Our Foot & Ankle Care FAQ

Going through an amputation can be a very difficult and traumatic experience. Besides grieving the loss of a limb, there is also a significant chance of pain following the surgery. While various treatments are available for this, Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) is one of the most effective. Our Austin podiatrists can explain if this treatment is right for you.

Understanding TMR

TMR is a surgical treatment that has gained a solid reputation with podiatrists for treating the nerve pain many experience after an amputation. By reconnecting amputated nerves to other motor nerves in nearby muscles, pain may resolve. If you think of your arm or leg as being full of electrical wiring and your nerves are the “wires,” TMR helps to complete the “circuit.”

TMR was originally developed in 2002 to help someone with an amputated limb control their prosthetics through natural muscle movement. As the procedure was being designed, it also became clear that TMR could help with phantom limb pain. 

Reasons to Speak With Your Austin Doctor About TMR

If you’ve recently had a limb amputated or years have passed since your surgery, it is always a good idea to speak to a doctor about TMR if you are experiencing pain or discomfort. When meeting with a podiatrist, there are many points of discussion you should bring up during your appointment to help determine if TMR is right for you.

What to Discuss With Your Austin Podiatrist

• The history of your amputation. Unless you have been working with your specific podiatrist prior to your amputation, your doctor will not know the history of your specific condition. Come to your appointment prepared to describe the circumstances that led to your amputation, including when and why it took place.
• Your specific experience with pain. If you are considering TMR for pain relief, discuss the type of pain you’re having. There is a difference between phantom limb pain and residual stump pain. Your podiatrist will want to know which you believe you’re experiencing, the severity of the pain, and how often it occurs.
• How you’ve managed pain in the past. If you are considering TMR, it’s possible you’ve already tried less invasive methods of pain relief. It is a good idea to discuss all medications and treatments with your podiatrist and if these treatments helped with your pain. Your doctor will also want to know if your pain has significantly hindered your ability to lead a normal life, as well as if it is getting in the way of successfully using your prosthetic. If your podiatrist believes TMR will improve your level of physical activity, ability to work, and quality of life, they will want to work with you to move forward with the surgery.

What to Expect During and After TMR Surgery

Surgery can be scary, but the benefits of TMR usually far outweigh the discomfort and anxiety that can come from the surgical process. During a TMR procedure, the surgeon will reroute your amputated nerves by attaching them to the nerves in nearby muscles. This surgery can be performed at the same time as amputation, but it can also be carried out as long as 10 years post-amputation.

The surgery usually lasts 2-4 hours and will require a few days in the hospital, depending on the complexity of your specific case.

Most TMR patients are able to return to work as soon as two weeks post-op, depending on how active your job requires you to be. It’s important to note that following TMR surgery, you might experience several weeks of pain and swelling that will make it difficult to wear your prosthetic.

How to Know If TMR Is Right for You

Surgery is always a serious decision, and it can be difficult to know if TMR is the right treatment for you. Working with a qualified Austin podiatrist can help you make this decision.

When TMR Might Be Right for You

• You are about to have your foot amputated, or if you are already had a limb amputated and are dealing with a significant amount of pain
• You are unable to work due to the pain associated with your amputation
• You haven’t been able to successfully manipulate your prosthetic in a natural way
• Pain is preventing you from socializing or maintaining relationships
• Pain is preventing you from being able to take care of yourself and complete basic household tasks

Are You Looking for a TMR Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for TMR services, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, we treat injuries below the knee that affect the foot and ankle only. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Related links: Tips to Avoid Nerve Pain Triggers What is the difference between neuropathy and nerve compression? Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

 

Most people have experienced the aches and pains associated with a long day in uncomfortable shoes. From sore arches to blisters, ill-fitting shoes can cause a lot of discomfort. However, for a diabetic patient, improper footwear can cause serious problems, including foot ulcers and infections that can lead to amputation.

While foot injuries aren’t always avoidable, many diabetic patients have learned that shoes designed specifically for them can make a world of difference. You can think of it as another type of medicine, but especially for your feet. 

Why Diabetic Footwear?

Footwear is a personal preference and is often used as a style symbol that allows a person to say something about who they are. But a medical condition can sometimes limit your options, and for someone with diabetes, shoes really can be responsible for health problems.  

Diabetic footwear reduces the risk you will cut or scrape your foot, while also providing ample space for helpful items like orthotic inserts. These special shoes are also shock-absorbent and protect sensitive skin more easily. Diabetic footwear is an easy way to avoid common foot injuries and illnesses related to diabetes.

