Items filtered by date: August 2024

Diabetic neuropathy, particularly affecting the feet, is a serious concern for those with diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar can cause nerve damage, leading to sensations such as burning, tingling, or even stabbing pain in the feet. However, as the disease progresses, it often results in numbness, making it difficult for diabetic patients to notice injuries like cuts, blisters, or sores. Without the ability to feel pain, their injuries can go unnoticed and untreated, potentially leading to severe complications like infections, ulcers, or even gangrene. In extreme cases, tissue removal or amputation may be necessary. Regular inspections and early detection of cuts, blisters, or open sores on your foot are vital to prevent these outcomes. A podiatrist plays a key role in managing diabetic neuropathy by identifying such issues early, providing treatment, and advising on proper foot care. If you have foot pain that may be linked to neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors 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:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

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 our offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. This acid can crystallize and become lodged in the joints of the feet, particularly the big toe, leading to sudden and intense pain, swelling, and inflammation. Gout typically flares up and then goes away, only to flare up again. It can become a chronic condition if measures are not taken to prevent future flare-ups. Chronic gout can cause large, visible bumps, called tophi, to form in bones, joints, or cartilage. Tophi are made of urate crystals and are usually not painful unless they become infected or press on a nerve. But although they’re not painful in and of themselves, tophi are problematic because they can damage joints, destroy cartilage, and eventually lead to bone erosion, deformity, and disability. For more information about gout, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

A biomechanical assessment of the foot and ankle is a detailed evaluation conducted to understand the movement patterns and structural alignment of these areas. This assessment involves examining how the foot and ankle move during various activities, such as walking or running and identifying any abnormalities or dysfunctions. The primary purpose of a biomechanical assessment is to diagnose issues that may cause pain, discomfort, or impaired function. Common conditions identified through this process can include flat feet, overpronation, supination, and alignment issues affecting the knees, hips, and lower back. The assessment typically includes visual and physical examinations, gait analysis, and sometimes advanced imaging techniques. Conducting a biomechanical assessment is important for developing personalized treatment plans. It helps in prescribing appropriate orthotics, footwear, and exercises to correct identified problems. This evaluation is essential for athletes, individuals with chronic pain, and those recovering from injuries. If you have chronic foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a biomechanical assessment and treatment based on results.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Orthotics significantly contribute to alleviating foot pain by offering customized support and rectifying biomechanical imbalances. These specially crafted insoles help redistribute pressure across the feet, minimizing strain on specific areas such as the arches, heels, and balls of the feet. This pressure relief can substantially reduce discomfort associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and metatarsalgia. In addition to orthotics, other treatments can enhance the management of foot pain. Gentle exercises can strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility, aiding in pain relief and preventing future injuries. Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers can help manage acute discomfort. For more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain. Combining orthotics with proper footwear, stretching routines, and weight management further optimizes treatment outcomes. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a comprehensive approach, tailoring a treatment plan that includes orthotics and other modalities to effectively manage and alleviate the pain.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.