April 2024

Lisfranc dislocation is a complex injury affecting the midfoot, specifically the articulation between the metatarsal and tarsal bones. Commonly caused by trauma such as falls, twists, or direct impact, it is often misdiagnosed due to its rarity and subtle symptoms. High-energy injuries like car accidents or sports collisions are typical culprits. Mismanagement can lead to long-term complications like chronic pain and arthritis. Severity is graded from mild ligament sprains to severe dislocations. Treatment ranges from conservative methods like immobilization to surgical intervention for severe cases, often involving realignment and fixation. If you believe you may have sustained such an injury to your midfoot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, 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.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, 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.

Poor foot circulation, often linked with conditions like peripheral artery disease or diabetes, presents diverse symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, coldness, or cramping in the feet and legs. This condition is more common as one ages. Restricted blood flow deprives tissues of oxygen and nutrients, causing discomfort and potentially severe issues like non-healing wounds or ulcers. The causes typically involve arterial narrowing or blockage due to factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, managing health conditions, staying active, and a healthy diet can aid in circulation improvement. If you have poor foot circulation and it is persistent or worsening, it is suggested that you seek prompt evaluation by a podiatrist. This type of doctor employs various diagnostic tests to assess circulation and devises personalized treatment strategies that can address underlying conditions and relieve symptoms.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

High heels can have a detrimental effect on your feet, extending beyond mere discomfort. The forward weight shift caused by any heel height can lead to various issues, including hip, back, and knee pain. The pressure exerted on the toes can result in conditions such as bunions and ingrown toenails, while tendinitis may develop over time, especially as one ages. Switching to flats as one ages may not offer relief either. This shift can cause its own set of problems since tendons tighten from high heel wear. Additionally, one can suffer from Morton’s neuroma, and the fat pad beneath the feet tends to thin out with age, leading to metatarsalgia. Moreover, the unstable nature of high heels increases the risk of twisting an ankle. If you wear high heels and either want to continue to do so, or you have sustained foot problems as a result of wearing them, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This type of doctor can offer you treatment options and guide you in choosing alternative shoes that can improve foot health.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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 broken pinky toe, while seemingly minor, can cause significant discomfort and affect daily routines. Typically occurring from direct trauma such as stubbing against furniture or dropping a heavy object on the foot, a broken pinky toe can cause intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. However, conditions like stress fractures, sprains, or dislocations can mimic similar symptoms, complicating self-diagnosis. Stress fractures result from repetitive stress on the toe, sprains involve stretching or tearing of ligaments, and dislocations occur when the bones are displaced from their normal position. Seeking a podiatrist's expertise is suggested for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Podiatrists employ various diagnostic tools, such as physical examination, X-rays, or MRI scans, to identify the specific issue.For a proper diagnosis, appropriate treatment plan, ranging from rest and immobilization to surgery, if necessary, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

A broken ankle, or ankle fracture, occurs when one or more bones in the ankle joint break. This injury often happens due to a sudden twisting motion, direct impact, or a fall. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. Treatment typically involves immobilization with a cast or brace, rest, elevation, and pain management. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones or stabilize severe fractures. Podiatrists provide treatment and management of broken ankles, provide expert diagnosis, and coordinate treatment plans. Additionally, they can monitor the healing progress and offer rehabilitation guidance to restore function and prevent future complications. If you have sustained an ankle fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of health professional.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.