Posts for category: Uncategorized
So there is nothing you can do right?..........Wrong!
Depending on what type of fracture. Some toe fractures need to be set in order to heal correctly. Some toe fractures even require surgery. As with most injuries it is best to treat them early. If you suspect you have a toe fracture put ice on your foot and minimize the weight on it. Elevate your foot. If the toe is sticking out to the side or up please come in right away.
Treatment often consists of:
Xrays to determine if there is a fracture and the extent and location of it.
Sometimes there is taping or buddy splinting of the affected toe to another toe.
Often we recommend wearing at least a hard soled shoe, or surgical shoe and boot.
Rest and change of activity.
Fractures typically take 6-8 weeks to heel, in the toes it can take longer.
"If you had a fracture in your hand,you would never stuff it in a shoe and go running on it"- Dr. Melissa
If you suspect you have a toe fracture, please call us.
Sincerely,
Advanced Foot & Ankle
972.542.2155
Commonly referred to as “poor circulation,” Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) is the restriction of blood flow in the arteries of the leg. When arteries become narrowed by plaque (the accumulation of cholesterol and other materials on the walls of the arteries), the oxygen-rich blood flowing through the arteries cannot reach the legs and feet.
Most people have no symptoms during the early stages of P.A.D. Often, by the time symptoms are noticed, the arteries are already significantly blocked.
-
Leg pain (cramping) that occurs while walking (intermittent claudication)
-
Leg pain (cramping) that occurs while lying down (rest pain)
-
Leg numbness or weakness
-
Cold legs or feet
-
Sores that won’t heal on toes, feet, or legs
-
A change in leg color
-
Loss of hair on the feet and legs
-
Changes in toenails—color and thickness
Because only half of those with P.A.D. actually experience symptoms, it is important that people with known risk factors be screened or tested for P.A.D.
-
Being over age 50
-
Smoking (currently or previously)
-
Diabetes
-
High blood pressure
-
High cholesterol
-
Personal or family history of P.A.D., heart disease, heart attack, or stroke
-
Sedentary lifestyle (infrequent or no exercise)
To diagnose P.A.D., the foot and ankle surgeon obtains a comprehensive medical history of the patient. The surgeon performs a lower extremity physical examination that includes evaluation of pulses, skin condition, and foot deformities to determine the patient’s risk for P.A.D. If risk factors are present, the foot and ankle surgeon may order further tests.
Treatment for P.A.D. involves lifestyle changes, medication and, in some cases, surgery.
-
Lifestyle changes. These include smoking cessation, regular exercise, and eating a heart-healthy diet.
-
Medications. Medicines may be used to improve blood flow, help prevent blood clots, or to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.
-
Surgery. In some patients, small incision (endovascular) procedures or open (bypass) surgery of the leg are needed to improve blood flow.
Simple foot deformities (hammertoes, bunions, bony prominences) or dermatologic conditions such as ingrown or thickened fungal nails often become more serious concerns when P.A.D is present. Because the legs and feet of someone with P.A.D. do not have normal blood flow—and because blood is necessary for healing—seemingly small problems such as cuts, blisters, or sores can result in serious complications.
Getting regular foot exams—as well as seeking immediate help when you notice changes in the feet—can keep small problems from worsening. P.A.D. requires ongoing attention.
-
Wash your feet daily. Use warm (not hot) water and a mild soap. Dry your feet—including between the toes—gently and well.
-
Keep the skin soft. For dry skin, apply a moisturizer that does not contain alcohol. Apply over the top and bottom of your feet, but not between the toes.
-
Trim toenails straight across and file the edges. Keep edges rounded to avoid ingrown toenails, which can cause infections.
-
Always wear shoes and socks. To avoid cuts and abrasions, never go barefoot—even indoors.
-
Choose the right shoes and socks. When buying new shoes, have an expert make sure they fit well. At first, wear them just for a few hours daily to help prevent blisters and examine the feet afterward to check for areas of irritation. Wear seamless socks to avoid getting sores.
-
Check your feet—every day. Check all over for sores, cuts, bruises, breaks in the skin, rashes, corns, calluses, blisters, red spots, swelling, ingrown toenails, toenail infections, or pain.
-
Call your foot and ankle surgeon. If you develop any of the above problems, seek professional help immediately. Do not try to take care of cuts, sores, or infections yourself
.png)
- A thinner, narrower orthotic that can fit easier into dress shoes, cleats, ice skates, golf shoes, etc.
- Kids always have their orthotics in their athletic shoes.
- Convenience of not having to constantly switch your orthotics between shoes.
- Call our office at 972-542-2155, press 0.
- Mention the email you received.
- Our staff will take it from there.
(EPAT) Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology, also known as Shockwave.
It is an advanced and highly effective non-invasive treatment method that is cleared by the FDA.
The pressure waves stimulate metabolism, enhance circulation, and accelerate the healing process. Damages tissue gradually regenerates and heals. It is performed in the office.
EPAT is a very successful alternative to surgery for Chronic Achilles pain.
Some other conditions EPAT treats include:
-Plantar fasciiits
-Neuromas
-Tripgger points
-Plantar Plate
-Neuropathy
-Arthritis
Benefits:
Non-invasive
no anesthesia
nor risk of infection
no down time
no scarring
There are Virtually no risks. In some cases there may be mild soreness after treatment.
It is performed in-office. Coupling gel is applied to the specified treatment area. EPAT pressure waves. You can walk immediately and return to normal activity the next day.
If you experiencing foot and ankle pain please schedual a consultation today.
Sincerely,
Advanced Foot and Ankle
972.542.2155
With age, many people experience changes in their feet and their ability to care for there own feet. This may include a change in foot shape, a loss of the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet, thinner, drier
skin, and brittle nails. You could even develop arthritis and pain.
As the feet change, they naturally develop more problems. But aching feet are not a natural part of ageing, or something that should be tolerated or considered normal. There are many things you can do now to prevent foot problems as your feet (and you) age. You can help relieve pain, improve comfort and keep the spring in your step.
Taking good care of your feet has many benefits, including increasing your comfort, limiting the possibility of additional health issues, and keeping you active and mobile. The following tips can help keep feet feeling and looking their best into the Golden Years-Hopefully not the Rusty Years!
- Choose proper-fitting shoes with adequate support, a firm sole and a soft upper for your everyday activities.
- Killer Shoes for Killer occasions-- not for the supermarket!
- Walk—it’s the best exercise for your feet.
- Avoid going barefoot, yes even in the house, average people do thousands of steps a day in their homes.
- Never cut corns or calluses on your own, we recommend the use of a specific buffing pad that is effective and safe- even for diabetic patients.
- Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm water with a mild soap, make sure you wash and DRY between your toes.
- Moisturize daily- but not between your toes.
- Trim and file toenails straight across.
- If you have any peeling or suspect any athlethes foot or nail fungus it is important to have it treated.
- Inspect your feet daily. If you notice redness, cracks in the skin or strange sores, please consult us.
- Have your feet examined at least once a year.
There are literally hundreds of different foot ailments. Some are inherited, but for older folks most foot conditions stem from the impact of years of wear and tear. The good news is that even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully.
Never ignore the natural changes that aging brings. Since feet are referred to as the “mirror of health,” podiatrists are often the first to identify signs of systemic diseases, such as diabetes and arthritis. Regular visits can help prevent foot problems and alleviate pain to keep you active for life.
Thank you.
Sincerly,
Advanced Foot and Ankle
972.542.2155
Locations