April 2020

One common cause of heel pain is a foot condition known as a heel spur. With this condition, it’s common to notice redness and swelling around the affected heel. A heel spur is defined as a bone growth found in the heel, and it’s typically diagnosed by having an x-ray performed. The pain felt with this condition is usually noticed when one is walking, running, jogging, or partaking in other physical activities. To help ease the discomfort of this condition, it may be beneficial to rest the affected foot and to apply a cold compress on the heel. If you’re experiencing extreme pain in your heel, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis. It’s suggested that you speak with a podiatrist to help advise you on a proper treatment plan.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington and Mansfield, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

When the skin of the heels becomes dry, small cracks, which are known as fissures may begin to develop. This can occur as a result of standing for extended periods of time on a hard surface, or from wearing shoes that have an open back. Additionally, cracked heels may develop from medical conditions that can include eczema and psoriasis, and it is helpful to seek medical attention. Patients have found mild relief when the feet are washed, dried, and lathered with a good moisturizer. This may be an effective treatment for slightly cracked heels. In severe cases, the cracked skin on the heels may begin to bleed, and it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help you to manage this condition.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

A common concern among diabetic patients is wounds on their feet. Elevated glucose levels in the blood may cause a condition that is known as neuropathy, which may cause an inability to feel cuts and wounds that develop on the feet. A foot ulcer may develop as a result of this lack of sensation, which may cause severe pain and discomfort. Diabetic patients generally experience a slower healing process, which is why it is important to properly take care of any existing wounds. Performing daily foot checks is vital for proper foot care management. This can be accomplished by having a caretaker thoroughly check the bottom of your feet, or by possibly looking at a mirror that is under the feet. If you have wounds on your feet for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

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 Accent Podiatry Associates. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical condition that is known as onychomycosis is commonly referred to as toenail fungus. It typically begins in the outer layers of the nail, and in some cases, may expand to include the nail plate. It is caused by a fungus which lives in moist environments. These can include inside shoes and socks, or in public swimming pools and surrounding areas. A possible remedy of toenail fungus is known as laser treatment. This is accomplished by administering a light into the affected nail, and this may be effective in warming the nail sufficiently to possibly diminish toenail fungus. Research has indicated this procedure may be expensive to use, and it may not be successful for all types of fungus. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, and would like additional information about laser treatment, please consult with a podiatrist.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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