The shoes we wear influence how we walk, balance, and move through daily life. In early years, flexible shoes that allow natural movement can help support developing feet. As we age, footwear with proper arch support, cushioning, and stability becomes more important. Poor shoe choices can contribute to joint strain, foot deformities, or falls, especially in older adults. Over time, unsupportive or ill-fitting shoes may alter gait patterns and affect posture, leading to discomfort in the knees, hips, or back. Choosing the right footwear can help preserve comfort and movement ability from childhood into later years. It is not only about style or fit, it is about supporting long-term mobility. If you are experiencing discomfort or noticing changes in how you walk, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments and spreads easily through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling, redness, and cracking of the skin. In some cases, it may also cause blisters or thickened skin. Risk factors include wearing damp socks, using public showers, or having sweaty feet. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection and recommend antifungal treatments, proper foot hygiene practices, and footwear changes to prevent recurrence. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward the right treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Diabetic patients are at a greater risk for foot problems from two common complications. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy causes nerve damage that can reduce feeling in the feet, making it hard to detect injuries. Peripheral artery disease affects circulation by narrowing the arteries, which limits blood flow to the lower limbs and slows healing. These two issues combined can lead to infections, foot ulcers, or tissue death. In severe cases, surgery may be required, including loss of limb. To avoid such dire remedies, a diabetic foot exam from a podiatrist is important. This foot doctor can check for warning signs, including loss of sensation, changes in skin, poor blood flow, or bone deformities. The exam may include simple tests like a monofilament check for touch sensitivity, a tuning fork to test vibration sense, or a Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow. Early detection helps avoid serious outcomes. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition. 

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 Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor 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 Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often affecting the feet. It is commonly caused by diabetes, but can also result from alcohol abuse, certain medication,  infections, or vitamin deficiencies. Symptoms typically include a strong burning sensation, tingling, numbness, or sharp, shooting pain in the feet. You may also experience weakness, sensitivity to touch, or a pins and needles feeling. In some cases, the skin may appear red or feel unusually warm or cold. These symptoms can worsen over time, making walking and maintaining balance difficult. A podiatrist plays a key role in diagnosing and managing peripheral neuropathy. They may perform a neurological exam, nerve conduction studies, or blood tests to determine the cause. Treatment options include medication, topical creams, custom orthotics, and guidance on foot care to prevent complications like ulcers or infections. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of  a podiatrist who can help you with relief and management tips.

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 Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare 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 offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.