Losing weight can bring noticeable changes to your feet, including a potential shift in shoe size. As body weight decreases, the pressure placed on the feet is reduced, which can lead to a decrease in foot width or length. This change may allow the arch to rise slightly, altering the overall shape of the foot. Greater foot stability often follows, as there is less strain on the joints and connective tissues. However, a reduction in muscle mass during weight loss may also affect the support and structure of the foot. It is important to monitor how your shoes fit and adjust footwear choices as needed to maintain comfort and support. If you have foot pain from an increased or decreased foot size, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment.

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.

A hammertoe develops when the middle joint of one of the smaller toes bends downward, often due to muscle and tendon imbalances in the foot. It is commonly linked to wearing high-heeled or narrow shoes. People with long toes, flat feet, bunions, or a family history of foot deformities may also be more likely to have a hammertoe. Early symptoms include discomfort, swelling, and the formation of corns where the toe rubs against footwear. A podiatrist can examine the foot and use imaging tests to determine if the toe is still flexible or has become rigid. For flexible hammertoes, medical treatment may include switching to shoes with a wide toe box or using custom orthotic devices to support the foot and relieve pressure. When the deformity becomes fixed or painful, surgery may be recommended. Procedures to restore alignment include tendon lengthening, tendon transfer, or arthrodesis, which involves removing part of the joint to fuse the bones and straighten the toe. If you experience pain from a hammertoe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for regular treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jon McCreary, DPM of Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, showers, and sweaty shoes. The condition is extremely contagious and can be spread by walking barefoot in shared spaces or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include itching, burning, and stinging sensations, along with red, scaly, or cracked skin. In some cases, blisters or peeling may occur. The discomfort can be constant and worsen with wearing tight footwear or physical activity, making everyday movement painful and irritating. Although antifungal creams can help in mild cases, recurring or stubborn infections often require professional treatment. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the infection and prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungal medication. They can also provide guidance on hygiene and preventive care to stop the infection from coming back. If you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.

Foot fractures can sometimes be mistaken for ankle sprains because both injuries cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. A fracture happens when a bone in the foot breaks, either from a sudden injury or repeated stress over time. An ankle sprain, on the other hand, involves stretched or torn ligaments. Since the symptoms can look very similar, it is easy to miss a fracture without proper evaluation. A podiatrist will ask how the injury happened and examine the foot for tenderness, bruising, and movement issues. Imaging tests like X-rays are usually needed to confirm whether a bone is broken. Missing a fracture can lead to delayed healing, ongoing pain, or long-term foot problems. If you have an injury that is not improving as expected, or the pain seems worse than a typical sprain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.