If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right. Switch to Accessible Site

Dallas (214) 340-8885
Athens (903) 677-9090
Gun Barrel City (903) 887-4341

Leave Google Review for podiatrist Jonathan M. Kletz, DPM of Texas Foot Works
Texas Foot Works
Podiatry of Dallas, Athens, & Gun Barrel City, TX Main Menu

March 2021

Monday, 29 March 2021 00:00

How Do I Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

If you are diabetic, then you’ve likely heard about diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DFUs are wounds that form on the feet and heal poorly and very slowly. Because diabetes is associated with a loss of sensation and poor circulation in the feet, you may not feel these wounds when they first form. DFUs can develop anywhere on the feet or toes, but they most frequently appear on the soles of the feet, where they often go unnoticed until they produce symptoms such as fluid drainage. To avoid a surprising and painful discovery on the bottoms of your feet, it is important to take preventive measures. Wash your feet daily in warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly. Moisturize the bottoms of the feet to avoid dry skin, which can crack and lead to wounds. Inspect your feet daily for any abnormalities, including new cuts, scrapes, sores, pain, or discoloration. If you find anything unusual, consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Read more about How to Care for Diabetic Foot
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 23 March 2021 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Published in Blog
Monday, 22 March 2021 00:00

How Podiatrists Treat Broken Ankles

The ankle is the joint where the tibia (shin bone), the fibia (back bone on the lower leg), and the tallus (which connects to the heel bone) all come together.  A broken bone in this area can range from a hairline fracture to a shattering of the bone, and the symptoms may vary depending on the type of break.  Common symptoms are pain, swelling, and the inability to put weight on the ankle.  Because broken ankles are very serious and can be easily mistaken for an ankle sprain, patients who are experiencing severe ankle pain should visit a podiatrist.  A podiatrist will examine the ankle and use diagnostic imaging to determine what bones may be out of place.  Severe fractures will usually require a cast or brace in order to allow the ankle to heel.  However, some severe breaks with bones out of alignment will require surgery.  After the initial treatment, your podiatrist will be able to guide you in your recovery.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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 All About Broken Ankles
Published in Blog

Jobs that require standing on your feet most of the day can be problematic for your feet. Painful blisters, bunions, plantar warts, sore muscles, and worse conditions can develop if you do not take care of your feet. First and foremost, choose comfortable shoes that fit well, offer adequate arch and heel support, and afford plenty of room in front, and on top, of the toes. Foot orthotics or insoles can also help provide additional cushioning and even improve the way you stand to ease stress on the entire body. Secondly, don’t skip any scheduled breaks; these respites are important to get off of your feet and relieve the strain they’ve been under. Thirdly, strengthening the muscles in your legs with regular exercise, weight lifting, and walking will increase your endurance and help prep your body for prolonged standing. Consult with a podiatrist for more information and guidance on how to prioritize your foot heath while on the job.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Read more about How to Handle a Long Work Day on Your Feet
Published in Blog
Monday, 08 March 2021 00:00

Is My Ankle Pain Arthritis?

The ankle joint, where the shin bone and the bone at the top of the foot meet, is a common area for arthritis to develop. Arthritis symptoms that affect the ankle include pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion in the joint. Certain types of arthritis are more likely to affect the ankle joint than others. Post-traumatic arthritis, which occurs following an injury such as a dislocation or an ankle fracture, may be responsible for ankle arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect any joint in the body, may also cause ankle pain. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis which is associated with aging, rarely occurs in the ankle. If you are experiencing ankle pain, please consult with a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your condition.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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 Ankle Pain
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 02 March 2021 00:00

What Causes Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve, located near the inside of the ankle in a structure called the tarsal tunnel, is compressed. This can occur due to osteoarthritis, ankle trauma, or tenosynovitis. The posterior tibial nerve may also be compressed by an enlarged or abnormal structure in the tarsal tunnel, such as a cyst. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, which can cause swelling and, as a result of swelling, nerve compression. People with flat fat are also at an increased risk of getting tarsal tunnel syndrome due to gait patterns that put more strain on the nerve. Tarsal tunnel syndrome causes symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or burning sensations and shooting pains in the ankle. If you believe that you may be suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome, please consult with a podiatrist.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Jonathan Kletz of Texas Foot Works. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.

Read more about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Published in Blog
Connect with us
Leave Google Review for podiatrist Jonathan M. Kletz, DPM of Texas Foot Works

Podiatrist Jonathan M. Kletz, DPM of Facebook Foot Doctor Jonathan M. Kletz, DPM on Twitter Podiatry Bog of Texas