Pain can occur anywhere in the foot, and its location may be an indicator of the underlying condition. For instance, heel pain is very common and may be due to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, injuries, or bone spurs. Pain in either the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toes may emanate from a muscle imbalance, which eventually causes the toe to become bent in a downward position (hammertoe). Pain in one of the toe joints, the ankle joint, or the joint connecting the toes with the forefoot may be a warning sign of arthritis. Ingrown toenails can cause pain in, and on top of, the big toe. If you feel pain in the ball of your foot, it may be due to Morton’s neuroma—a thickening of tissue surrounding an irritated nerve between the toes. Arches may be painful due to wearing unsupportive shoes, having plantar fasciitis, or if the arches have fallen. Swollen or generally painful feet may be due to pregnancy, the heat, diabetes, or poor blood circulation. If you feel pain in any part of your feet, have a podiatrist perform an examination to diagnose your condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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 spurs can occur when foot muscles and ligaments are strained, the plantar fascia is overly stretched, or the membrane covering the heel is repeatedly torn. In response to this trauma, the body sends calcium to protect and strengthen the area, which can build up over a period of time and cause bony projections on the bottom of the heel bone towards the arch, at the back of the heel, or beneath the arch. While some heel spurs go undetected, many people experience tenderness and pain in the heel, especially when walking barefoot on surfaces that are hard. If you have heel pain, a podiatrist can examine you and use X-rays to help determine if a heel spur is present, and prescribe treatments such as orthotics, exercise, injections, or even surgery to provide relief.

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 Dr. Thomas Madden from Advanced Foot Care 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 office located in Killeen, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

A podiatrist is defined as a doctor who is educated in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions. Many podiatrists are also qualified to perform surgery. Mandatory schooling for a podiatrist consists of earning a bachelor's degree, followed by enrolling in podiatry school. This program will last four years, with a focus in the first two years centering on exams and classroom lectures. The latter part of the education is clinical, with opportunities to apply what has been learned in real life situations. Many states require a residency program to be completed, which generally lasts up to three years. To learn more about what podiatrists do, please consult with a podiatrist.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail curls and grows into the skin surrounding the nail. Ingrown toenails usually become painful, red and swollen, and if left untreated, they can become infected. Common situations that cause ingrown toenails include wearing tight fitting shoes, improperly cutting the toenails, having sweaty feet, or sustaining a toe injury. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, soaking the feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day is recommended. However, if the ingrown toenail persists, it is important to have it checked by a podiatrist in order to prevent an infection. In severe cases, a podiatrist may need to remove the nail via surgery.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

An Achilles tendon injury generally produces severe pain and discomfort. This tendon is located in the back of the leg and connects the calf muscles to the heels. An injury that is caused by sudden twisting and turning may result in an Achilles tendon rupture. A complete tear of this tendon will most likely require surgery, and it generally takes several weeks for a full recovery. Wearing a splint or boot may be required for a partial tear, as this is helpful in keeping the foot stable as the healing process occurs. A common symptom that is associated with an Achilles tendon injury is swelling. Mild relief can be found when the affected foot is elevated as often as possible, in addition to keeping it raised slightly above your head while sleeping. If you have experienced this type of injury, please consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis and offer the best treatment options for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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 the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.