How Foot Injuries Occur

Diabetic patients have higher blood sugar than other people, and this can lead to poor blood flow.  Without proper circulation, the nerves in your feet become damaged, and you can develop a condition called neuropathy and lose feeling in your feet. When you lose that ability to sense pain, you may not notice a cut, scrape, or another minor injury. This, along with poor circulation that makes it more difficult for injuries to heal, can lead to serious infections.

Shoe Shopping Tips

When shopping for diabetic footwear, avoid the mall or traditional shoe stores. Instead, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can evaluate your specific needs and help guide you toward a perfectly fitting shoe. Remember, just as your body changes over time, so can your shoe size—especially with the swelling that can occur with a condition such as diabetes. It’s best to trust a professional when purchasing shoes.

A diabetic-friendly shoe will have:

• A spacious toe box
• A breathable upper layer
• Hard outsoles
• A wide footbed and deep interior
• Insole cushioning
• Adjustable closures
• Low arches
• A seamless interior
• A closed design
• A low heel

Purchasing a high-quality shoe will mean it has a good lifespan, but it’s also important to know when shoes are ready to be replaced. Know these signs of dangerous wear:

• When the heel collapses to one side
• When the inner lining is torn
• When the bottom of the heel is worn down

For diabetic patients, one concern that may prevent them from seeking appropriate footwear is the anticipated cost. Because diabetes can be a costly illness, many might be hesitant to invest additional money in special shoes. However, many medical insurances, including Medicare, cover therapeutic footwear. Check with your doctor to see if your policy will help absorb the cost. Also, orthotics are not always expensive. There are different types and styles, making them not only helpful but ideal for a variety of income levels.

Are You Looking for Diabetic Foot Care in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for diabetic foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Related links: Why can diabetes cause foot ulcers? Is it time to order diabetic shoes? Medicare Therapeutic Shoes: Getting the Help You Need

 

Sometimes the smallest physical conditions can cause major distraction and pain. This is true with many foot disorders, including Haglund’s deformity. While its name might not sound familiar, its symptoms might be—a bony bump on the back of the heel that is irritated by shoe friction, causing pain and discomfort. 

Understanding Haglund’s Deformity

Haglund’s deformity develops where your Achilles tendon attaches to your heel. The soft tissue immediately surrounding this tendon becomes irritated when the bony enlargement rubs against shoes and other surfaces. This leads to bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursa—a fluid-filled sac between the bone and tendon.

Haglund’s deformity is fairly common but not well understood. Podiatrists suspect it’s most common among middle aged women and usually appears on both feet instead of just one. When you see a doctor to determine the cause of your pain, Haglund’s deformity is often misdiagnosed as:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendon calcific enthesopathy
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Seronegative spondyloarthropathies

Even when properly diagnosed, the symptoms and treatment options for Haglund’s deformity can definitely be frustrating.

Causes of Haglund’s Deformity

There are different causes of Haglund’s deformity, but it is often called “pump bump” due to the amount of cases caused simply by the rigid backs of high heels and other types of shoes that lack flexibility. This creates pressure that continues to aggravate the deformity whenever the individual walks. Some types of shoes that are the main culprit of Haglund’s deformity include:

• Women’s pumps/high heels
• Men’s dress shoes
• Ice skates or roller skates
• Work boots
• Any other shoe that is too tight and/or ill-fitting

Haglund’s deformity can also be caused by:

• Genetics 
• High arches
• Walking regularly on the outside of your feet
• Overtraining for certain sports, particularly running
• Abnormal foot biomechanics due to joint misalignment, including from an injury

Can Haglund’s Deformity Be Cured Without Surgery?

Surgery can be a scary thought for many people, and those who suffer with Haglund’s deformity wonder if their condition can be treated without it. But this condition requires surgery to completely remove the bumps. However, there are more conservative treatments that can reduce the size of the bumps and ease symptoms, which is an option some choose instead.

Surgery

If you choose to have surgery on your Haglund’s deformity, the procedure is usually outpatient, which means you won’t have to stay in the hospital overnight. Your surgeon will either use general anesthesia or a nerve block to numb the leg that will be operated on. An incision is then made at the heel next to the Achilles tendon. Once the incision is made, the doctor will remove the protruding bone. If any portion of the Achilles tendon has become degenerative due to the progression of Haglund’s deformity, they will remove that as well. In some instances, another tendon will be transferred to replace the portion of the Achilles that is unable to be repaired.

