Almost everyone experiences foot pain at some point. Barring traumatic injury, the most common causes of foot pain are bunions, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, and athlete’s foot. A bunion is a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe, often caused by genetics and made worse from arthritis. Improper footwear can aggravate a bunion, which then may cause hammertoes, calluses, and metatarsal pain. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. While painful, it can be alleviated to a degree by wearing shoes with more cushioning and by doing certain exercises. Ingrown toenails can be quite painful, but they may be prevented by keeping toenails properly cut and wearing shoes with more room in the toe box. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that enters the foot through a tiny crack or sore. It causes itching, scaling and painful splitting of the skin between the toes. Highly contagious, athlete’s foot is often spread in moist, warm areas, including shower rooms and swimming pools. If you have any of these conditions, it is a good idea to check in with a podiatrist for a full examination, diagnosis, and options for treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Plantar fasciitis is among some of the most common conditions that negatively impact the feet. The condition occurs when the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs underneath the foot from the heel to the toes, becomes strained and inflamed. Some individuals might be more at risk than others of developing plantar fasciitis or getting worse symptoms of the condition. Cyclists and bikers fall into this category. Some cyclists incorrectly position their feet in the pedals when cycling, which can cause plantar fasciitis complications. Specifically, the feet are supposed to point straight when in the pedals. Generally speaking, the toes ought not point outward or inward, as this can put strain on the foot, potentially aggravating plantar fasciitis. Additionally, biking with a saddle that is positioned at an incorrect height can also increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Oftentimes, the saddle is positioned far too low, which can prohibit the legs from fully extending when cycling. If you are a cyclist, it might be a good idea to contact a podiatrist to help you determine how to avoid developing or aggravating plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Philip Hahn, DPM  from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

If you have ugly toenails, the cause might be toenail fungus. Many adults have it, particularly as one ages. This unsightly condition is especially common among those who go barefoot in public swimming areas, locker rooms, and who sweat inside their shoes for many hours in a day. The medical term for toenail fungus is onychomycosis. It is a condition that generally starts out as a white or yellow spot under the nail. While it is easy to ignore in the beginning stages, the toenail later begins to thicken, discolor, and crumble. The longer you wait to treat this, the longer it takes to get rid of it. The fungus that causes toenails to be affected is the same type of fungus that causes athlete’s foot. The two can happen concurrently if the fungus affects the skin around the infected nail. The toenail also may become painful and emit a foul odor. Those with diabetes or a suppressed immune system need to be especially cautious of toenail fungus because it can affect the blood circulation to the feet. If you suspect that you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible so that the condition can be treated before it spreads or becomes entrenched to the point of taking years to heal.

For more information about treatment, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

A small area of hardened skin on the pinky toe, top of the toes, or on the sole of the foot can be a corn. It develops as a result of excess friction that can happen from wearing shoes that are too tight. Additionally, corns can develop from standing or walking for long periods as a result of the weight and constant pressure from the body. There are noticeable signs of corns, like sensitive skin surrounding the corn, and it may be difficult to wear shoes. Hard corns are the most common and often form in wider areas of thickened skin, and soft corns develop between the toes and remain moist. Some corns may feel better when the foot is soaked in warm water, followed by gently rubbing it with a pumice stone. If the corn is a bit larger, it can be difficult to remove and will often need medical attention. Many people will wear a protective pad over the corn as this can provide protection and temporary relief until medical attention is sought. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly and this may be an effective method in preventing corns. Corns are treated by a podiatrist and it is advised that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor to correctly remove your corn. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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