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

May 2020

Wednesday, 27 May 2020 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Believe it or not, many illnesses are often initially detected by podiatrists. Our feet can hint at a variety of issues that are occurring throughout the rest of our bodies. For example, problems with blood circulation can cause the feet to change color or feel cold. Simple toenail discoloration can indicate diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease. A podiatrist can also tell if toenail discoloration is actually a bacterial or fungal infection. Various kidney diseases can be shown in the feet through ankle swelling or toenail discoloration. Therefore, when experiencing unknown symptoms in the feet, it is important that you consult with a podiatrist to make sure that these symptoms are not indicating a more serious, underlying condition. 

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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 Systemic Diseases of the Foot
Monday, 18 May 2020 00:00

The Cuboid Bone Has Six Sides

There are seven tarsal bones that are located on the outer edge of each foot. One of them is referred to as the cuboid bone, which has six sides. Its function is to provide stability for the foot, as this may help to evenly distribute the weight of the body. This bone may be more prone to injury for athletes and ballet dancers. When an injury occurs, the condition referred to as cuboid syndrome may develop. This type of injury can be a result of an ankle sprain, repetitive dance movements, or frequently participating in running and jumping activities. The symptoms that are commonly associated with this condition can include swelling and chronic pain on the outside of the foot, in addition to limited mobility which may make walking difficult. Moderate relief may be felt when the affected foot is elevated, and it may help to wrap the foot in an elastic bandage that can provide support. If you have pain in this area of your foot, please consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

 

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Monday, 11 May 2020 00:00

Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Research has indicated plantar fasciitis is the reason many patients have heel pain. It is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the portion of tissue on the sole of the foot that connects the heel to the toes. The reasons why this area may become torn or damaged can consist of standing for long periods of time throughout the day, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The symptoms that many patients experience can include heel pain that may be more noticeable upon arising in the morning, and limping may become natural to ease the pain and discomfort. Specific stretches can be performed that may bring mild relief, and wearing custom made orthotics may provide extra arch support. If you have heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose plantar fasciitis, and successfully treat this condition.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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 Plantar Fasciitis
Monday, 04 May 2020 00:00

Various Types of Foot Pain

Each foot consists of twenty-six bones, surrounded by numerous tendons, ligaments, and muscles. It is common to feel pain in various parts of the foot, which may happen for a variety of reasons. A bunion is defined as a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, and can develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many people develop a condition that is known as hammertoe, which can cause the second and third toes to bend at the middle joints. This can cause pain and discomfort, and larger shoes may need to be purchased that will fit comfortably. Pain in the heel area may be indicative of a heel spur or plantar fasciitis, and often needs professional medical treatment.  If you are afflicted with any type of heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat foot pain.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor 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 office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
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