If you have a straightforward surgery where the deformity is easily removed without impacting the surrounding region, you can expect to recover in about two weeks. Once your sutures are removed, you can begin to bear weight again on the affected foot. However, if your surgery involves any sort of tendon repair, recovery will be longer. You will likely receive a medical boot with a heel lift and will also be encouraged to participate in physical therapy.

Alternative Treatments

Although surgery is the only way to truly remove Haglund’s deformity, some people choose other options because of co-existing conditions that make anesthesia risky. Others may fear potential complications. Rare but significant complications from Haglund’s deformity removal include the wound healing too slowly, which can cause infection or require another surgery.

While surgery might be the only true resolution, there are treatments focused on pain and size reduction that make it possible to live comfortably with Haglund’s deformity. These include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Regularly icing the inflamed area
• Stretching exercises to reduce tension from the Achilles tendon
• Heel lifts—ideal for patients with high foot arches to decrease pressure on the heel
• Heel pads—to provide cushioned support and reduce irritation when walking
• More flexible shoes
• Physical therapy
• Orthotic devices

Are You Looking for Expert Foot Care in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for expert foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Related links: Why do I have weight-bearing restrictions after my foot surgery? Why Custom Orthotics Should Come From a Podiatrist Don't Let Achilles Tendon Injuries Stop You in Your Tracks!

 

Diabetes is a disease that comes with many complications. One of the most serious is Charcot foot. If you are diabetic, it is important to be educated about this condition and what to do if you suspect you might have it. Early intervention is essential to a full recovery. 

Understanding Charcot Foot

Also known as Charcot arthropathy or Charcot joint disease, Charcot foot is a medical condition that attacks the soft tissue, joints, and bones in the feet, often causing these bones to fracture. Diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy have decreased pain sensation and often won’t realize that a bone in their foot has been broken. Charcot foot will develop if the patient continues to walk on the fracture causing an abnormal shape in the foot known as a “rocker-bottom” foot deformity that is debilitating and very painful.   

If you suffer from diabetic neuropathy and lose feeling in your lower extremities, you face a higher risk of developing Charcot foot. It is important for Charcot Foot to be detected early, so treatment can be administered before permanent damage is done. Foot deformities can lead to other issue, such as pressure sores, infections, and sometimes amputation.

Causes, Signs, and Symptoms of Charcot Foot

The primary cause of Charcot foot is peripheral neuropathy. This condition, most commonly caused by diabetes, reduces a patient’s ability to sense temperature, trauma, or pain in their extremities. They may experience weakness and numbness in their hands and/or feet due to nerve damage. Additionally, neuropathic patients who have a tight Achilles tendon are at a higher risk of developing Charcot foot. In rare cases, it can be caused by other health conditions.

Because a diabetic patient with peripheral neuropathy will likely not feel pain in their feet, it can be very difficult to catch Charcot Foot early. That’s why it’s important to watch for signs of this condition that include:

• Abnormal swelling in one or both feet
• Visible redness on the top of the foot
• Skin that feels warm to the touch, especially when one foot is comparatively hotter in temperature to the other

However, these are also the symptoms of more common and much less serious conditions, so unless you are examined by a skilled podiatrist, Charcot foot can often be misdiagnosed. A podiatrist will have an X-ray and lab work done to confirm.

Treating Charcot Foot

Charcot foot is a challenging condition. A patient’s toes may curl, their ankles become unsteady, and arches collapse. Early treatment is important to avoid all permanent damage. If you have been diagnosed with this disease, you will have three treatment goals:

• Take the weight off the affected foot
• Treat the bone break
• Prevent new fractures

Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatment is usually the first course of action. You will be asked to rest and keep weight off the foot. This is called offloading. Offloading prevents further inflammation and allows your bone fracture time to heal. A doctor will often cast the affected foot for 8 to 12 weeks to ensure no weight is placed on it. Following the offloading period, you may be given a walking boot to ease back into weight-bearing walking. After you’re out of the boot, you will likely be prescribed custom orthopedic footwear that relieves pressure points and prevents future injury. One popular device is known as a Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker (CROW).

