Items filtered by date: February 2024

Tarsal coalition, the abnormal growth of the tarsal bones in the foot, is generally discovered in children when their bones mature in adolescence. Symptoms include persistent foot or ankle pain, often on the outer side, along with stiffness and restricted range of motion. Children may complain of discomfort during physical activities or sports. Some children develop changes in foot structure, such as a flatfoot or a higher arch. About three to five percent of the population has this condition. A podiatrist can do a comprehensive evaluation of the feet to diagnose the problem, including a medical history assessment, and X-ray diagnostics. These measures can show the podiatrist if there are any abnormal bony connections or fusion between tarsal bones. If your child is experiencing stiff or painful feet, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options. 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Total Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Selecting appropriate footwear is essential for restaurant employees who spend long hours on their feet, navigating through bustling environments. The best shoes for restaurant workers offer comfort, durability, and slip-resistant features to ensure safety and support throughout demanding shifts. Non-slip shoes with rubber outsoles provide traction on wet and slippery surfaces commonly found in kitchens and dining areas, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, shoes with cushioned insoles and arch support help alleviate foot fatigue and minimize discomfort during extended periods of standing and walking. Opting for breathable materials like leather or mesh promotes airflow, keeping feet cool and dry in hot and humid environments. It is helpful to choose shoes with closed toes and sturdy construction to protect against spills, dropped objects, and other workplace hazards. If you work in the restaurant environment and are seeking additional information about specific shoes to buy for your working day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Total Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth, or CMT, is a genetic neuropathy that often results in pain. Approximately 80 percent of CMT patients experience pain, primarily in their feet and hands, which are the areas most affected by CMT. Interestingly, pain severity does not necessarily correlate with neuropathy severity. To manage CMT-related pain, several strategies exist. These can include oral and topical medications, behavioral interventions, and addressing sleep and mood issues. If you have foot neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you a tailored approach to treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Total Podiatry. Our doctors 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 San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar heel pain is a widespread problem that affects many people from different backgrounds. It can make life difficult for those who are affected by it. A common issue is plantar fasciitis. Some studies have linked heel spurs to plantar fasciitis. People with type 2 spurs, or posterior calcaneal spurs, seem to have more pain before and after surgery, and their foot function is not as good as those with other types of spurs. Type 2 heel spurs are categorized based on their location and are typically found on the back of the heel, just above the insertion point of the Achilles tendon. They are more likely to cause plantar fasciitis. Type 2 heel spurs are differentiated from type 1 heel spurs, also known as inferior calcaneal spurs. They are found on the undersurface of the heel bone, and type 3 heel spurs, or superior calcaneal spurs, which are found on the upper surface of the heel bone. If you have a heel spur that is causing you pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to understand what type of heel spur you have and how your pain might be relieved.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Total Podiatry. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in San Antonio, Uvalde, and Jourdanton, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.