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September 2021

Wednesday, 29 September 2021 00:00

Various Treatments for Plantar Hyperhidrosis

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating from the feet. There are several possible treatments that your podiatrist can prescribe to reduce sweating. Treatments containing aluminum chloride, an antiperspirant, can be applied directly to the skin and are often very effective at managing excessive sweating. Topical treatments may not be suitable for those with hypersensitive skin or those with open foot wounds. Iontophoresis, a treatment that uses electrical currents to prevent excessive sweating, is safe, effective, and relatively inexpensive. Other potential treatment options include Botox injections into the feet and minimally invasive surgical procedures. These are usually suggested for patients who have not seen improvements with other treatment options. For more information about treating plantar hyperhidrosis, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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.

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Tuesday, 21 September 2021 00:00

What Is Cold Treatment?

Cold treatment is a simple and useful way to treat foot and ankle injuries by applying ice to the affected area. Ice helps with injuries by cooling down the affected soft tissues, making blood vessels constrict and reducing blood flow and bleeding in the area. Reducing blood flow to the injured area also reduces swelling, and therefore pain and inflammation. The ice that you use should never be placed directly on your skin, as this could cause an ice burn. Instead, wrap the ice in a towel before putting it on the injury. You should ice an injury for approximately 10-15 minutes, then wait at least two hours before applying ice again. If you have certain medical conditions, such as a loss of sensation in your feet, high blood pressure, heart problems, open wounds, or Raynaud’s disease, you should not use cold treatment without a doctor’s approval. To learn more about the benefits of cold treatment for foot and ankle injuries, please consult with a podiatrist. 

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.

Read more about Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Tuesday, 14 September 2021 00:00

A Toe Stretch for Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, and can be at risk of injury. When it is inflamed, usually due to repetitive overuse from playing sports or working out, plantar fasciitis may develop. Symptoms of this condition can include heel pain, arch pain, and possible swelling and tenderness along the bottom of the foot. There are many foot exercises that you can try to help relieve pain. Stretching is one way to help yourself recover from plantar fasciitis. One such exercise is the toe stretch. To do this exercise, sit on the floor with your knee bent and foot flat on the floor. Pull the toes back until you feel a stretch in the arch of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds, and then relax. Repeat 10 times. For more information about plantar fasciitis and foot stretches, please consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with 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.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

  • Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
  • Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
  • Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
  • Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

Read more about How to Stretch Your Feet
Friday, 10 September 2021 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Tuesday, 07 September 2021 00:00

An Overview of Foot Pain

Pain can occur anywhere in the foot, and its location may be an indicator of the underlying condition. For instance, heel pain is very common and may be due to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, injuries, or bone spurs. Pain in either the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toes may emanate from a muscle imbalance, which eventually causes the toe to become bent in a downward position (hammertoe). Pain in one of the toe joints, the ankle joint, or the joint connecting the toes with the forefoot may be a warning sign of arthritis. Ingrown toenails can cause pain in, and on top of, the big toe. If you feel pain in the ball of your foot, it may be due to Morton’s neuroma—a thickening of tissue surrounding an irritated nerve between the toes. Arches may be painful due to wearing unsupportive shoes, having plantar fasciitis, or if the arches have fallen. Swollen or generally painful feet may be due to pregnancy, the heat, diabetes, or poor blood circulation. If you feel pain in any part of your feet, have a podiatrist perform an examination to diagnose your condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Read more about Foot Pain
Wednesday, 01 September 2021 00:00

What Are Sesamoids?

The sesamoid bones are located in the ball of the foot, just behind the big toe. These two tiny pea-sized bones support tendons in the feet and allow downward motion of the big toe. When the sesamoids are inflamed it is known as sesamoiditis. This condition usually arises as a result of a sudden injury that bends the big toe upwards. People who participate in sports that put stress on the sesamoid bones, such as football, soccer, and dance, are at an increased risk of sesamoid injuries. Suddenly increasing the intensity of your workouts or wearing ill-fitted shoes or shoes with excessively high heels can also make sesamoiditis more likely. Symptoms of this condition include pain under the ball of the foot, a restricted range of motion in the big toe, and a popping sensation in your big toe when you walk. If you suspect that you may have sesamoiditis, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Read more about Sesamoiditis
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