Surgical Treatment

If Charcot foot progresses and needs further treatment, surgery might be required. Surgery may be necessary for those who have:

• Foot ulcers
• Visible deformities
• Injuries to the foot that do not allow for the use of braces or orthotics

The surgeon will attempt to right any foot deformities and repair bone fractures. Surgery can be very successful in treating Charcot foot; however, it does not always fix the problem. Those who undergo surgery may still need custom shoes and frequent health maintenance throughout their life.

Life After Charcot Foot

If you are having foot problems and suspect you have Charcot foot, contact Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists. We have treated many cases of Charcot foot, and we can help you. Call us to set up an appointment to ensure your greatest chance of healing.

Are You Looking for a Charcot Foot Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for Charcot foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Related links: Why should I see a podiatrist for my diabetic foot care if I’m not in any pain? Healthy Foot Care for Diabetes The Importance of Understanding and Performing a Diabetic Foot Care Self-Exam

 

After having surgery on your foot, you will need time for the foot to heal, and keeping weight off your feet will be an important part of the recovery process. The surgeon will instruct you to rest the foot as much as possible because the bone and/or tissue need time to mend. It also gives any placed hardware such as plates or screws a chance to remain in the proper position until the surrounding areas have adjusted to it. 

What Is a Weight-Bearing Restriction?

Foot surgery patients will be given weight-bearing restrictions for recovery. These restrictions describe and limit the amount of weight you can place on your foot while it’s healing. Your doctor will instruct you about this, giving you precise information about your specific condition. Weight-bearing guidelines include:

Non-Weight-Bearing

If you have a non-weight-bearing (NWB) order from your doctor, it means that zero weight can be placed on the foot. This is the most restrictive limitation, and you will likely need to use a wheelchair, walker, or crutches to get around. When using these devices, try to keep your knee bent, so your toes never touch the ground. If you have a NWB order, even the smallest bit of weight on the foot can cause complications.

Toe-Touch Weight-Bearing

If you receive a toe-touch weight-bearing order, only your toes on the affected foot should touch the ground during your recovery and only for keeping your balance. Just as if you received a NWB order, a toe-touch weight-bearing restriction will require that you use a walker or crutches.

Partial Weight-Bearing

If your doctor tells you to maintain partial weight-bearing following your surgery, it means you can place approximately half of your usual weight on the affected foot. It may seem difficult to gauge how much is considered “half,” but a scale can help you understand how much pressure you are placing on your foot until you get used to the feeling of the right amount on your own.

Full Weight-Bearing

If your doctor says you can bear full weight on your foot after surgery, you have no weight restrictions. You will not be prescribed an assistive device, and you can carry on as normal soon after the surgery. This is usually a rare outcome for foot surgery, and you can still benefit by using a cane or a walker for a time if walking normally is painful.

The Consequences of Bearing Weight Too Soon

Weight-bearing instructions are important to follow, so you don’t cause further injury or reverse any progress from the surgery. If you should slip and fall or trip while trying to walk, you are likely to place weight on your foot without meaning to. It’s critical to follow guidelines as closely as possible in order for your foot to heal fully and correctly.

If you haven’t been consistent in following your weight-bearing instructions and are concerned you may have done damage, you can do a self-assessment. Check to see if you are:

• Experiencing increased pain in your foot
• Noticing an increase in redness or swelling in your foot
• Experiencing difficulty moving around and feeling pain

Consult a physician if you’re worried something’s not right. Ignoring your weight-bearing instructions too frequently could cause serious issues, including possibly needing corrective surgery.

Are You Looking for Foot Care in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Related links: Will I be able to bend my toes after hammertoe surgery? Rearfoot Surgery: When All Else Fails

 

Corns and calluses can develop for a variety of reasons, including friction between the foot and shoe, rubbing, irritation, or continual pressure against the skin. Both corns and calluses can be annoying and bothersome, but they develop to protect your skin, and both of these skin conditions are treatable and preventable. It’s important to know the difference between the two, so they can be treated properly. 

The Difference Between Corns and Calluses

Both corns and calluses are formed by layers of hard, thick skin that build up on your toes and feet. They can also develop on your hands and other parts of the body. Corns are round and small and usually found on the top or sides of your toes. Calluses, however, tend to be thicker and harder patches on the skin. These are usually found on the bottom of your foot or where most of your weight is carried—on your heel, big toe, or the ball of the foot.

