Flip-flops are easy to wear. They are popular shoes to purchase in the summer months for their various colors and the ease of slipping them on to go to the beach. Despite their simplicity, frequently wearing this type of shoe may cause uncomfortable foot problems. The majority of flip-flops do not have an arch, which may lead to heel pain. The toes can also begin to hurt as they are constantly gripping the shoe while walking to keep it on the foot. Additionally, cracked heels can be common among people who wear flip-flops. This can be from the shoe having little or no cushioning and the foot can lose support from the lack of a strap. This may cause the calf muscles to work harder and the foot may strike the ground abnormally. If you would like to learn more about the pros and cons of wearing flip-flops, please consult a podiatrist who can accurately answer any questions you may have.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact David Carmack, 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 Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most well-known conditions that can negatively impact the feet, and it is defined as the inflammation of the plantar fascia along the arch of the foot. Most commonly, individuals discuss the symptoms in the feet that are associated with plantar fasciitis. Importantly, this includes heel pain. However, individuals with severe cases of plantar fasciitis may also experience symptoms throughout their bodies. Notably, an individual with bad plantar fasciitis may eventually begin to notice pain in the lower back area. In a related way, an individual’s hips may also begin to hurt if plantar fasciitis is left untreated for a long period. Lastly, the knees may also be negatively impacted. The lower back, hips, and knees may be adversely affected by plantar fasciitis because of the change in gait that plantar fasciitis produces. If you are someone that struggles with plantar fasciitis, contact a podiatrist today for guidance. Schedule an appointment today.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact David Carmack, DPM  from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Severs’ disease is a particular kind of affliction of the foot that primarily impacts children. This condition occurs when the child, typically going through a growth spurt and engaged in some kind of physical activity, experiences heel pain. The heel bone, in relation to the heel growth plate, can become aggravated, which is a sign of Severs' disease. Although pain in the heel is a defining symptom of Severs’ disease, swelling around the heel may also develop. If a child experiences swelling around the heel and this area is also red in color, this may actually indicate that another source of pain exists. For example, this can be a sign that a stress fracture or ankle sprain may be causing pain. If you have a child that is experiencing heel pain, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Snowboarding can be dangerous, and injuries are common for those who participate in this sport. While there are ways to prevent such injuries, there are no guarantees that they will not happen. In snowboarding, it is possible to roll an ankle or twist a foot in a way that leads to mild or severe injuries. A sprained ankle is a frequent injury in this sport. It can result from landing awkwardly on the board or wearing boots that do not fit as well as they should. It can also happen as part of a knee injury. Sprained or bruised heels can also happen in snowboarding. For example, a bruised heel can occur when one goes off of a jump and lands hard. Snowboarding within one’s ability can help prevent ankle and foot injuries. Wearing properly fitting boots is also suggested to limit risk of injuries. If you have hurt your feet or ankles while snowboarding, see a podiatrist as soon as you can for diagnosis and treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact David Carmack, DPM of Texas. Our doctor 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
• 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 contact our office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.