Items filtered by date: May 2024

As people age, maintaining foot health becomes vital, but yet often overlooked. Older adults commonly face several foot problems that can significantly impair their mobility and quality of life. These issues can include arthritis, which leads to joint pain and deformity, diabetes-related complications like neuropathy, which increases the risk of foot ulcers, and circulatory problems that slow healing and increase infection risks. Other common concerns are plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, and fungal infections, which become more prevalent with age due to changes in skin elasticity and foot structure. Preserving foot health is essential for seniors as it supports mobility, balance, and overall independence. Prevention plays a key role and involves proper foot hygiene, well-fitting, supportive footwear, and regular foot checks to identify problems early. Given the complexities of foot care in older age, if you are a senior, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist who can provide tailored advice and treatment, helping to maintain foot health and enhance quality of life.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar heel pain in older adults is commonly caused by plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It can become inflamed, especially due to wear and tear over the years. Other factors contributing to plantar heel pain include being overweight, which puts extra stress on the plantar fascia, and wearing shoes that lack adequate support and cushioning. As one ages, fat pad elasticity beneath the heel can also decrease, contributing to pain while walking or standing. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, might recommend exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, the use of orthotic devices to provide proper foot support, and anti-inflammatory medications as treatment. In some cases, a podiatrist may suggest more intensive treatments, like steroid injections. Wearing proper footwear that provides good arch support and cushioning can also help to alleviate symptoms and prevent further episodes of pain. If you are struggling with heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors 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?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

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 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.

A gait assessment is a valuable tool used to analyze how a person walks or runs. It is typically performed to identify biomechanical issues, musculoskeletal imbalances, or abnormalities that may contribute to pain, discomfort, or reduced mobility. During a gait assessment, a podiatrist observes various aspects of the individual's walking or running pattern, including stride length, foot placement, and overall body alignment. Common abnormalities that may be detected include overpronation or excessive inward rolling of the foot, supination or outward rolling of the foot, leg length discrepancies, and asymmetrical gait patterns. Identifying these abnormalities through a gait assessment allows podiatrists to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to address the specific needs of the individual. This may include recommendations for footwear, custom orthotic devices, and exercises to improve strength and flexibility. If you would like to understand how your walking or running can be improved to lessen discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and gait assessment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

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 Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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.