Types of Corns

There are few different types of corns:

• Hard corns. These are small, hard, and dense on thickened areas of the skin. They tend to form on the top of the toes where bone pressure is against the skin.
• Soft corns. These are usually white or gray in color and have almost a rubbery texture. These develop between the toes.
• Seed corns: These are small and round corns that form on the bottom of the feet.

Calluses

It is actually common to have a fair amount of callus on the bottom of your foot. Calluses are irregular in shape and very rough and patchy to the touch. They form as a way for your body to protect the inner layers of skin from irritation and injury.

Who Gets Corns and Calluses?

Athletes tend to develop calluses because they engage in a high level of activity, and greater demand is placed on their feet. Calluses can also develop on the hands and fingers. Gymnasts, guitarists, tennis players, construction workers, or any person in a profession/activity that uses repetitive motion and pressure will likely have calluses on their hands. In contrast, corns are more likely to be caused by ill-fitting shoes or a side effect of an illness.

You are more likely to experience corns and calluses when:

• You have a pre-existing medical condition that causes the bone of your feet to be out of alignment. Some examples of this would be arthritis, bunions, or bone spurs.
• You often walk around without socks.
• You wear shoes that are too tight or narrow.
• You are a smoker.

Causes of Corns and Calluses

Even though corns and calluses appear on different parts of the foot and sometimes look dissimilar, they are actually caused by many of the same factors. These include:

• Wearing shoes that don’t fit well. Ill-fitting shoes can cause problems for your feet. If shoes are too tight, they rub against the skin and cause irritation. Women who wear high heels are also at risk of developing calluses due to the downward pressure while walking.
• Standing, walking or running. If you stand on your feet for a long period of time each day, are a marathon runner, or walk/hike frequently, you’re likely to develop corns or calluses.
• Walking barefoot frequently. With nothing to protect your feet from pavement, grass, and a variety of other surfaces, your feet are more likely to develop calluses to protect themselves.
• Having structural foot deformities. If you have hammertoes, tailor’s bunions, or birth deformities, it’s likely that corns will develop.

Living with Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are not painful when they first appear but can quickly become uncomfortable and irritating. Calluses are less sensitive but sometimes crack. These cracks are called fissures and can begin to hurt. Corns are usually tender to the touch and noticeably uncomfortable sooner.

If corns and calluses are left untreated, they will likely increase in size and have a higher risk of becoming infected. The bigger they get, the more they will affect everyday life and will need proper treatment.

How to Diagnose and Treat Corns and Calluses

A visual inspection of the foot is usually sufficient to diagnose a corn or callus, and this can be done with a simple visit to the podiatrist. A podiatrist can also help you find treatment and solutions. Some examples of treatment may include:

• Soaking the corn or callus in warm water
• Using a pumice stone to remove the corn or callus
• Applying a moisturizer that will soften the skin

Are You Looking for a Foot Care Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Related links: The Right Shoes Can Make All the Difference Bunion Causes and Symptoms How to Handle a Blister on Your Feet

 

Toenail fungus often looks unsightly before it feels bothersome, which leads many people to simply ignore it and wait to seek treatment. Unfortunately, toenail fungus can actually lead to more serious issues, which is why it’s important to know when to pay attention and see a podiatrist. 

Signs of Toenail Fungus 

Toenail fungus, more formally known as onychomycosis, is an infection under the nailbed caused by a fungus. The most noticeable signs are a foul odor and the toenail darkening in color. Other signs include: 

• White marks on the nail plate 
• Thickened nails that are difficult to trim 
• Brittle or “crumbling” nails 
• Change in nailbed shape 
• Pain when walking with shoes on 
• A secondary bacterial or yeast infection in or around the nail 

Causes of Toenail Fungus 

Our feet come into contact with so many microorganisms, including fungi. Your toenails are especially susceptible around damp areas where you’re likely to be barefoot, including pools, showers, lakes, rivers, and locker rooms. Fungus working its way under the nailbed in these conditions is a common cause of toenail fungus issues. 

Injured toenails are another cause of toenail fungus. If your nail bed is injured, whether you stub your toe or have too much pressure against the nails from shoes, it can lead to an infection. 

Finally, those who suffer from chronic diseases are more susceptible to toenail fungus. This includes diabetics, immunocompromised individuals, and those with poor circulation. All of these illnesses make the feet more prone to fungal infections. 

Treating a Fungal Infection at Home 

Sometimes, it’s possible to treat a fungal infection at home, although it can take a very long while and isn’t always effective. If you wish to try, you will need to follow a cleansing routine daily for many months in order to suppress the infection. Some cosmetic issues related to toenail fungus can be resolved through filing off white markings and applying an over-the-counter antifungal medicine. 

