Items filtered by date: August 2022

Maintaining proper foot care is essential for the feet to feel good. The feet are the foundation of the body and carry many pounds of weight. When the feet feel good it has a positive effect on the overall body and completing daily activities may become easier. Many people enjoy soaking their feet at the end of the day as this may be helpful in eliminating toxins from the feet. It is important to properly trim the toenails which may prevent ingrown toenails. When purchasing shoes, it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly and choosing to wear high heels that have a lower heel can be safer and healthier for the feet. Everyday foot care can begin with washing and drying the feet thoroughly, followed by applying a good moisturizer. This can be helpful in preventing cracked heels, athlete’s foot, and other skin conditions that can affect the feet. It is advised that you consult with a podiatrist if you would like more information about how to practice everyday foot care habits.

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.

There are a number of foot conditions that can cause an individual pain and discomfort in the affected area. Morton’s neuroma is one of these conditions. Primarily affecting the ball of the feet, Morton’s neuroma occurs when the tissue around a toe nerve thickens, which can ultimately cause sharp pain and burning. It is most common for Morton’s neuroma to affect the nerve that is located between the third and fourth toes. Performing various exercises and stretches might potentially help you manage or mitigate pain from Morton’s neuroma. You might try an exercise known as the bottle roll, for instance. When in a seated position, slowly and gently roll a cool water bottle underneath one foot at a time. When the water bottle is cold, this can cool the foot and reduce any inflammation. Instead of using a water bottle, you might even consider using a ball that is about the size of a golf ball. Additionally, you might try what is known as the big toe stretch. When you are sitting, put an exercise band over the big toe and extend the leg outward. After pulling the band toward you, use the big toe to repeatedly push the toes forward, working against the pressure of the exercise band. Please contact a podiatrist if you have Morton’s neuroma. Such a professional will be best able to help you manage and treat your condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Jon McCreary, DPM of Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Peripheral neuropathy is the result of nerve damage to parts of the body other than the brain and spinal column. The peripheral nervous system sends signals to the feet and ankles. If the nerves are damaged, the messages are blocked. This can result in tingling, numbness, muscle cramps, and burning pain. Periods of extreme sensitivity can alternate with periods of numbness. Among the possible causes of peripheral neuropathy are traumatic injury, infections (shingles), genetics, exposure to toxins, increased age, and problems with the metabolism. One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy is as a side effect of diabetes. Unfortunately, peripheral neuropathy of the feet can result in additional problems. Sores and cuts may go undetected because of numbness or inability to detect hot or cold temperatures, especially on the soles of the feet. Wounds may go untreated and cause infection, which in turn can lead to ulcers. If you are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, especially if you also are a diabetic, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a complete examination and possible treatment options.

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 Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. 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 office located in Fort Worth, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are simple and effective ways that can help to prevent falling. When specific stretches and exercises are frequently performed the body can become stronger and a sense of balance may be increased. There are special training programs that are available which may help older people to maintain strength and improve balance. Many people enjoy practicing the Chinese martial art known as tai chi. This form of exercise can help to improve coordination by practicing slow, emphasized movements. Additionally, changes can be made in the home which may decrease the risk of falling. These can include changing the lighting to become brighter, removing frayed rugs and clutter, and promptly cleaning any spills that have happened. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit well and are comfortable as this may help to avoid unnecessary tripping. It is wise to get regular physicals and eye examinations, where existing medications and eyeglasses can be evaluated. If you would like to learn about effective fall prevention methods, 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.

Foot massage therapy, a type of massage that focuses on the feet and lower legs, is often used to relieve stress, tension, fatigue, and pain. It also can be used to improve blood circulation to help prevent injuries and alleviate symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis. This form of massage utilizes gentle pressure to the feet and legs. Swedish or trigger point massage techniques are typically employed. Risks of foot massage therapy include infection from the spread of bacteria and injury, such as cuts and bruises from over-massage. If you have pre-existing medical conditions (like heart disease or stroke history), it is important to consult with a podiatrist before getting such therapy. A podiatrist can also provide additional information about foot massage therapy and provide additional suggestions to treat foot and ankle discomfort.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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