Port Neches, TX (409) 727-1122
October 2020
Monday, 26 October 2020 00:00
Pediatric Stress Fractures May Occur in Active Children
Children who participate in sporting events may experience a pediatric stress fracture. It is considered to be a hairline fracture, and it often occurs in the feet. The symptoms that are often associated with stress fractures are pain and discomfort after an activity has been accomplished, and it can be difficult to walk. A stress fracture generally occurs from repetitive pressure, or possibly from nutritional deficiencies. The healing process may consist of wearing a protective boot, and it can help to refrain from participating in the activity that caused the fracture. If you believe that your child has a stress fracture, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
- Runners
- People affected with Osteoporosis
- Tennis or basketball players
- Gymnasts
- High impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Monday, 19 October 2020 00:00
How Can I Prevent Cracked Heels?
Cracked heels can have a variety of causes. It is believed that intense pressure or friction on the feet is the primary cause of cracked heels, however, they may also come about as a result of not moisturizing your feet regularly, taking overly long, hot showers, using harsh soaps, harsh weather conditions, wearing shoes that have open backs or thin soles, and wearing poorly fitted high heels. One home treatment for cracked heels is applying a thick layer of moisturizer to your feet after a shower or bath and then putting on a pair of cotton socks. To prevent cracked heels, it is suggested that you avoid harsh soaps and scrubbing your feet, and that you wear supportive shoes and breathable socks to reduce friction. For more information on how to prevent and treat cracked heels, consult with a podiatrist today.
If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.
Ways to Help Heal Them
- Invest in a good foot cream
- Try Using Petroleum Jelly
- Ease up on Soaps
- Drink Plenty of Water
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
- Moisturize After Showering
- Skip a Shower
- Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
- Don’t Scrub Your Feet
If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Thursday, 15 October 2020 00:00
Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Monday, 12 October 2020 00:00
Wearing Flip-Flops Can Alter the Way You Walk
Flip-flops, with their roomy design and flat soles, may seem better for your feet than other shoes. Unfortunately, they aren’t. In fact, frequently wearing flip-flops can greatly damage the health of your feet. Flip-flops lack support for the foot, and their loose design requires you to scrunch your toes to keep them on your feet as you walk. This can alter the way you walk, also known as your gait. Those who wear flip-flops frequently are more likely to walk with short strides and with their ankles turned overly inward. This walking pattern can increase the risk of developing ankle and hip pain. Frequent flip-flop use can also cause plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes. For more information about the dangers of flip-flops, and to discover healthier footwear options, consult with a podiatrist.
Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
- Ankle problems
- Hip problems
- Lower back problems
- Pain in the balls of the feet
- Problems with foot arches
- Changes in the way you walk
Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
- Sprained ankles
- Blisters
- Infections
- Cuts and Scrapes
I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Flip Flops and Feet Monday, 05 October 2020 00:00
Eating Certain Types of Foods May Trigger Gout Attacks
The medical condition that is referred to as gout is considered to be a form of arthritis. Common symptoms of this ailment often consist of severe pain and discomfort in the joints of the big toe. The pain can be debilitating, and it may be difficult to complete daily activities. Gout can develop as a result of having elevated uric acid levels in the blood, which generally happens due to high purine levels. This can happen as a result of genetic factors, from eating foods such as shellfish and red meat, and from drinking excessive alcohol. Additionally, it may occur in patients who are obese, or who have chronic kidney disease. Research has indicated that it may be beneficial to implement healthy eating habits into your daily routine, as this may limit the amount of gout attacks. If you have frequent bouts of gout, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you prevention and treatment options.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Pete O’Donald, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
- Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
- Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
- Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
- Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
- Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
- Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
- Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
- Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
- Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
- Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Nederland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