When to See a Podiatrist 

Even with the best efforts at home-based remedies, a time might come when you need to seek professional help. Going to a general practitioner can be helpful, but contacting a podiatrist directly will expedite the treatment and healing process. 

You should visit a podiatrist when you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms of a fungal infection. Again, these include discoloration, thickening, or deformities. The sooner you seek treatment, the easier it will be to clear up the fungal infection, so don’t ignore the signs of trouble even if they aren’t causing you significant distress. 

It’s especially important to make an appointment with a podiatrist if: 

• You aren’t sure what’s wrong. If you have never been diagnosed with foot fungus by a podiatrist before, you might be self-diagnosing incorrectly. There are many different conditions that can mimic nail fungus, so what seems basic might actually be a more complicated, or even dangerous, issue. The best way to determine what’s truly going on is to speak with a professional. 
• You are diabetic. Diabetes has many physical side effects and ailments, including toenail fungus that can get infected and is quite serious. Since diabetes can be so destructive, working closely with a podiatrist is always a good idea. Diabetics tend to get infections more easily than healthy people due to their poor blood circulation. 
• At-home treatments aren’t working. If you’ve tried over-the-counter creams and soaks and are still seeing or feeling abnormalities, it is time to take things to the next level with a doctor who can provide something stronger. 

A podiatrist can treat a fungal infection with a few different methods, depending upon the severity of the infection. First, an oral medication might be prescribed. Unfortunately many have side effects, including (although rare) permanent damage to the liver. 

Laser treatment is another option and is sometimes very effective. Before scheduling a laser treatment, ensure it is covered by your insurance, as anything involving lasers can quickly get very expensive. 

If the toenail is very infected or the infections are occurring regularly, a podiatrist might opt to remove the toenail. While this is never an ideal option, it will permanently resolve the issue. 

Are You Looking for a Toenail Fungus Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for toenail fungus care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Related Links: Keeping Toenails Clear—Fungal Nail Prevention Toenail Changes Are NOT Always Fungus How Can I Have Nice-Looking Toenails While My Nail Fungus Is Being Treated?

 

People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, even when they are rooted in something that seems as minor as dry skin. 

Symptoms of Dry Skin 

While everyone gets dry skin from time to time, a chronic more serious issue might include: 

• Itchy skin 
• Cracked heels 
• Open sores

Causes of Dry Skin

While dry skin can be a year-round issue, it can be exacerbated during cold weather months. In the winter, moisture disappears due to cold, dry air and heaters or fires in homes. Both healthy people and those with diabetes will notice an increase in itchy hands and chapped lips.

Hyperglycemia—the elevated blood sugar associated with uncontrolled diabetes—can cause dry skin throughout the year. The imbalance in body chemistry causes the skin to react severely. If your blood glucose is too high, your body quickly loses fluid. This in turn will dry out your skin. 

Neuropathy can also contribute to issues with dry skin for people with diabetes. When your diabetes is uncontrolled for too long, it can cause nerve damage. If you have damaged nerves in the lower extremities, they won’t receive the message from your brain to sweat. Since sweat is what keeps skin moisturized, dry skin can easily occur. 

Potential Dangers

Dry skin is not a small matter for people with diabetes. It can become red and sore, and if left untreated can crack. Cracks can also occur from scratching if the skin becomes itchy and irritated. Germs then enter through these skin cracks and can cause an infection. 

Again, due to a loss of sensation in the limbs, some diabetics won’t even notice there is an issue until an infection has occurred and medical help is needed. Blood glucose promotes a breeding ground for bacteria, and it causes the body to not be able to heal itself as effectively. 

It’s important to do regular checks of your hands, feet, legs, and arms to look for dry skin and treat it immediately. 

How to Prevent Dry Skin 

Since the feet are usually most affected due to their constant use and pressure placed upon them, using a high-quality moisturizing cream can help prevent damage and infection. A podiatrist can prescribe an effective moisturizer that is safe for people with diabetes. 

Other steps to take include:

• Wash your feet in warm (not hot) water every day, using mild cleansers that won’t dry out or irritate the skin. Avoid soaking in hot water, which can be especially drying. 
• Protect your skin from the weather with breathable clothing with good coverage and appropriate footwear. 
• Keep your blood sugar in check. Choose a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and meet regularly with your medical team to keep things on track. 

