Maintaining proper foot hygiene is essential for overall health and comfort. Everyday foot care can begin with regularly washing feet with soap and water. This can help to remove dirt and bacteria, reducing the risk of infections. Thoroughly drying feet, especially between the toes, prevents fungal growth. Wearing clean, moisture-wicking socks can keep feet dry and comfortable throughout the day. Properly fitting shoes that provide adequate support can help to prevent blisters and calluses. Regularly trimming toenails straight across reduces the risk of ingrown nails. Moisturizing feet daily keeps skin supple and prevents cracks. Checking feet for any cuts, blisters, or changes in appearance can catch potential issues early. Foot conditions may develop from a lack of proper foot care. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat any foot ailment, and guide you on effective foot care routines.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Worth, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of the plantar fascia, often leads to heel pain. This condition affects approximately 10 percent of the population at some point, with a higher prevalence in women and individuals between 40 and 60 years old. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. It supports the foot's arch and absorbs shock. Plantar fasciitis is considered an overuse injury. It is caused by standing for long periods, engaging in high-impact sports, or wearing poorly supportive shoes. These actions can cause microtears in the tissue, resulting in inflammation and pain. Key treatment strategies include resting the feet, avoiding activities that contribute to the pain, and taking pain relievers. Stretching exercises for the calf muscles and plantar fascia, often recommended by a podiatrist, can enhance recovery by improving strength and flexibility. Custom orthotic inserts may also provide additional support and comfort. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Worth, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Recovering from hammertoe surgery requires attentive care to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding pain relief and any prescribed antibiotics to avoid infection. Keeping the pain under control will also help you stay mobile and adhere to post-surgery exercises. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports the healing process, with particular emphasis on nutrients like vitamin C and protein to aid tissue repair. Incision care is vital for preventing infections includes keeping the surgical site clean and dry and following your podiatrist's guidelines on changing dressings. Avoid soaking the foot until the incision is fully healed, and watch for signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, or discharge. Elevating the foot and limiting activity as recommended will reduce swelling and promote faster recovery. If you have had hammertoe surgery, it is suggested that you keep in close contact with your podiatrist who can monitor your recovery. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Jon McCreary, DPM of Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Worth, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.