December 2023

Foot pain, a discomfort affecting individuals across various walks of life, can trace its roots to a multitude of causes. One common culprit is improper footwear, where shoes lacking proper support or fit can lead to a range of issues. Among them are corns and calluses as well as more severe conditions like plantar fasciitis. Strain and overuse, often associated with prolonged standing or engaging in high-impact activities, can contribute to fatigue and discomfort. Structural anomalies, including flat feet or high arches, may alter foot mechanics and induce pain. Injuries such as sprains, fractures, or ligament tears also play a role, necessitating attention and care. Additionally, arthritis and inflammatory conditions, along with systemic health issues like diabetes, may manifest in foot pain. If you are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can pinpoint the cause and offer appropriate treatment options.

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.

Gout and rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, are two distinct medical conditions that can affect joints in the feet and ankles, and they can be differentiated based on various factors. Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, usually due to an overproduction or under-excretion of uric acid. In contrast, RA is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints, leading to inflammation. The symptoms of gout and RA also vary. Gout typically presents with sudden and intense pain in one joint, often the big toe, along with redness and swelling. RA, on the other hand, typically affects multiple joints symmetrically and causes chronic pain, morning stiffness, and joint deformities over time. Laboratory tests can help distinguish between the two conditions. Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood or the presence of uric acid crystals in joint fluid are indicative of gout. RA is characterized by the presence of specific auto-antibodies, like rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. If you have pain in your foot or ankle joints, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper testing and a diagnosis so that the right treatment can be administered.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

A foot corn, medically known as a heloma, is a common foot condition characterized by a localized thickening of the skin that usually occurs on the feet or toes. These corns are typically small, circular, or conical in shape, and may have a central core of hard, dense material. The two primary types of foot corns are hard corns and soft corns. Hard corns often form on the tops or sides of toes and the balls of the feet, appearing as yellow or gray, dense patches of skin. Soft corns tend to develop between the toes in moist, sweaty areas, having a softer, more rubbery texture. The main cause of foot corns is persistent friction and pressure on the skin, often due to wearing ill-fitting shoes, high heels, toe deformities, walking abnormalities, or excessive moisture exposure. If corns develop on your feet and become painful, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can recommend appropriate treatments and measures for relief. These may include wearing protective pads, cushioning, orthotics, or, in some cases, professional corn removal.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion, is a prevalent foot condition that affects many individuals, especially as they age. A bunion is characterized by the big toe bending towards the smaller toes, accompanied by a painful bony protrusion at the inside of the foot. Recent research shows the prevalence and factors associated with hallux valgus in an older adult population, and women in particular. The study revealed that the prevalence of bunion deformity was higher in women and increased with age. Family history, wearing high-heeled or narrow shoes, and having flat feet were identified as contributing factors. The severity of hallux valgus also significantly affected participants' quality of life. Additionally, participants reporting foot pain in the previous 12 months showed higher scores in both pain and decreased function, highlighting the substantial impact of bunions on daily activities. This research emphasizes the importance of proactive foot care, especially for older women who are more susceptible to the formation of bunions. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist, appropriate footwear choices, and early intervention can play an important role in preventing and managing this foot deformity. For help in managing the pain and side effects of bunions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for the appropriate treatment option.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.