July 2019

Foot and ankle injuries are very common in sports, especially among people that play tennis, soccer and run on a regular basis. That is why it is necessary to take some precautions in order to prevent injury. To start off, it is important to warm up the muscles before a sporting activity. Doing a light stretch and a slow jog for two to three minutes will do the trick. A second tip is to condition your muscles. The amount of time spent on a certain activity should be increased gradually over a period of a couple weeks to build both muscle strength and mobility. A third tip is to choose athletic shoes that specifically fit your foot type. People whose feet pronate or who have low arches need shoes that provide support in both the front of the shoe and under the arch. It is also recommended to choose a shoe with more cushion and a softer platform. A fourth tip is to avoid running or stepping on uneven surfaces. Holes, tree stumps, roots and paths with a rocky terrain or loose gravel should be avoided when running. If you have ankle problems, it is best to run on a softer surface like asphalt instead of concrete. A final tip is to listen to your body. If foot and ankle pain is experienced during a sport, you should stop taking part in the activity until the pain fully subsides. It is vital to go through a full rehabilitation process before returning to the sport. This is done to prevent any recurrent injuries. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while playing a sport, it is advised to see a podiatrist. 

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Many elderly people know the importance of maintaining proper foot care. The feet need to be healthy so immobility does not become a concern. When the toenails are trimmed correctly, ingrown toenails can be prevented. As the aging process occurs, it can become difficult to wash, dry, and trim the toenails. It may be easier if a caregiver can help to accomplish these tasks, in addition to noticing any sores or changes in skin color. It is beneficial to use a moisturizing lotion on the feet daily, as this is often helpful in preventing cracked heels. The feet will feel better when the correct size shoes are worn, and painful foot conditions that include bunions and hammertoes are prevented. If you would like additional information about care for elderly feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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 and ankle needs.

The medical condition that is referred to as cracked heels originates from having extremely dry skin on the heel area of the foot. This can come from standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, or from having certain medical conditions that may include psoriasis. Many people who are overweight experience cracked heels, as a result of the added weight the feet must endure. Additionally, if open back shoes are frequently worn, this condition may develop due to inadequate support these types of shoes provide. The symptoms that are often associated with this ailment include a thickening of skin on the outside of the heel. The skin may turn a dark brown or yellowish color, and cracks in the skin can develop as weight is placed on the heel. This affliction can cause severe pain and discomfort. Mild relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried daily, followed by thoroughly moisturizing them. If you have developed cracked heels, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward healing and prevention techniques.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Joint replacement surgery removes damaged or diseased parts of a joint and replaces them with new, man-made ones. Replacing joints can reduce pain and help you move and feel better. Joints usually will need to be repaired when they are damaged from arthritis, overuse, and sometimes disease. After a person has completed the surgery, they are typically required to undergo physical therapy as soon as possible to help strengthen the muscles around the joint and to regain motion in the joint. If you believe you have damaged or diseased joints in the feet or ankles, it is important to consult with a podiatrist. 

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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.