Tuesday, 07 May 2024 00:00

Surgery for flat feet, also known as flatfoot reconstruction, presents individuals with both advantages and disadvantages to consider before making a decision. On the positive side, surgery can correct structural abnormalities, realign bones and tendons, and restore the arch of the foot, potentially alleviating pain and improving mobility. For individuals experiencing severe symptoms or those whose quality of life is significantly affected by flat feet, surgery can offer long-term relief and enhanced functionality. However, it is essential to weigh the potential drawbacks. Surgery entails inherent risks, including infection, nerve damage, and prolonged recovery periods. Additionally, the success of the procedure may vary, and there's no guarantee of complete symptom resolution. Furthermore, undergoing surgery requires a commitment to post-operative rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding high-impact activities and wearing supportive footwear. If you have flat feet that are causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you determine if surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Wednesday, 01 May 2024 00:00

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 30 April 2024 00:00

Dactylitis, commonly known as hand-foot syndrome, and associated with sickle cell disease, or SCD, manifests as painful swelling and inflammation in the fingers and toes, primarily affecting children. The condition arises from obstructed blood flow due to sickle-shaped red blood cells, which leads to tissue damage and discomfort. Treatment focuses on managing SCD symptoms, including pain relief and anti-inflammatory measures. Podiatrists, specializing in foot health, play a vital role in dactylitis management. They diagnose the condition, implement tailored treatment plans, and offer preventive care strategies. Podiatrists educate patients and families on foot hygiene and hydration, minimizing the risk of flare-ups. Regular monitoring by podiatrists ensures early intervention and prevents long-term complications, improving overall quality of life for individuals affected by dactylitis. If your child suffers from dactylitis, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist for care.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 23 April 2024 00:00

A podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. These specialists undergo extensive training in podiatric medicine, encompassing various disciplines such as biomechanics, orthopedics, and surgery specific to the foot and ankle. People seek the expertise of podiatrists at different stages of life for several reasons. In childhood, podiatrists may be consulted for issues like flat feet, gait abnormalities, or congenital foot deformities. During adolescence and young adulthood, individuals might seek help for sports-related injuries, such as sprains, stress fractures, or ingrown toenails. In middle age and beyond, common concerns include conditions like arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or diabetic foot care. Additionally, seniors often rely on podiatrists for the management of age-related foot problems, such as bunions, corns, and calluses, as well as complications associated with circulatory issues or neuropathy. If you would like to ensure the health of your feet schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?

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