Many people enjoy exercising and performing stretches that can target specific areas of the body. Unfortunately, the ankles are often overlooked and are only noticed if an injury occurs. The ankles provide balance and mobility to the feet, and they must remain strong and flexible. This can be helpful in avoiding an injury, such as a sprained or broken ankle. Some stretches can stabilize the ankle joint, which may help to reduce the chances of incurring an injury. One effective stretch is called a soccer kick, which is done by standing with one foot in front of the other while lengthening one leg and tapping the toes forward. This is started with the arms above the head, and are brought down as the leg is elongated. Ankle pumps are also effective, and can be accomplished by standing with the legs apart while lifting up onto the balls of the feet, and repeating several times. If you would like to learn about additional methods of how to exercise the ankles, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful information.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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 and ankle needs.

Having a corn on the foot can become quite painful, but luckily is easy to prevent. A foot corn is a thickening of the skin on the toes or on the bottom of the foot. It is usually the result of excessive pressure on the skin, often caused by improperly fitting shoes. While a corn itself is not painful, when it rubs against a nerve or bone in the toe or foot, it can become irritated and inflamed. Besides wearing shoes that are too tight, other causes of corns are seams in the shoes, hammertoes, bunions, and gait abnormalities. The most effective way to prevent corns is to change the type of footwear you buy. Once a corn has developed, finding ways to ease the pressure while wearing shoes is paramount. Shoes with ample room for the toes to move in and wearing corn pads can be effective in accomplishing this. Patients who have foot deformities may wish to investigate the benefits of having custom orthotics made that may help to prevent the ongoing formation of corns. For more information on managing corns on the feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Thomas Madden of Advanced Foot Care 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 office located in Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is medically referred to as a hallux valgus. It is a deformity of the metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of the big toe. This type of malformation can develop when the first metatarsal bone in the foot turns out, and the big toe shifts toward the other toes. Eventually, the fluid-filled sac that surrounds and cushions the joint may become inflamed, and the entire joint can become stiff and painful. A bunion can interfere with walking or exercising. Additionally, it can be difficult to find shoes that accommodate this protrusion, and if shoes do not fit properly, extra pressure may be put on this misaligned joint. Bunions are more common in women. Perhaps this is because women are more apt to wear narrow, pointed, or high-heeled shoes. Bunions can also be genetic, or may develop from an underlying illness, such as arthritis, or an abnormal foot structure. Some foot problems, such as high arches or flat feet, can predispose one to getting a bunion. A podiatrist can determine the severity of a bunion and recommend the appropriate treatment for it. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with this type of doctor for an examination and relief options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Many new parents often ask podiatrists how frequently they should be buying their children new shoes. The answer to this question is closely related to the speed at which a child’s feet are supposed to grow. It is important to note that the first three years of a baby’s life witness the fastest growth of their feet. Due to this quick rate of growth, a parent might purchase a new, slightly larger pair of shoes for their baby every three to four weeks. However, the frequency with which new shoes are purchased will slowly decrease as the child ages. Importantly, once a child reaches the age of fourteen, it is generally thought that their feet will more or less stop growing. At this point, a parent need not continue purchasing larger shoes. If you are a parent and seek advice on taking care of your children’s feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an appointment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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 and ankle needs.

A laceration is a wound. Many wounds develop on the feet, and deep wounds often require stitches. If an object has pierced the skin, an X-ray may be taken which can determine if a piece of it is inside the wound. All wound care requires the hands to be washed thoroughly before the area is touched. This may be helpful in preventing an infection from developing. This is followed by removing the bandage, and gently washing the affected area. After an antibiotic ointment is applied, a new bandage can be put on, and it is important to keep it dry. For wounds that start to change colors, begin to reopen, or if there is decreased movement in the foot, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible. This type of doctor can offer you proper wound care management and provide you with correct treatment techniques.

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 Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. 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 Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pickleball is a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong in that it consists of players moving across a court and hitting a ball over a net. Such movement has overall health benefits, specifically for the feet. Pickleball is a low-impact aerobic exercise and competitors are at less risk for blood clots, especially those who are overweight. Pickleball is also a weight-bearing activity in that the movement necessary to play the game requires the feet to support the body. It can help strengthen muscles in the ankles and legs. Additionally, pickleball can help improve circulation because a higher heart rate causes blood to circulate throughout the body faster. Like any sport, there is a risk of injury while playing pickleball. However, it is a relatively slow game, and the court is smaller so there is less risk of injury from lunging after the ball. The muscle strengthening benefits can help keep the joints flexible, which also helps in reducing injury while playing the game and outside of the game. If you are considering playing pickleball, or if you have sustained an injury to your feet and ankles in this sport, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for suggestions or treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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 and ankle needs.

The medical term for dry skin is called anhydrosis, and this is a common cause of cracked heels. The aging process, existing medical conditions, such as eczema, and standing on hard surfaces for most of the day can cause cracked heels to develop. When open back shoes or flip flops are frequently worn, this can also be a reason for patients to have cracked heels. In addition to being unsightly, symptoms can include rough and tight skin, and the heels and surrounding area may begin to itch. Severe cracks in the skin are known as fissures, and can bleed and become infected if left ignored. Relief for mildly cracked heels may come from using a good moisturizer daily, and filing the skin with a pumice stone. This is considered to be a temporary remedy, and it is suggested that patients speak with a podiatrist who can offer permanent relief and treatment options, which may include prescribed medicine.

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

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 office located in Killeen, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Traveling is exciting to most people as it can be relaxing or full of adventure. Either way, there is always a possibility of unforeseen situations, such as injuries, arising. Reducing risk of injury while traveling should therefore be an important goal. Slips and falls are a common accident that can happen while traveling. Consequences may be minor, but they can also be severe. Causes of falls are numerous, such as slipping on a wet pool tile or twisting an ankle and taking a spill. It is important to be aware of surroundings, avoid slippery surfaces, and wear supportive and well-fitting shoes while traveling. If you should fall while traveling, or to obtain more preventative tips, see a podiatrist who can answer your questions as well as diagnose and treat all ankle and foot-related issues.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.