While toe injuries are usually not serious, they can seriously impede the progress of an athlete. If you participate in sports, it is critical that you wear the right shoes for the sport that you participate in. Watch for toe fractures by tending to the severity of the pain felt and possible swelling, looking for deformities of the toe or toenail and other possible wounds. If a toe is sprained and not broken, it can be buddy taped to the toe next to it to reduce pain and speed recovery. Doing some basic motion exercises might also help with blood flow, and reduce pain and stiffness. Toe injuries left untreated or unaddressed for too long could lead to stiffness, arthritis, or permanent pain long-term. Toe injuries sustained during sports that involve fractures or do not heal after resting for a period of time should be seen by a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and guidance in treatment. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete 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.

A common reason that people can have heel pain may be related to heel spurs. It is defined as a calcium deposit that develops on the bottom of the heel, and sometimes causes severe pain and discomfort. The band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot is known as the plantar fascia. This helps the foot to withstand daily walking and standing, in addition to supporting the arch of the foot. If it is stretched beyond its limitations from overuse, the body may naturally respond by building extra bone, which is known as a heel spur. Contributing factors that may lead to this condition include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, obesity, and advanced age. Common symptoms of a heel spur are pain in the bottom of the heel that can worsen while walking or running, and feeling a bump when the heel is touched. Mild relief may come from resting the affected foot as often as possible, and it can help to temporarily cut back on exercise as the foot heals. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat heel spurs.

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 David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor 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, 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.

Walking is one of the best things people who have arthritis can do for relief. This type of low-impact exercise can help to keep the joints flexible and the bones healthy. A healthy weight is important to maintain, as this can help to reduce stress on the joints and bones. Many patients with arthritis understand the benefits of walking and generally start slowly. The length and time of walking can be gradually increased, and it can help to have a favorite time of day to walk. If it becomes painful, patients can use crutches or poles that may provide extra support. It is beneficial for shoes that are worn to fit well and be comfortable, and setting a goal for time or distance may help to establish good walking habits. It is important to properly warm up before walking is started for the day, followed by cooling down when it is completed. If you have arthritis in your feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can advise you on what type of walking shoes to buy and suggest different exercises to perform for relief.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

There are several professions that require walking and standing for the majority of the day. This can cause foot pain, and may negatively affect the overall workday. It is important to stretch the feet as often as possible during the day, as this can help improve circulation. There are simple foot stretches that can be performed during the day, including rolling the ankle to the left and right. This is beneficial in strengthening the ankle muscles, and the risk of incurring an ankle injury may be decreased. Additionally, a foot roller may be used to stretch the heel, which may help prevent heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. The feet will feel better when proper shoes are worn that are made of flexible materials and have sturdy soles. Patients who stand on concrete floors for most of the day may find relief while standing on a stress mat. This may help to cushion the feet as the day progresses. Some patients choose to wear compression socks, and this can be helpful in diminishing the pain that can come from standing all day. If you would like more information about how to protect the feet while working and standing on various surfaces, please consult with a podiatrist. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.