Items filtered by date: May 2024

Lower limb and foot injuries are common in athletic children, partly due to the vulnerability of their growth plates. Growth plates are the developing areas of cartilage at the end of the long bones in the legs where bone growth takes place. These plates are weaker than nearby tendons and ligaments, making them more susceptible to injury. This is especially true when under the stress of repetitive physical activities in sports. Movements like running, jumping, and quick pivoting can place excessive strain on growth plates, leading to conditions such as Sever's disease, or heel pain. Ankle sprains are also common because ligaments in children tend to be more elastic than in adults. The biomechanics of growing children, such as variations in gait, muscle strength, and coordination during growth spurts, can further predispose them to these injuries as their bodies adapt to rapid physical changes. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, can treat these types of injuries common in active children. They may suggest treatments ranging from rest and elevation to custom orthotics that support proper alignment and reduce stress on the growth plates. Treatments vary depending on the injury. If your child is struggling with a lower limb or foot injury, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist for targeted care. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, and Sachse, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers are a common and serious complication of diabetes. Ulcers are open sores or wounds that typically appear on the bottom of the foot. They often start as small blisters or cuts but can evolve into deeper wounds due to poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet. This nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, is common in people with diabetes. Neuropathy diminishes the ability to feel pain, allowing injuries to go unnoticed and untreated. Poor blood circulation also reduces the ability of the body to heal, making even minor wounds potentially serious. A diabetic foot ulcer looks like a red crater in the skin, which may weep fluid. The area around the ulcer may be swollen, red, and warm to the touch. Prompt treatment is important to prevent infection and further serious complications, such as gangrene or amputation. Regular foot inspections, maintaining blood sugar levels, and appropriate footwear are key preventative measures for those with diabetes to minimize the risk of developing ulcers. If you have foot ulcers due to diabetes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for regular check-ups. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, and Sachse, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The running gait cycle, a complex sequence of movements, plays a vital role in the biomechanics of the feet. As runners progress through each phase of the gait cycle, their feet undergo a series of motions aimed at generating propulsion and absorbing shock. The cycle typically consists of stance and swing phases. During the stance phase, the foot strikes the ground, starting with the initial contact, followed by mid-stance and propulsion, where the foot pushes off to propel the body forward. Throughout these phases, the foot experiences various biomechanical forces, including pronation, or inward rolling, and supination, which is outward rolling to adapt to the terrain and distribute pressure evenly. In the swing phase, the foot lifts off the ground, preparing for the next stride. Understanding the intricacies of the running gait cycle and how it influences your foot biomechanics is essential for optimizing performance, preventing injuries, and selecting appropriate footwear for runners of all levels. If you are looking for a gait analysis, or if you have endured a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, and Sachse, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects millions of individuals in the United States. It is caused by reduced blood flow due to plaque buildup in peripheral arteries. PAD often targets the lower extremities, seriously affecting the legs and feet. A common indicator of peripheral artery disease is intermittent muscle pain in the lower legs during activity that subsides with rest. Other signs include diminished toenail and leg hair growth, temperature disparities between feet and non-healing wounds. Treatment from a podiatrist is essential for alleviating symptoms and preventing further complications. Podiatrists can offer various treatment options for PAD, including custom orthotic devices and footwear modifications, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. Additionally, lifestyle adjustments, such as smoking cessation and managing underlying conditions like hypertension, are essential in PAD management. Early intervention not only improves quality of life but also reduces the risk of severe complications associated with PAD. If you experience symptoms of peripheral artery disease that is affecting your lower legs and feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, and Sachse, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.