Any fracture to the foot or ankle should be taken seriously, but a Lisfranc fracture is particularly concerning for podiatrists. Because the fracture happens at the center of the foot where there are many connections, without prompt treatment this problem can significantly reduce your ability to walk or participate in athletic activities. The lenger the fracture goes untreated the less likely the outcome will be favorable. Learn more about Lisfranc fractures to see if this might be the foot problem you're experiencing.

What Is a Lisfranc Fracture?
When the bones at the center of the foot become fractured, broken or shift out of place it is called a Lisfranc injury. The ligaments that hold the bones together and cartilage at joints can also tear. This can happen when a heavy object falls on the foot, the patient has a bad fall or the foot twists unnaturally. Athletes, like soccer and football players, may be at risk for Lisfranc fractures. Doctors will expect a Lisfranc injury after a car accident or truamatice event, but lisfranc injuries can even happen during atletic activies and not be so obvious. 

Why It’s a Concern
A Lisfranc fracture is a major concern for podiatrists because if it is allowed to go untreated for an extended period of time it can lead to a disability of the foot. It can cause the bottom of the foot to swell, bruise and become darkly discolored (a telltale sign of a Lisfranc fracture). It can also be a very painful condition that is difficult to ignore.

Lisfranc Fracture Treatments
Your foot doctor will take X-rays to confirm that you have a Lisfranc injury. If so, conservative treatments may be implemented first, including wearing a removable cast or an orthotic device that will train your bones and joints into a position for healing. In a severe case where there’s a clear fracture or severe subluxation of the bones, you may have to have foot surgery. Two common surgical solutions are fusion (healing the bones together) and internal fixation (involves the use of screws and other devices to repair the foot).

Talk to a Podiatrist 
If you are having foot pain please see your podiatris. The earlier you seek treatment for a Lisfranc fracture, the better for your long-term foot health. Your podiatrist will discuss your options and come up with an ideal plan for fixing the problem. 

Sincerly,

Advanced Foot and Ankle

972.542.2155

If your child has ever complained of not being able to sleep at night due to leg pain, he or she may be experiencing what many people refer to as growing pains. They are common for kids during their growth and development years.

Growing pains are often characterized by a sharp, throbbing pain in the leg muscles, or knees and usually occurring during the night and sometimes late afternoon without an apparent cause. While there is no evidence that a child's growth is painful, these pains often occur during an active day of running, jumping, ascending stairs or swimming.

Whenever a child is afflicted by episodes of recurrent leg, heel or foot pain, it is always best to have them evaluated. Other more serious foot and leg conditions should be ruled out before a diagnosis of growing pains is made. If they are simply having growing pains there are some simple treatments that can help relieve them. 

Consult with a physician or a podiatrist if aching legs or feet are a  complaint, or if the child is noticing it daily. Persistent pain and other unusual symptoms may indicate a more serious problem. The following symptoms are not due to growing pains and should be evaluated by a doctor:

• Persistent pain
• Swelling or redness in one specific area or joint
• Limping
• Fever
• Loss of Appetite
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Abnormal behavior

Parents can help ease the pain with simple home remedies.

• Massage and rub the child's ache until the pain passes
• Stretch your child's legs throughout the day and before bed
• Heating pads or warm baths can help soothe sore muscles

While growing pains are commonly seen in young children during the growth and development years, lower extremity pain can also be caused by mechanical misalignments and structural imperfections. A thorough evaluation is crucial in order to determine the exact cause of your child's leg pain. If growing pains are the cause of your child's discomfort, rest assured that the pain is only temporary and will pass with time.

On Your Toes is a product that eliminates foot odor for months. It was developed for children and is safe for even the tiniest of feet but can also be used by adults with great success. This is a bactericidal powder that is applied to your feet and inside your shoes for 3 days in a row.  That’s it.  The powder then stops the embarrassing foot odor for 6 months which is backed by a manufacturer moneyback guarantee.   One container of On Your Toes will treat 6 pairs of shoes or 3 pairs of sneakers.  This product has been in use for over 25 years and our providers have had great results with both children and adults.   This product is available in both our McKinney and Prosper office. Please call us at 972-542-2155 if you have questions about this or any other foot/ankle condition we would be happy to answer them. 

Sincerly,

Advanced Foot and Ankle 

972.542.2155

You can now purchase a second pair for a discounted price of $225! 

Having a second pair of custom orthotics is a great option for:

• A thinner, narrower orthotic that can fit easier into dress shoes, cleats, ice skates, golf shoes, etc.

•  Convenience of not having to constantly switch your orthotics between shoes. 

This is a limited time offer that will end August 31, 2020 so call now to get your second pair!

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There are many things that can cause pain the the ball - or Fore foot. Metatarsalgia denotes a common foot condition characterized by pain and inflammation of the joints and bones of the ball of the foot - the area just before the toes. 

Symptoms of metatarsalgia can develop suddenly, especially after an increase in exercise or high-impact activities, but normally the problems develop over time. Common symptoms of metatarsalgia include:

• Sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of your foot - the part of the sole just behind the toes
• Pain that intensifies when you stand, walk or run
• Pain that radiates from the balls of the feet into the toes
• Numbness or tingling in the toes
• A feeling in your feet as if you are walking with a pebble in your shoe or if your sock is balled up
• Pain that increases when walking barefoot

Sometimes a single factor can trigger metatarsalgia. More often, multiple factors contribute to the pain, including:

• Over-training or Over-activity. Extensive training and high-impact sports, especially running, places an abnormal amount of stress on the balls of the feet, causing irritation, inflammation and pain.
• Other foot disorders. High arches, hammertoes, bunions, stress fractures and Morton's neuroma can all trigger metatarsalgia symptoms.
• Poor-fitting footwear. High heels, narrow-toed shoes and shoes without adequate padding can all contribute to metatarsal problems.
• Excess weight. Extra weight places excess pressure on your metatarsals.
• Aging. The fat pads on the metatarsals thin out as a person ages, diminishing the ability of the metatarsal bones to protect themselves.

Although generally not serious, metatarsalgia can disrupt your day to day activities, and when left untreated can lead to additional pain in your unaffected foot, back or hips. Treatment to eliminate metatarsalgia symptoms can be as simple as resting, icing the affected area and wearing proper-fitting shoes to significantly reduce swelling and ease pain. IF these treatments aren't effective and pain persists, visit our practice for a full exam and a proper diagnosis. There can be other diagnoses that cause pain in the ball of foot. In most cases, they can be treated non-surgically.

Thank you,

Advanced Foot and Ankle

972.542.2155