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

August 2023

Tuesday, 29 August 2023 00:00

Fun Facts About Children's Feet

Children's feet are fascinating and play a pivotal role in their growth and development. Babies are born with a soft, flexible structure in their feet known as cartilage. This gradually transforms into bones as they grow. Flat feet are a common occurrence in early childhood, and the arches generally develop in the teenage years. Children have 26 bones in each foot, with most of these bones not fully formed until their late teenage years. Surprisingly, children’s feet can grow up to two sizes in a year, which is why frequent shoe fittings are essential. Watching children walk on their tiptoes is quite normal, as it's a natural part of their gait development. Learning about these fun facts can deepen our understanding of the intricate journey of children's feet as they take their first joyful steps into the world. If you would like more information about the development of children’s feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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 What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Tuesday, 22 August 2023 00:00

Joint Replacement for Big Toe Arthritis

The first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint replacement is also known as great toe joint replacement or great toe arthroplasty. This procedure is conducted to address arthritis in the main joint of the big toe. This joint generally experiences a lot of stress from activities like walking, running, and wearing high heels. Arthritis in this joint can cause pain and stiffness, especially with a condition called hallux rigidus. The traditional treatment for this problem is joint fusion, which eliminates pain but limits movement. Joint replacement offers an alternative, but it has been less successful than replacements in larger joints due to the high force placed on the toe. Different types of implants are available, including caps for the metatarsal head, full joint resurfacing, and newer rubber bumper implants. Recovery varies based on implant type, with a typical six-week rest period. If you have arthritis in your big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can see if you qualify for joint replacement and educate you on the process.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, 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.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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 Joint Replacement Surgery
Tuesday, 15 August 2023 00:00

Can Toe Pain Be Treated?

Toe pain can disrupt your daily routine and affect mobility. Common causes for toe pain consist of ingrown toenails, bunions, and gout. An ingrown toenail can develop from wearing shoes that are too tight, or it may happen from trimming the toenails incorrectly. A bunion is described as a bony lump that forms on the side of the big toe and can cause a moderate level of discomfort. Gout is considered to be a form of arthritis that often affects the joints in the big toe, possibly causing debilitating pain. It is crucial to uncover the cause of the toe pain, and this can precede the correct treatment. Resting the affected foot can help reduce existing swelling caused by toe pain. Some toe pain may be alleviated by wearing shoes that fit correctly and performing specific types of stretches that can improve flexibility and reduce pain. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct structural issues. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the underlying cause of your toe pain and provide personalized treatment for recovery.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Read more about Toe Pain
Friday, 11 August 2023 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.

Arthralgia and arthritis are terms often used interchangeably, but they describe distinct conditions related to joint health that can affect the feet. Arthritis belongs to a group of inflammatory joint conditions in the foot, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. On the other hand, arthralgia is a medical term for foot joint pain, which can arise from various causes including injury, infection, or overuse. While arthralgia is a symptom frequently experienced by individuals with foot arthritis, not all joint pain is a result of arthritic inflammation. Arthritis can lead to severe complications, affecting mobility and overall quality of life. In contrast, arthralgia's complications are typically related to the underlying cause of joint pain. Identifying the root cause is crucial for effective management and treatment. Both medical and home treatments can help alleviate foot joint pain. Exercising, resting, stretching, and pain relievers can provide relief. In more severe cases, medical interventions like disease-modifying drugs, biological drugs, or joint replacement surgery may be necessary. If you are suffering from foot pain of any type that is not responding to home treatment, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method 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 How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot
Tuesday, 01 August 2023 00:00

Gout Affects Joints in the Big Toe

Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause severe pain and discomfort. Gout develops due to excess uric acid in the body which leads to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. These crystals can trigger inflammation and cause intense pain, often affecting the big toe, knees, ankles, and other joints. Several factors can contribute to gout, such as a diet rich in purines found in red meat, seafood, and sugary drinks. Family history, obesity, and certain medications can also contribute to gout. To manage this condition, you must make healthy lifestyle choices, which include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and drinking plenty of water. Medications can help reduce pain and control uric acid levels. Early diagnosis and proper management are pivotal in preventing gout attacks and potential joint damage. If you experience joint pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 Everything You Need to Know About Gout
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