Items filtered by date: August 2025

Negative pressure wound therapy is a treatment option that can help promote healing for wounds that do not respond well to standard care, particularly those on the feet and ankles. This therapy involves sealing the wound with a special dressing made from sponge material or gauze, connected to a pump that removes fluids from the wound. This reduction in pressure encourages blood flow to the area and helps keep the wound moist, which can improve healing. It is commonly used for chronic wounds that have failed to heal after several weeks. Negative pressure wound therapy is particularly effective for large or infected wounds that cannot be closed directly. While studies suggest that this treatment may improve healing times, results can vary depending on the type and severity of the wound. If you have foot wounds that will not heal properly, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if negative pressure therapy is right for you.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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 bunion is a foot deformity where the big toe gradually shifts toward the second toe, typically creating a bony prominence at the base of the big toe. This change in alignment can lead to irritation of the joint, causing pain, redness, and swelling, especially along the inner side of the foot. The joint may become stiff, and fluid-filled sacs called bursae can develop, sometimes leading to inflammation known as bursitis. The discomfort from a bunion may worsen when wearing shoes that lack adequate support or have a narrow toe box. A podiatrist can evaluate the degree of deformity and determine if structural issues in the foot, such as excess pronation or joint instability, are contributing factors. When discomfort interferes with walking or conservative options fail, surgery may be considered to realign the toe and reduce pain. If you are experiencing pain from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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 care needs.

A Jones fracture is a foot injury in athletes and affects the base of the fifth metatarsal bone, located on the outer edge of the foot. This type of fracture is often caused by twisting motions or forceful impact during activities like running, jumping, or pivoting. The location of the break has a limited blood supply, which can lead to slow or incomplete healing. Athletes with high physical demands are more likely to experience delayed union or nonunion of the bone, especially if the fracture is not properly stabilized. While some foot fractures may heal with rest, Jones fractures frequently require surgery to secure the bone with a screw or plate, and encourage proper alignment. Surgery is often the preferred option for athletes as it reduces healing time and lowers the risk of a repeat injury. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the fracture to determine the most effective treatment. If you experience outer foot pain after a sports activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis is known for causing joint pain and inflammation, but it can also lead to nerve damage. Chronic swelling in the joints may compress nearby nerves, especially in the feet and ankles. This pressure can cause symptoms like tingling, numbness, burning sensations, or shooting pains, similar to peripheral neuropathy. Inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis may also directly damage nerves over time, interfering with how signals travel between your feet and brain. This can lead to changes in balance, walking difficulties, and sensitivity to touch. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and protecting joint and nerve health through medications, and wearing supportive footwear. If nerve-related symptoms begin or worsen, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan. 

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 Podiatry Associates of Texas. 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 Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.