When to See a Podiatrist 

Any cracks in your skin are a sign it’s time to go see a podiatrist. Blood sugar acts as “food” for an infection, and it can make it much more difficult to heal. 

You should also see a podiatrist when: 

• You see signs of infection or irritation. 
• You are experiencing discomfort.
• You are overweight. (Obesity contributes to dry skin due to the extra pressure it puts on the feet.) 

It’s a good idea to see a podiatrist regularly for foot checks even if you don’t suspect an issue. It can be difficult to see every portion of the skin, especially if illness or obesity is an issue. A podiatrist can examine you thoroughly every few months and ensure you are doing everything you can to prevent severe skin issues that can start with something as simple as dry feet. 

Are You Looking For Diabetic Foot Care in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for diabetic foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Related Links: How to Examine Your Feet for Diabetic Wounds Healthy Foot Care for Diabetes  The Importance of Understanding and Performing a Diabetic Foot Care Self-Exam

A stress fracture can be very painful and inconvenient for an active person. It is defined as a small crack in the bone, and sometimes severe bone bruising. If they go unchecked, stress fractures can lead to further injury, so it’s important to know the symptoms and the causes in order to protect your feet from further damage. 

The Causes of Stress Fractures

Usually caused by overuse or repetitive activity, stress fractures are very common in athletes—especially runners or those participating in running sports like soccer. Even people with very healthy bones can experience a fracture when they partake in frequent and repetitive movements. This is why athletes, who practice skills and drills regularly, are most at risk. Most high-impact sports are at risk for stress fractures due to the intense practice schedule and the constant need to push the body that much further for competitive reasons. 

On the other side of the coin, those with very weak bones can experience stress fractures. This includes those with osteoporosis and other reasons for bone fragility. If a bone does not have enough density to uphold during normal daily impact, a fracture can occur. 

Shoes can also be a stress fracture culprit. Whether it’s high heels or old, ill-fitting shoes, various types of footwear can put you at risk of injury. Those with foot deformities can also experience a stress fracture, including those with severe bunions. 

Any bone in the foot or ankle can be affected by a stress fracture, including: 

• The metatarsals (connectors of toes to the foot) 
• The calcaneus (heel bone) 
• The navicular (near the ankle) 
• Any bone that makes up the ankle joint including the tibia and fibula

The Symptoms of a Stress Fracture 

There are telltale signs of a stress fracture that will help you know if you have one. Of course, the most obvious one is persistent pain. Other symptoms include: 

• The pain subsides when the foot is rested. 
• Pain that increases during normal, non-stressful activities. 
• There is obvious swelling on the top of the foot or outside of the ankle.
• The fracture site is tender to the touch.
• There is visible bruising. 

A stress fracture will almost always cause pain at a very specific location whenever pressure is placed on it. 

Diagnosing a Stress Fracture 

There are a few different ways to diagnose a stress fracture. First is a physical examination. It is very important that you see a doctor if you even suspect you have a stress fracture, as ignoring it can lead to the bone breaking completely. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and your regular activities. They may also ask you about medications and diet. The doctor will then examine your foot looking specifically for points of pain and applying pressure to them. Pain response is the most common way to diagnose a stress fracture. 

Your doctor might also confirm the diagnosis through imaging such as X-rays. While it can be helpful to get imaging done, it is not a good diagnostic on its own since tiny cracks can be difficult to see via X-ray. If in fact the crack cannot be seen, your doctor might order an MRI. 

Stress Fracture Treatment 

There are a few different ways to treat a stress fracture, including both surgical and nonsurgical measures. The easiest ways to heal a stress fracture include: 

• Medication. Anti-inflammatory medications can help with the pain. 
• Crutches. Crutches keep the weight off the injury and can help with both healing and pain management. 
• Modified activity. For approximately six to eight weeks, you may need to prevent any physical activity that causes you pain or places further stress on the injured area. 
• Protective footwear. Your doctor might suggest sturdy footwear to help prevent further injury during your healing process. Brace shoes are available through a podiatrist. 
• Cast. While not always appropriate for a stress fracture, some cases do warrant the doctor to apply a cast to keep your bones in a fixed position. This is usually the treatment when the bones on the outer side of the foot are injured. 

