Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Plantar warts, though often benign, leave their mark on the soles of your feet with distinctive symptoms that merit attention. Typically emerging as flat or slightly raised growths, these warts exhibit a rough texture and may feature small black dots known as wart seeds, caused by clotted blood vessels. While the appearance is unmistakable, it is the discomfort that often draws attention. Plantar warts can cause pain or tenderness, especially while standing or walking, as the pressure on the wart exacerbates the discomfort. The surrounding skin may take on a calloused appearance, and the warts themselves can vary in size. Plantar warts thrive in warm, moist environments, making them frequent visitors to communal spaces like swimming pools or locker rooms. Recognizing these symptoms enables early identification and intervention, ensuring a more comfortable and expedited resolution of this common foot ailment. Plantar warts require the medical attention of a podiatrist, and if you have this ailment, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can offer effective remedies for the accompanying pain and discomfort.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
Hard or thick callused spots
Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
Freezing
Electric tool removal
Laser Treatment
Topical Creams (prescription only)
Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Killeen, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Peripheral neuropathy affects parts of the nervous system that send signals to the extremities. Symptoms typically emerge in the toes and feet before symmetrically progressing up the legs. In diabetic neuropathy, another prevalent type, symptoms initiate in both feet, extend to the calves, and may reach the hands. Symptoms include a tingling sensation, burning pain, loss of feeling, and the inability to sense temperature or vibration. While diabetic neuropathy can cause tingling, numbness, and reduced sensation, weakness is less prominent. Notably, a significant number of individuals with diabetic neuropathy may not experience pain, despite reduced sensation. This puts them at risk of neglecting proper foot care and potentially leading to serious injuries, or in severe cases, limb loss. Diabetes is a major contributor to peripheral neuropathy, and nerve compression, excessive alcohol consumption, toxin exposure, and certain medications such chemotherapy can also cause this condition. Autoimmune diseases, hereditary conditions, thyroid disease, and kidney or liver diseases are other potential triggers. If you believe you are suffering from peripheral or diabetic neuropathy in the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Numbness
Sensation loss
Prickling and tingling sensations
Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
Muscle weakness
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Killeen, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Baseball is a dynamic sport that requires players to engage in varied physical activities such as sprinting to bases, batting, throwing, and pitching. Players often experience rapid changes in movement, from running in straight sprints to shifting side to side while taking leads or fielding. Stability is vital, particularly in the lower body, to manage the force from these movements. The right foot is especially important due to its frequent contact with the base corners while running. Sliding injuries are common, with feet-first slides presenting a higher injury rate than head-first ones. Most injuries from sliding are minor, although some can sideline players for over a week. The introduction of breakaway bases has helped reduce such injuries. Pitchers need shoes with rigid soles for effective push-off, while catchers require flexibility in the forefoot due to their crouched position. All foot types, whether arched or flat, can adapt to the sport. Baseball injuries can vary, but a comprehensive approach to treatment includes a full history and physical exam, including an assessment of the player's shoes and gait. If you have endured a baseball foot injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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 Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Killeen, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
