Items filtered by date: August 2024

Tuesday, 27 August 2024 00:00

Common Types of Foot Surgery

Foot surgery can address various conditions to relieve pain and improve function. Bunion surgery is performed to correct the deformity of the big toe joint, often involving realignment of the bones. Fusion surgery, typically for severe arthritis, involves joining two or more bones in the foot to reduce pain and stabilize the joint. Hammertoe surgery corrects the abnormal bending of the toes, which can cause discomfort and difficulty walking. Heel surgery addresses issues such as chronic pain or deformities, often involving procedures to repair or realign the heel bone. Additionally, neuroma surgery is used to remove or reduce the swelling of a nerve, usually between the toes, to alleviate pain and discomfort. Each type of surgery aims to address specific foot problems and improve overall mobility and quality of life. If you have a foot condition that may require surgery for relief, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this is a right choice for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Accent Podiatry Associates. 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 and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 20 August 2024 00:00

Causes of Foot Pain and Swelling

Foot pain and swelling can result from various factors, ranging from temporary to serious. Non-serious causes can include prolonged standing, overuse, wearing poorly fitting shoes, or minor injuries. Such pain can resolve with rest, elevation, and proper footwear. However, more serious causes demand attention. Conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis cause persistent pain and swelling, requiring podiatric intervention. Infections, blood clots, or fractures also necessitate prompt evaluation. If foot pain and swelling persist beyond a few days, worsen, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, warmth, or fever, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

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Tuesday, 13 August 2024 00:00

Flat Feet in Children

Flat feet in children is a condition where the arches of the feet do not develop properly. Common signs include foot pain, especially after prolonged activity, and an abnormal walking pattern. Children with flat feet might also experience frequent fatigue or discomfort during sports and play. Additionally, flat feet can lead to awkward or uneven wear on shoes. The causes of flat feet can be congenital, where the condition is present from birth, or acquired, resulting from factors like weak arches or improper footwear. Ligament laxity or developmental issues can also contribute to flat feet. Early identification and appropriate management are critical to minimize discomfort and ensure proper development. If your child's arches fail to develop it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help monitor this sometimes painful condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 and ankle needs.

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Friday, 09 August 2024 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Surfing, a thrilling sport, can lead to foot and ankle injuries due to various factors. A common cause is improper technique, such as awkward landings or falls while maneuvering on the board. Another factor is overuse, as repetitive motions can strain muscles and tendons in the feet and ankles. Uneven surfaces and impact with the board or ocean floor can also contribute to injuries like sprains, strains, or even fractures. To prevent these injuries, surfers should focus on building strength and flexibility through targeted exercises for the ankles and feet. Practicing proper surfing techniques and gradually increasing wave difficulty can also reduce the risk of foot injury. Wearing supportive footwear and using ankle braces or taping for added stability are additional measures to protect against twists or strains. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while surfing, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist who can offer treatment options.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
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