conditions and disorders.
Senile nails – this toenail condition like its name implies can be caused by aging. Just fine lines and wrinkles, senile nails are just one of the changes that the body undergoes as we age. But this could also be cause by other factors. Improper nutrition for example could interfere with out nail’s health.
Red/ black toenails – a black spot on the toenails is an indication that the toes has recently been exposed to injury or tissue trauma. Red spot indicates fresh blood from an injury. This requires no further intervention and should be allowed to heal naturally. The black spot eventually is pushed outside the toenails and could be removed when trimming the nails.
Redness and swelling around the toenails – this can indicate an acute infection of the toe’s nail bed. It can be treated using warm soaks. It is often caused by a bacterial infection. Draining can also be done by a podiatrist. Chronic cases You should consult your podiatrist if this condition persists.
Lines and ridges – this is perfectly normal and should not be a cause of concern. However, lines and ridges become more prominent during pregnancy. Hormonal changes could increase pigmentation making lines and ridges more visible.
At Texas Foot Works with officeslocated in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrell City, Tx., we specialize in helping people with toenail conditions. To schedule an appointment call 214-340-8885.
Warts are small but painless growths on the skin. They are usually caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Warts are usually self-limiting and eventually disappear on their own. But for those who would like to get rid of these skin imperfections quickly, over the counter medications are available.
Warts could also appear on the bottom of the foot. These warts are called Plantar Warts. Stubborn plantar warts that do not respond to over the counter medications should be examined by a podiatrist. Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in foot care and treating foot warts.
Who are good candidates for foot warts?
Everyone is at risk for plantar warts but children and teenagers are at greater risk since they tend to expose their feet more often by not wearing shoes around the house, public pools, gyms, etc...
When to consult a medical professional?
Plantar warts are sometimes painless. A tingling feeling or pain from your warts usually requires the attention of a doctor. Be aware that plantar warts are contagious and can spread from person to person.
Treating warts
Plantar warts disappear over time and normally do not require medical intervention. However, painful or recurring warts may require medications or a visit to the doctor. Salicylic acid is commonly prescribed for warts. It is available in three forms: liquid, gel or plaster. Salicylic acid should be applied to the warts daily.
There are also sophisticated ways for removing warts. Cryosurgery freezes warts. Another treatment is through laser treatments
How can we prevent warts?
One of the easiest things to do is by wearing footwear. Keep surrounding skin dry. Moisture makes it easier for warts to spread. Avoid direct contact with warts since they could infect other areas on your body.
At Texas Foot Works with officeslocated in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrell City, Tx., we specialize in helping people with foot warts. To schedule an appointment call 214-340-8885.
Every day, millions of women wearing high heels walk, jump and even run to their office. High heels were not certainly designed for these purposes. Performing these activities while wearing high heels is a sure recipe for foot injury. Never the less, women continue to wear high heels.
Functionality was certainly not a high priority in the design of high heels. These were made to answer the discriminating taste of women wanting to make a fashion statement. It is a must-have weapon in a woman’s wardrobe arsenal. So asking women to drop those high heels for running shoes is certainly out of the question.
Avoiding foot injuries due to wearing high heels can be reduced by practicing foot injury prevention tips. If pain and discomfort remains even after resting your feet a visit to your podiatrist is advised.
Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with foot injuries.
Massage your feet regularly
If you’re an avid high heel wearer or use high heels for work extensively, giving your feet regular massages can go a long way in preventing foot injuries. Massages increase blood flow to tired and aching muscles and joints. It also stimulates the production of natural lubricants to keep joints moving freely. More blood flow means more nutrients needed for repairs.
Shift Your Center of Gravity
Wearing high heels can change our center of gravity or how we carry our body weight. Generally, weight is shifted forward placing extra pressure on the toes. Learn to shift your center of gravity backwards and away from the toes. Performing box squats helps train you shift your weight backwards.
Keep your toes and ankles flexible
Wearing high heels can have a negative impact on your toes and ankles. Foot injuries associated with high heels occur in these areas. The toes and ankles are subject to high stress levels because high heels place these foot structures at an abnormal position. The feet were designed to provide support for our body. Wearing high heels interfere with how weight is normally distributed.
High heels shifts our weight towards the toe areas. Performing toe exercises at the end of a long day wearing high heels keeps our toes flexible. Ankle strengthening exercises is also recommended to help the ankles compensate for the additional stress of wearing high heels.
The easiest way to avoid foot injury from wearing high heels is to give your feet a few minutes break.
At Texas Foot Works with officeslocated in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrell City, Tx., we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call 214-340-8885.
Understanding Heel Pain - Texas Foot Works
Heel pain is one of the most common foot concerns podiatrists see.” The condition is so common that many Americans simply regard this as part of their daily lives. For many, heel pain may come and go, but for some it can become a chronic or long-term medical condition making this a real health concern.
Studies show that our heels absorb 1.25 x of our bodyweight when walking and close to three times our bodyweight when running.
Quick Facts on Heel Pain
Heel pain affects 3.6 percent of the population
Wearing flat shoes is the most common culprit for heel pain
Heel pain can be an indication of an underlying medical condition
Pain is usually felt just under the heel or behind it
Rest, wearing properly fitting shoes, ice and using foot support can ease heel pain
People with flat feet or tight calf muscles are highly susceptible to heel pain. A pulled ligament in your arch called the plantar fascia becomes inflamed resulting to tenderness in the area and heel pain. This injury is often the result of placing too much stress on the area as a result of sports activities or simply wearing the wrong type of shoes. Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with heel pain.
