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The foot condition that is known as cracked heels affects approximately 20 percent of adults throughout the country. Severely cracked heels are referred to as fissures, and may bleed and become infected. Cracked heels can happen from frequently wearing shoes that have an open back, or from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. Having the correct knowledge of why this condition develops can be followed by implementing prevention strategies. These can include washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. It is helpful to avoid flip-flops when possible, and instead, it is beneficial to choose a shoe that has a cushioned heel. There may be existing medical conditions that may cause cracked heels to develop. These can include thyroid disorders, poor circulation, and elevated glucose levels. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you correct relief and treatment methods.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
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.
The bones in the toe are small and fragile and may easily break when stubbed against a piece of furniture. Each toe has two or three bones and may fracture if a heavy object drops on one or more toes. Immediate symptoms of a broken toe can consist of swelling and bruising, and it is often difficult to move. An X-ray can be performed to determine the fracture's severity. The buddy taping method can provide adequate healing if the toe is mildly broken. This is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, which can provide the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. Many people will purchase larger shoes that can accommodate their broken toe. If the injury causes a bone to protrude from the toe, different treatment methods may be required for proper healing. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer the treatment technique that is right for you.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
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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When your big toe feels numb, it is a cause of concern. This phenomenon usually signals a loss of blood delivery to the extremities, largely the result of a problem with the peripheral nerves. Numbness in the big toe can be an indicator that the circulatory system, which delivers oxygenated blood to the extremities, or the peripheral nervous system, has been compromised. The sensory nerves carry signals regarding touch, temperature, and pain to the spinal cord, which then carries the message to the brain. If this signal is blocked in some way, the toe fails to receive it and numbness occurs. Causes of numbness in the big toe include nerve compression, constricted blood circulation, vitamin B12 deficiency, and gout. Other causes are diabetes and bunions. In addition, advancing age, smoking, and obesity may be factors. Treatment for numbness in the big toe varies according to the cause. For guidance, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and treatment options.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then 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.
For anyone who has suffered from swollen ankles, you know how uncomfortable this can be. Such swelling can make it hard to walk, and the skin on the ankle may feel tight and stretched. Swelling of the ankles can result from a variety of things including injury, like a broken leg or sprained ankle, inflammation, and fluid retention. Ankles are a common lower extremity to experience swelling because of the accumulation of fluids in the body and gravity. Those more likely to experience swelling in their ankles include seniors, those who are overweight, and those who spend a prolonged time on their feet or in hot weather. Pregnant women are another group of people who are prone to ankle swelling because of their natural fluid retention, pressure on veins from the extra weight they are carrying, and a fluctuation of hormones. Swollen ankles are typically temporary, and resting and elevating the feet can resolve the problem. However, if the swelling is from an underlying health condition, like diabetes, a blood clot, heart failure, or even a problem with high blood pressure during pregnancy, it can be a more serious situation requiring immediate medical care. If you are experiencing swelling in your ankles and it is causing you persistent or worsening pain, or if you have other symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to understand what is underlying the swelling and obtain treatment.
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:
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.
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