January 2024

Exploring the correlation between elevated body mass and foot pain unveils a compelling relationship. Excess weight places additional stress on the feet, leading to discomfort and various conditions. The arches, heels, and joints bear the brunt of this burden, potentially resulting in ailments such as plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritis. The arch of the foot may collapse under the strain, causing pain and instability. Additionally, increased body mass may contribute to the degradation of joints, accelerating wear and tear. Overpronation, an inward rolling motion of the foot, becomes more prevalent, exacerbating discomfort. Recognizing this connection is pivotal for those grappling with foot pain, as shedding excess weight through a balanced diet and exercise regimen can significantly alleviate symptoms. If you are overweight and have foot pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist for treatment..

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

As individuals age, the importance of comprehensive healthcare extends to often overlooked areas, and one such critical aspect is foot health. Foot exams for elderly patients are integral in preventing, identifying, and addressing potential issues that can significantly impact their overall well-being. Aging brings about changes in foot structure, reduced skin elasticity, and diminished sensory perception, making the elderly more susceptible to foot problems. Routine foot examinations can detect early signs of conditions like arthritis, diabetes-related complications, and circulatory issues. Assessing foot health aids in preventing falls, a prevalent concern for the elderly, by addressing issues related to balance and stability. Additionally, podiatrists can identify and manage common foot ailments like bunions, corns, and fungal infections, enhancing mobility and comfort. Regular foot exams empower elderly individuals to actively participate in their health, fostering independence and ensuring that any potential foot-related concerns are addressed promptly, contributing to an overall better quality of life. If you are elderly or caring for an older person, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can perform regular foot exams.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, unfolds as a consequence of the crystallization of uric acid in the joints. Uric acid, a byproduct of purine metabolism, accumulates in the bloodstream when the body either produces too much or eliminates too little of it. This surplus uric acid transforms into sharp crystals, typically depositing in joints, most commonly the big toe. The inflammatory response triggered by these crystals leads to the excruciating pain, swelling, and redness characteristic of gout attacks. Contributing factors to elevated uric acid levels include a diet rich in purine-containing foods, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions affecting uric acid regulation. Gout often manifests in intermittent attacks, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the condition. If you have severe pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat gout.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. 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 office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and potential infection. Several factors contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, including improper nail trimming, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that compress the toes, and hereditary predispositions. Additionally, injuries or trauma to the toe can increase the likelihood of ingrown nails. Preventing this discomfort begins with adopting careful nail cutting practices, which is defined as trimming the nails straight across and avoiding rounded edges. Wearing shoes with adequate toe room and opting for breathable, moisture-wicking socks helps maintain optimal foot hygiene. Individuals with recurring ingrown toenails may benefit from consulting a podiatrist, who can provide guidance on proper foot care. If you have developed this ailment, it is strongly suggested to speak to this type of doctor who can determine what the best treatment method is for you.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Diabetic wounds are a common complication of diabetes, resulting from neuropathy and vascular disease. Nerve damage diminishes foot sensation, making it challenging to detect an injury. Vascular disease impairs blood flow, which reduces the speed of healing wound. Diabetic foot ulcers are the most prevalent type of wound. They are open sores on pressure points, typically caused by neuropathy, trauma, and pressure. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent infections and potential limb loss. Diabetic neuropathic wounds stem from nerve damage, leading to a loss of protective sensation. These wounds may appear as calluses, corns, or blisters, requiring specialized care to prevent infections and further damage. Ischemic wounds arise from an inadequate blood supply, often due to peripheral artery disease, or PAD, which is exacerbated by diabetes. Characterized by poor circulation and delayed healing, ischemic wounds pose an increased risk of infection. If you are experiencing frequent or stubborn foot wounds that will not heal properly or seem infected, it is suggested that you seek the help of a podiatrist for care.  

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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