Items filtered by date: November 2017

When there is excessive stress in the heel, new bone is formed to protect the heel against fractures. This is known as a heel spur and often feels like a bump in the heel. It typically begins as cartilage and then progresses into solid bone. They’re present in about half the population, although not everyone has pain. The most common cause of heel spurs is plantar fasciitis. If pain is experienced, it’s usually in the morning or after resting. Typically, after the first few steps, the pain will improve as the foot gets used to the movements. Certain exercises may also help relieve the pain. Placing the affected foot on a tennis ball while rolling it around may be beneficial in relaxing the muscles. Additionally, bending the knees while moving up and down may provide additional relief.

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 one of our podiatrists from Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors 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 offices located in Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights point guard B.J. Taylor has suffered a bone fracture in his foot. Coach Dawkins announced that Taylor will miss between four to six weeks. Taylor’s injury is a further strain on the Knights, as two other players also suffered recent injuries. While the injury is unfortunate, it is not a season-ending one; he is expected to return.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tinea pedis, also known as a fungal infection of the foot, or athlete’s foot, is a very common condition. One health expert estimates that between 15 and 25 percent of people will get athlete’s foot at some point in their life. With new fashion trends like going sockless while wearing shoes, cases of athlete’s foot are increasing according to experts in the UK. Though this increase in the number of cases has been largely among men, women can also contract athlete’s foot at high rates. Fungus thrives in moist, dark, and warm places, similar to the environment inside of a shoe. Socks are important because they help to wick away moisture and keep the feet dry. If you prefer to wear shoes without socks, make sure to wash your feet everyday and to let your shoes air out. Furthermore, avoid going barefoot in public showers, locker rooms, and gyms; these places can harbor not only fungus, but also bacteria and viruses which can affect your feet. While generally not a serious condition, chronic athlete’s foot can be treated by a podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Apple Podiatry Group.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A study conducted by the Boston University School of Medicine found that the tendons and bones in the lower extremities of Olympic female athletes were more likely to become injured in track and field events than other events. 25 bone stress injuries and 156 tendon abnormalities that developed during the 2016 Summer Olympics were examined in the study. The results found that bone stress injuries were more common in women and in the lower extremities. Researchers hope to use this information to help prevent any future bone stress injuries in athletic activities. For tendons, researchers hope that the information will help identify chronic lesions and any preventative measures.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.