Items filtered by date: April 2021

Flat feet are a common condition in which the feet lack a visible arch in the sole when weight is placed on them. There are several telltale signs of flat feet. The first is overpronation, an abnormal gait in which your feet roll inwards when you walk. If you have an overpronated gait, you may notice that the soles of your shoes wear more quickly along the inner border. Other signs of flat feet include having feet that point slightly outward when you walk or stand, pain in the joints of your lower limbs, hips, and lower back, and pain in the arch of the foot. If you are experiencing discomfort due to flat feet, please see a podiatrist for treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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 and ankle needs.

The Achilles tendon plays a significant role in proper foot function. It is located in the back of the leg, and connects the heel to the calf muscles. It is responsible for pointing and flexing the foot, in addition to participating in running and jumping activities. Damage or overuse of this tendon can cause severe pain and discomfort in the calf area, and daily movements may be difficult to complete. There are two types of tendonitis that can happen from an Achilles tendon injury. Insertional Achilles tendonitis happens in the area where the heel joins with the tendon. Small tears in the middle of the tendon can be classified as non-insertional Achilles tendonitis. If you have endured an injury, and feel you may have Achilles tendonitis, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you correct treatment techniques.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM of Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Broken toes are often a result of something being dropped on it, stubbing it, or bending it the wrong way. Broken toes are often indicated by a snap or popping sound when the injury occurs, swelling, bruising, deformity, decreased movement, and worsening pain when the toe is moved or touched. Patients who believe that they have broken their toe should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis. A podiatrist will check the toe and may need to take an x-ray. Once the broken toe has been diagnosed, the podiatrist will choose the treatment option that is best for the particular injury. Depending on the severity of the break, the toe may be “buddy-taped” to the uninjured toe next to it. A cast, splint, or brace may also be used to treat the toe, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

The papillomavirus is responsible for warts in both adults and children. Although pediatric warts are said to be more common, anyone can become affected. Warts are usually not painful unless they occur on the soles of the feet, as is the case with plantar warts. These flat, thick, callus-like warts can grow singularly or even in a cluster, causing a “mosaic” on the bottom of the feet. Sometimes small black dots, which are clotted blood vessels, may be visible within the wart. While warts usually go away after some time, they can be quite tender and stubborn. If your child has developed plantar warts that are painful or persistent, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. A podiatrist can use a variety of medicines and treatments depending on the severity of the warts, your child’s age, medical history, and tolerance for medical procedures.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare 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 offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.