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Arthritis can affect the joints in the feet, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which occurs due to the gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage, often caused by injury, overuse, or genetics. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation and damage in the joints, including those in the feet. Psoriatic arthritis, another autoimmune disorder, can cause swelling in the toes and changes in the nails, such as pitting. Additionally, gout is a type of arthritis that results from the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. Gout often affects the big toe and causes intense pain and swelling, especially at night. Common symptoms of arthritis in the feet include difficulty walking, tenderness, and visible changes in the joints or nails. If you are experiencing foot pain that may be caused by arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot care is essential for preventing serious complications. Diabetes can lead to reduced circulation, nerve damage, and delayed healing, making the feet vulnerable to injury, infection, and ulcers. Any change in color, shape, sensitivity, or the presence of numbness should be addressed promptly. Even a minor injury can become severe without proper care. Regular podiatric visits help detect early signs of problems and provide professional guidance for daily foot care, nail trimming, and footwear. A podiatrist can also manage wounds, treat infections, and recommend preventive measures tailored to your needs. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Heel bone fractures, also known as calcaneal fractures, often result from high-impact trauma such as falling from a height or a direct blow to the foot. These fractures can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. In some cases, the fracture may extend into the joint and damage the cartilage, increasing the risk of arthritis or long-term mobility problems. Stress fractures may also develop in the heel bone from repetitive activity, especially in runners. Diagnosis typically involves X-rays, and a CT scan may be used to evaluate the severity of the fracture. A podiatrist can assess the heel bone fracture, order the necessary imaging, and determine the most effective treatment plan. A podiatrist also monitors healing, manages complications like pressure-related damage, and provides guidance on when to begin bearing weight again. If you experience severe heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Caring for feet becomes even more important with age. Seniors often experience thinning skin, reduced circulation, and changes in foot shape that make them more vulnerable to discomfort, injury, and infection. Even simple tasks like trimming toenails or checking for calluses can become more difficult. Regular foot care helps prevent complications such as fungal infections, ulcers, and falls caused by poor balance. Wearing supportive footwear and clean, dry socks can also make a big difference in maintaining foot health. Daily checks for changes in skin color, swelling, or pain are especially important for seniors with diabetes or circulatory issues. If walking becomes uncomfortable, if nails appear thickened or discolored, or if wounds take longer to heal, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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