Items filtered by date: March 2021

Swelling in the feet and ankles is common during pregnancy, when your body naturally retains more fluids and exerts extra pressure on your lower limbs. However, swollen ankles can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. You may be able to reduce ankle swelling by avoiding standing for prolonged periods of time and by frequently resting and elevating your feet. While sitting, gently rotate and flex your feet at the ankles to stretch and strengthen the calf muscles. Participating in regular, low impact physical activities, like walking, riding a stationary bike, or swimming may also help reduce ankle swelling. For more information about pregnancy and foot health, please consult with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

Heel fissures are cracks in the skin of the heels that can be painful and uncomfortable. There are many potential causes of heel fissures such as standing for prolonged periods of time. The effects of prolonged standing can be mitigated by wearing shoes that are supportive and padded in the heel area. Skin conditions, such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and palmoplantar keratoderma, can all affect the skin of the heels by making them dry, scaly, or thickened, and therefore more likely to crack. You may also develop cracked heels as the result of wearing inappropriate footwear. Shoes that are backless can cause or worsen cracked heels because there is nothing to keep the back of the foot in place while pressure is exerted on it from walking or standing. The extra pressure on the foot can cause dry skin on the heels to crack. If you have painful cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

Morton’s neuroma is the result of a pinched nerve in the bottom of the foot that can happen as a result of an injury from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The injured nerve can become swollen, and the pain is generally felt between the toes. Some patients may develop Morton’s neuroma from structural conditions that can consist of flat feet or high arches. Additional symptoms can include a numbing sensation, or the top of the affected foot may feel warm. Treatment can begin by wearing shoes that fit correctly, with ample room for the toes to move freely in. If you believe that you may have developed Morton's neuroma, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 offices located in Texarkana and, Pittsburg, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition that affects the circulatory system that is characterized by the leg veins not functioning properly.  This leads to blood pooling in the legs instead of being pumped back up to the heart. While it is not a serious threat to your overall health, chronic venous insufficiency can be painful and interfere with your daily life. Symptoms of this condition can include swelling in the legs and ankles, a tight feeling in the calves, leg pain, skin discoloration near the ankles, varicose veins, leg ulcers, and painful muscle cramps or spasms. Chronic venous insufficiency is more likely to occur in those who are overweight, pregnant, have a family history of this condition, or have a history of previous leg damage due to injuries, surgery, or blood clots. If you believe that you are suffering from Chronic Venous Insufficiency or you want to learn more about chronic venous insufficiency, please consult with a podiatrist.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.