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

July 2020

Monday, 27 July 2020 00:00

Potential Complications of Flat Feet

Flat feet is a condition referring to the collapse or flattening of the foot’s arch. This condition may be present from birth or acquired throughout the course of your life. Flat feet may progress slowly over time, especially in active people, and may lead to potential complications such as shin splints, stress fractures, and bunions. Furthermore, flat feet can cause tibialis posterior tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, Achilles heel injuries, and may make you more prone to injuries of the knee and hip. If you suspect that you or your child may have flat feet, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat this condition and prevent future complications.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor 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 office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Monday, 20 July 2020 00:00

Helping Your Heel Heal

As you get out of bed in the morning and place your feet on the floor, you feel a stabbing pain in your heel. What’s going on? It could be plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue running along the bottom of your foot. Luckily, there are ways to manage heel pain at home. Rest the foot by avoiding sports and other heavy impact activities such as running or jogging. Put an icepack under the heel for 15 minutes to reduce inflammation and swelling. Stretching your calf and foot muscles and giving yourself a soft-tissue foot massage may also help alleviate pain. While home remedies can be effective, if you find that home management techniques are not working for you, or if your pain is severe, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist.  

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

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Monday, 13 July 2020 00:00

What is “Runner’s Toe?”

"Runner’s toe" is a nickname for subungual hematoma. A subungual hematoma may occur when there is a painful buildup of blood, or a “blood blister,” under the toenail. Because this injury is often caused by repetitive force to the nail, hematomas are common injuries for runners, dancers, and rock climbers. The primary symptom of a subungual hematoma is severe pain caused by pressure from the blood under the nail, and discoloration of the nail. While this condition is not considered to be serious, it can be very uncomfortable. If you are experiencing pain from a toe injury, it is important to consult with a podiatrist to manage the pain.  A podiatrist can prescribe medicine, as well as put holes in the top of the nail, known as trephining, to alleviate pain.

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 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.

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 office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Monday, 06 July 2020 00:00

What Causes Ankle Pain?

The hinge joints that are located in the ankle allow for maximum mobility and range of motion. They are necessary in supporting the weight of the body, and provide the ability to walk, run, and jump. Inflammation and swelling often accompanies an ankle injury, and it may be difficult to move the affected foot. Additional symptoms can include muscle soreness, a tingling sensation, and the ankle may feel unstable. Ankle pain can occur for a variety of reasons. These can include structural deformities, Achilles tendon injuries, or from existing medical conditions consisting of lupus and different types of arthritis. If you are experiencing any type of ankle pain, it is strongly advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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 Ankle Pain
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