Items filtered by date: May 2021

Metatarsus adductus (MTA) is a congenital foot deformity in which the front part of the foot is curved inward. This condition is fairly common and painless and can affect one or both of a baby’s feet. MTA often goes away without intervention within the first three years of life. In rare cases, MTA does not go away on its own and requires treatment. Treatments for this condition include stretching therapy or wearing a cast to move the foot into the correct position. In very rare cases, surgery may be needed. To learn more about foot and ankle development in babies and toddlers, and how you can best support your child’s foot health, please consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Jon McCreary, DPM of Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Did you know that up to 39% of college football players endure ankle sprains? The statistics are not much better for high school football players - they account for 24% of all ankle sprains seen among high school athletes. An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. This causes symptoms such as bruising, pain, swelling, tenderness, inflammation, and an inability to bear weight on the affected foot. If not allotted the proper time to rest and recover, the ankle sprain may become recurrent and lead to chronic ankle instability. Football players can take extra precautions to prevent ankle sprains by warming up prior to practicing or playing, wearing proper footwear that supports the ankles, and by resting when feeling fatigued. For more information about preventing ankle sprains, please consult with a podiatrist.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Jon McCreary, DPM of Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Injuries that happen as a result of falling is a common occurrence. They can be severe, and can cause broken bones in the feet, which can inhibit completing daily activities. There are methods that can be implemented which can help to prevent unnecessary falls. These can include performing simple stretches that can strengthen the body, and improving lighting in the living environment. Additionally, it is beneficial to have regular physical examinations, as this is helpful in monitoring existing medications. Many patients have installed grab bars in the shower and toilet areas, and using a bathmat can lessen the fear of falling while showering. If you would like more information about how falling can impact the feet, and effective preventive techniques, please consult with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Gout is a type of arthritis that often affects the big toe joint. It is caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid builds up, it can lodge in the joints of the foot and crystallize, leading to sudden and painful gout flare ups. Certain factors can increase your risk of developing gout. These include being male, having a family member with gout, being overweight, drinking alcohol, and eating foods that are high in purines. Purines are a chemical substance found in many foods, such as red meat and shellfish, which get converted into uric acid. Because of this, dietary modifications are often suggested to lower your risk of gout. For more information about gout, please consult with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.