Items filtered by date: August 2021

Patients who have developed heel spurs are often aware of the pain and discomfort they can cause. They can cause difficulty in pursuing daily exercise routines, and specific stretches may need to be incorporated that can possibly bring mild relief. A heel spur is defined as a bony growth that gradually develops and connects to the heel bone. It can develop as a result from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Patients who are afflicted with heel spurs find it beneficial to stretch the calf muscles. This can strengthen the Achilles tendon, which connects the heel to the toes. It is practiced by standing on a step, and gently lowering one heel at a time. Additionally, relief from heel spur pain may be obtained from practicing a towel pickup. This is helpful in providing strength to the entire foot and may be more effective when a heavy object is placed at the top of the foot to increase resistance. For more information on heel spurs please consult with a podiatrist. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Texarkana and, Pittsburg, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream. This acid can crystallize in the joints and cause symptoms like inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain. Gout can affect any joint, but frequently affects the joints of the big toe. Gout can progress into several stages. The first stage is asymptomatic hyperuricemia in which uric acid levels in the blood are elevated but do not cause any noticeable symptoms, although they may cause silent tissue damage. In the acute stage, sudden, painful gout flare ups that last between three days and two weeks can arise. The period between gout attacks is called the interval or intercritical period. If you suffer from gout it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. 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 form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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.

Shockwave therapy is a potential treatment option for various foot and ankle conditions, particularly chronic plantar fasciitis, which causes pain in the heel and arch. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses pressurized air or electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes in the affected area. There are two main types of shockwave treatments - low energy and high energy. Low energy shockwave treatments are typically painless or mildly painful. High energy shockwave treatments can be painful and sometimes require anesthesia. If you have chronic plantar fasciitis and conservative treatments have not helped, shockwave therapy may be another treatment option for you to consider. To learn more about this and other treatments for plantar fasciitis, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with 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.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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.

A corn is a raised, thickened, circular area of skin surrounded by a yellowish ring which typically forms on the top or in between the toes, as well as on the ball of the foot. Corns are caused by pressure or friction—usually from tight shoes repeatedly rubbing up against the skin. Corns can be hard, or soft (due to sweat on the feet), sensitive to the touch, or even painful. In some cases, the pain and pressure felt from a corn can be lessened if a doughnut-shaped pad is placed over the corn, which cushions the corn and eliminates friction. Corns are stubborn, and some may need to be treated by a podiatrist who can safely remove the thickened, dead skin which helps the corn to heal. Orthotics may also be prescribed to help align feet and improve gait to help prevent future corns from developing.

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 offices located in Texarkana and, Pittsburg, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.