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Southwestern Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C
11500 Highway 121, Building 700, Suite 710
Frisco, TX 75035

September 2018

Wednesday, 26 September 2018 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

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.

Monday, 24 September 2018 00:00

Common Running Injuries

Research has shown the majority of people who enjoy running and jogging will experience a minimum of one injury per year. This is due to improper training techniques or failing to warm the muscles up adequately before running. The thought of injuries incurred while running, will typically affect most joggers negatively, depending on the severity of the injury. Serious mishaps may represent mandatory time off from this sport, so proper healing can commence. Some of the injuries that are feared is Achilles tendinitis, which generally affects the back of the heel and calf. This may be able to prevent by stretching the Achilles tendon, and this is often accomplished by standing on a step and raising the heel up, followed by lowering it down. Additionally, shin splints is a common injury that many runners endure, and this may be prevented by wearing the correct shoes while running, in addition to strengthening the calves. Please speak with a podiatrist if you would like additional information about how to prevent running injuries.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries
Wednesday, 19 September 2018 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

A small bony protrusion that forms on the bone of the heel is often referred to as a heel spur. It may be located at the back of the heel or underneath it, and may produce severe pain and discomfort. The Achilles tendon may be affected if this condition forms at the back of the heel and as a result, pain may be felt while walking or running. If the spur develops on the bottom of the foot, it may be near the plantar fascia, and a condition known as plantar fasciitis may develop. This will often inflame this band of tissue that connects the foot to the heel, and patients who have this ailment may often experience severe pain in the sole of the foot. A proper diagnosis may include having an X-ray performed, followed by possibly choosing shoes with a cushioned sole, which may help to relieve pain that may originate from the inflammation. It’s important to confer with a podiatrist to learn what the best treatment options are for you.

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 Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor 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 office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about How to Treat Heel Spurs
Wednesday, 12 September 2018 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Monday, 10 September 2018 00:00

Symptoms and Causes of Bunions

A foot condition that is referred to as a bunion is known as a bone disorder. It appears as a hard protrusion on the side of the big toe and may develop as a result of the bone structure that is out of alignment. The joint may begin to extend abnormally, and this may be caused by the second toe pushing against the big toe. There may be several reasons why people develop bunions, and these may include an injury that has occurred to the foot, different types of arthritis, low arches, or inherited traits. The symptoms that many patients experience may be a burning sensation, swelling on or around the afflicted joint, redness, or discomfort. Despite the fact that research has shown how wearing shoes that fit incorrectly do not cause bunions, the symptoms may be severely uncomfortable as a result of this. If you feel you have developed a bunion, it’s advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist to discuss what treatments options are available for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Read more about Bunions
Wednesday, 05 September 2018 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!

Tuesday, 04 September 2018 00:00

How Sesamoiditis Develops

The bones in the body that are connected to the muscles by tendons are referred to as sesamoids. If the tendons in the feet become inflamed, a condition called sesamoiditis may develop. The symptoms that typically accompany this ailment may be swelling as a result of painful inflammation, which commonly occurs on the sole of the foot. The big toe is generally affected, and there may be difficulty in moving it. Women who frequently wear high heels may be at greater risk to develop sesamoiditis, in addition to athletes who participate in running sports such as basketball or soccer. A proper diagnosis is typically accomplished by having an X-ray of your foot performed, or in more severe cases, a bone scan, MRI, or ultrasound may be necessary. Research has shown that it’s helpful to cease the activity that may have caused this condition to develop, and this may alleviate painful symptoms. It’s advised to consult with a podiatrist for additional information on how to treat sesamoiditis.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Read more about Sesamoiditis
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