Items filtered by date: October 2024

Wednesday, 16 October 2024 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!

Tuesday, 15 October 2024 00:00

Facts About Dislocated Toes

A dislocated toe occurs when the bones in the toe become misaligned, often leading to significant discomfort and mobility issues. Common symptoms include intense pain at the site of the injury, noticeable swelling, and bruising. The affected toe may appear deformed or out of place, and there may be difficulty moving it or walking without pain. Several factors contribute to dislocated toes, with sports injuries being a leading cause. Activities involving running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction can put excessive stress on the toe joints. Also, accidents such as stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on it can lead to dislocation. If you have sustained an injury that may have dislocated your toe, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM of Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 08 October 2024 00:00

Exercises to Alleviate Ankle Arthritis

Managing ankle arthritis can be significantly aided by incorporating specific foot exercises into your routine. Ankle pumps are particularly beneficial, and are done by flexing and pointing the foot repeatedly. This can help to improve circulation and reduce stiffness. Another helpful exercise is ankle rotation, which involves gently rotating the foot in a circular motion, promoting flexibility and easing joint pain. The ankle alphabet exercise also proves effective. By using your foot to write the letters of the alphabet in the air, you engage various ankle muscles and enhance mobility. These exercises help maintain joint function, alleviate discomfort, and improve overall ankle health. If you have arthritis in your feet and ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief and management techniques. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 01 October 2024 00:00

Medical Causes and Symptoms of Swollen Feet

Foot swelling, medically known as edema, occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the tissues of the feet. This condition can arise from various medical reasons, including heart failure, kidney disease, and venous insufficiency, where blood flow is impaired. It can also result from injuries, infections, or certain medications. Symptoms of foot swelling include noticeable puffiness, increased circumference of the foot, and discomfort or tightness in the affected area. In some cases, the swelling may be accompanied by pain or difficulty in movement. Identifying the underlying cause is vital for effective treatment and management. If your feet have become swollen, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer relief and treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM of Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.


 

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