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
Among the many bones in the foot is the calcaneus, or heel bone, which forms the foundation for the back of the foot. Though the heel bone is hard to the touch, the inside is soft and spongy. When the outer portion is broken, like the shell of an egg, the bone tends to collapse and be fragmented. Injuries to the heel bone can be extremely severe, sometimes leading to arthritis and chronic pain. The most common cause of a heel bone fracture is a traumatic event, such as a fall from a ladder or a traffic accident. It also can occur as part of an ankle sprain, or less often as a stress fracture from running or other repetitive activity. Symptoms include pain in the heel, inability to bear weight on the heel, bruising and swelling. If you think you may have fractured your heel bone, avoid putting weight on it. Apply ice, wrap it, and elevate it while sitting or lying down. A call to your podiatrist is wise to get an immediate diagnosis and plan for treatment.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please 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.
Once you reach the age of 65, you are much more likely to fall and suffer a serious injury. With most people in this age group taking a tumble in their own home, it makes sense to keep your own dwelling as safe as possible to avoid “falling” into this category yourself. First, make sure there is an adequate amount of lighting throughout your home. You’ll also want to remove tripping hazards such as clutter, loose rugs, unsecured wires, and unstable furniture. Fix any uneven surfaces in and around your home. Install grab bars in the shower and next to the commode, as well as non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen. Keep stairs clear of clutter, make sure the handrails on your stairs are secure and that you use them, and always take your time walking up and down the stairs. Be mindful of your steps and try not to rush around. It is also important to identify any medically related risk factors such as gait abnormalities or other foot conditions that may affect your balance and sure-footedness. Make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer advice on proper footwear, and fix any foot or ankle conditions that may be compromising your foot health.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
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.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
There are three kinds of diabetic neuropathy, caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels that can damage nerves throughout your body. Peripheral neuropathy damages nerves on the extremity – arms and hands, as well as the legs and feet. This can lead to serious foot problems that get worse slowly over months, and possibly years. Autonomic neuropathy affects the central nervous system, while focal neuropathy targets one particular nerve, usually in the wrist, thigh or foot. One of the main symptoms of diabetic neuropathy is the absence of feeling in the toes and feet. This can be a cause for concern, as sores or other injuries may go unnoticed. It’s a good idea to check your feet daily for areas that may cause problems. Unfortunately, it is often the case that they go unnoticed until the problem worsens. The main way to prevent this condition from developing in the first place is to monitor blood sugar levels every day. It’s also a good idea to maintain a healthy body weight, eat nutritious foods, and avoid alcoholic beverages. If you think you may have diabetic neuropathy, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct a screening and determine the best course of treatment for your foot health.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Jonathan Kletz from Texas Foot Works. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then 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.
As one ages, it becomes harder to reach down to the toes and keep toenails trimmed properly. In some cases, just gripping the clippers is difficult, if not impossible. At the same time, toenail growth decreases with age, resulting in thicker nails that are more difficult to trim. One way to soften the thicker nails and make them easier to cut is by soaking the feet for about 10 minutes in warm water. Thoroughly dry the feet, and use a clipper to make small cuts straight across the nail to lessen the chance of an ingrown toenail. If your toenails have both hardened and become discolored, you may also have developed a fungal infection. Such a condition can worsen rapidly and become painful. For that reason, it would be wise to contact a podiatrist immediately, as fungal infections may take months to eliminate. It is also suggested that seniors make regular appointments with a podiatrist for proper foot-care treatment as needed.
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
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.
