Items filtered by date: August 2020

Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot is lower than normal or nonexistent. Because flat feet change how the feet and legs align, they can cause pain in the heel, arches of the feet, or the legs. One cause of flat feet occurs when the feet do not develop correctly during childhood. Most children develop a visible arch in their feet by around age 10, but in some cases, the arch never develops. While this occurs regularly and is not a big issue, flat feet can also develop with age. Risk factors for developing flat feet include injuries, arthritis, diabetes, or obesity. Signs of flat feet include shoes that don’t wear out evenly, pain in the feet and legs, or weakened feet. If you are suffering from the signs of flat feet, it is important to consult with a podiatrist to discuss proper treatment options. These may include orthotics, special stretches or a weight loss strategy.  

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Many people who participate in sporting activities that involve running and jumping may experience ankle sprains. A low ankle sprain occurs on the outside of the ankle, and is considered to be a common type of sprain. When the affected ligaments are above the ankle, it is categorized as a high ankle sprain. Common symptoms in both types of sprains include severe pain and discomfort, and it is often difficult to walk. Effective treatment for mild sprains include resting and elevating the affected foot, and this may be helpful in reducing existing swelling. Sprains that are moderate may require the patient to wear a boot, which can be beneficial in stabilizing the ankle as the healing process occurs. Severe sprains may require the patient to undergo physical therapy. If you have endured an ankle sprain, please speak to a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Uric acid is a chemical in the body. When an excess of uric acid exists, crystals may form surrounding the joints in the big toe, possibly causing a condition that is known as gout. Severe pain and discomfort often accompanies gout. Additional symptoms can include difficulty in moving the affected toe, and the toe may appear red and swollen. Patients may be prone to developing gout due to genetic traits, or if certain foods are consumed in excess. These can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that have a high sugar content. There may be existing medical conditions that can contribute to the onset of gout. These can consist of psoriasis, high blood pressure, and thyroid disease. If you have been afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 offices located in Texarkana and, Pittsburg, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoes are a deformity of the joints in the toes that can cause them to bend abnormally. This may result in pain in the affected toes and can lead to an increased risk of developing corns and calluses. Hammertoes have a variety of causes. Some of the most common causes include biomechanical dysfunction, intrinsic muscle imbalances, toe injuries, and wearing high heels or ill-fitting shoes. Other conditions, such as bunions, flat feet, arthritis, diabetes, and certain neuromuscular disorders, are associated with developing hammertoes. You may also have an increased risk for hammertoes if you are older, a woman, or if you have unusually long toes. If you notice a hammertoe developing, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 offices located in Texarkana and, Pittsburg, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A corn on the foot is defined as a small area on the top of the toes or on the sole of the foot that has hardened as a result of excess pressure that is often caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. It can cause severe pain and discomfort, and may feel better when a protective covering is worn over it. Additionally, corns may develop between the toes, and these are referred to as soft corns. The corn and surrounding area may feel better when it is soaked in warm water, and it is beneficial to wear shoes that are comfortable and fit properly. If you have developed corns on your feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward treatment techniques that are correct for you.

If you have any concerns 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 can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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