Common causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain may come suddenly as a result of a sport’s injury or gradually due to constant stress on the heels. The most common causes are:
Plantar fasciitis – this is a ligament that runs from the heels to the tip of the foot. When stretched too far, the ligaments become inflamed causing pain and tenderness in tissues around the area.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome – a large nerve located at the back of the feet can be compressed causing pain in the heel area.
Achilles tendonosis – also referred to as tendonitis, is a chronic condition characterized by the progressive degeneration of the Achilles tendon. Years of abuse cause multiple microscopic tears which when not healed properly develops into this medical condition.
Severs disease – is a medical condition often seen in children and teenage athletes. Heel pain is caused by continuous pressure on the developing heel bone due to strenuous physical activities.
Stress fracture – continuous heavy physical activities can gradually build stress on the heels causing a fracture. Low calcium diets or osteoporosis which leaves you with weak bones can trigger fractures especially during running.
Understanding the underlying causes of heel pain could go a long way in reducing or preventing it from happening in the future. Heel pain could be a nagging problem but for those who chronically suffer from heel pain, consulting with a podiatrist is highly recommended.
AtTexas Foot Works with officeslocated in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrell City, Tx., we specialize in helping people with acute and chronic heel pain. To schedule an appointment call 214-340-8885.
Ankle sprains, while not as severe as a broken ankle, are still a serious injury that needs immediate attention. They can lead to limited mobility and a significant amount of pain, and are often characterized by swelling and sometimes discoloration of the skin. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments are stretched beyond their limits, and even though this can happen in other places, such as the wrist, the ankles are the most common place for a sprain.
Ankle sprains can occur in many different ways, even just by simply walking. They happen when the ankle rolls over itself or twists under the foot, causing the ankle and tendon to snap or pop. Athletes who continually push their bodies to the limits are often at risk, as are people who have previously suffered accidents involving the lower extremities.
In most cases, ankle sprains are not severe enough to warrant medical help, such as going to a hospital. There are many self-care remedies you can use to treat your ankle, including applying ice packs to reduce swelling, remaining off your feet to reduce pressure, and elevating your feet above your head to reduce blood flow and inflammation. Often times an ACE bandage and over the counter pain relievers are enough, but it is still important to remember to stay off the ankle for some time to avoid re-aggravating it.
Even though most of these cases are mild, a severe ankle sprain can occur which will require professional, medical care. A sprain that causes a tear in the ligament or damage to the muscles is severe enough to warrant surgery and keep you off your feet for a prolonged period of time. Post-surgery physical therapy is often required in order to completely rehab the ankle back to health, and this will be administered and monitored by your podiatrist.
Even though ankle sprains may seem harmless and only mildly painful, if you are experiencing non-stop pain over a long period of time, if walking is becoming too painful for you, if the swelling is much more severe than initially anticipated, or if numbness and tingling is present, this may be signs that your sprain is a much more severe broken ankle. It is highly recommended to seek treatment right away for these symptoms.
Often times, preventative care is one of the best ways to avoid ankle sprains. Wearing appropriate fitting shoes that provide both ankle and arch support will help, as well as stretching before any kind of physical activity, including sports, weight training, or even simply jogging.
Gout is a form of arthritis that is unusually painful. A slight touch can send shooting pain. The most common area for gout to occur is in the metatarsal phalangeal joint of the big toe. Other areas of the body frequently affected by gout are the knees, elbows, fingers, ankles and wrists.
Gout occurs when there are elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This condition is called hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia is a genetically pre-disposed condition about 90% of the time and occurs because the kidneys do not produce the correct amount of uric acid. Children of parents who have had gout will have a 20% chance of developing it themselves. The excess uric acid in the blood forms crystals that deposit in between joints causing friction with movement.
Symptoms of gout caused by this friction include pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation. Fever and fatigue may occur as well, although these symptoms are rare. The pain can be worse during the night when the body’s temperature lowers.
Gout can be diagnosed clinically by a doctor’s observation of the redness, swelling, and pain. More definitive tests can be performed by the doctor as well. Blood tests check for elevated uric acid levels in the blood. The synovial fluid in the joint can also be withdrawn through a needle to be checked for uric acid crystals. Chronic gout can be diagnosed by X-ray.
Treatment given for acute gout diminishes the symptoms. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as Colchicine and other corticosteroid drugs will stop the swelling, redness, and inflammation in cases of acute gout. If gout becomes chronic, there are multiple ways to combat it. Lifestyle changes and changes in diet may be necessary, as well as preventative drugs.
Gout can be aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise will reduce probability of future cases of gout. Certain foods cause or increase the risk of gout and their consumption should be avoided or kept at a minimum. These foods include red meat, alcohol, sea foods, and drinks sweetened with fructose.
Lifestyle changes and diet that help prevent gout include exercise and certain foods that help decrease the chance of gout recurring. Gout preventative foods include Vitamin C, coffee and some dairy products. New drugs have been discovered that inhibit the body’s production of certain enzymes. These are the enzymes that produce uric acid. Lowering your levels of uric acid will greatly reduce the chances of developing further cases of gout.