Surgical treatment is sometimes needed if a stress fracture is severe or you are unable to keep weight off of it for whatever reason. Surgery usually involves supporting bones through an inserted fastener. Also known as internal fixation, pins, plates, and/or screws are placed into the foot to hold it together while it heals. 

Are You Looking for a Stress Fracture Expert in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for stress fracture care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Related Links: Foot and Ankle Surgery How Long Do Stress Fractures Take to Heal?  Sports Injuries

 

Proper foot care is important for everyone, but it is especially important for diabetics. Due to circulation issues, diabetic feet tend to be more susceptible to injury—and often those injuries can go undetected. For this reason, it’s a good idea for these individuals to have a consistent relationship with a podiatrist regardless of whether or not they are experiencing pain. 

Nerve Damage in Diabetes 

It seems only natural to go to the doctor when you’re experiencing pain. Many of us would not consider going to a specialist like a podiatrist until we are dealing with significant pain or injury. Unfortunately for diabetics, nerve damage is one of the common side effects of their condition—and this can make proper treatment of injuries difficult. 

This nerve damage is called neuropathy, and its most common symptom is numbness. It is considered to be one of the more frequent complications of living with long-term diabetes, and it’s caused by poor blood sugar control over an extended period of time. While all of our nerves can be affected by high sugars, the longest nerves—the ones that extend from spine to toe—tend to be the most impacted. This is why you will experience neuropathy in your feet and legs before your hands or arms. 

The Risk of Neuropathy Injury 

Our feet take a beating. Between walking, exercising, and potentially ill-fitting footwear, our feet endure more hits and strains than any other part of our body. In a healthy individual, a cut or blister on the foot isn’t usually a big deal, but it can turn into a severe issue for a person with neuropathy. 

Diabetic neuropathy causes numbness, which in turn can lead to obliviousness to injury. Without pain, we aren’t alerted to anything being wrong. But diabetes can cause quickly cause a lot of issues. Poorly controlled blood sugar can lead to dried-out skin, which in turn causes calluses or even ulcers on your feet. Combine this with the numbing lack of circulation and you just might find yourself walking around on an injury you don’t even know you have. Since the numbness prevents you from being aware of an issue, this can allow a minor injury to turn into a more serious infection. 

Proper Prevention 

Daily self-care is essential to make sure your diabetes stays in check and injuries are avoided. Follow all maintenance plans followed by your doctor, including proper diet and timed insulin. Then, work a self-examination of your feet into your daily routine. 

In the morning, before bedtime, and also anytime you take your shoes off, take a few moments to look over your feet. Check for any signs of strain—chafing, blistering, cuts, or bruises. You might want to use a mirror to help you check the areas that are hard to see. 

If you notice any irregularities, write down what you see and the date you noticed it. Some find it helpful to also take a photo. Practice at-home treatment and spend as much time off your feet as you can. Pay close attention to the irregularity and observe it for any changes or progressions in the coming days. 

Finally, know when it’s time to see a podiatrist. As a general rule, you should make an appointment if you’re experiencing any of the following: 

• Pain in your legs or thighs, even if you don’t have sensation in your feet 
• A change in foot shape 
• Severely dry or cracked skin on your feet
• Any change in skin color or temperature to the touch 
• Thickened or yellowing toenails 
• Blisters, sores, ulcers, corns, or ingrown toenails 
• Any evidence of a fungal infection like athlete’s foot

It’s also a great idea to visit a podiatrist several times a year even if you do not experience any issues. The professionals at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists are able to provide thorough foot examinations and preventative measures that can help a diabetic avoid severe injury. 

Are You Looking For Diabetic Foot Care in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for diabetic foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Related Links: Healthy Foot Care for Diabetes Diabetes and Your Feet The Importance of Understanding and Performing a Foot Self-Exam

 

 

In a small percentage of the population who has a rather stable foot structure, a good motion control running shoe can reduce the tendency to pronate or collapse the arch during activity and as a result, experience relief from some mild symptoms in their feet, knees, or even backs.  But factually speaking, very few people who suffer from any significant structural problems or who have any significant pathology can go without an orthotic in combination with a good motion control running shoe. 

We highly recommend that our patients get a good, solid and well constructed motion control shoe or sneaker when we dispense their orthotics.  The orthotic and shoe work together to provide maximum stability and corrective position which allows and encourages optimal and non-pathologic function of the foot and ankle during activity. 

Lastly, the "supportive insoles, arch supports or arch cookies" that are promoted to be in these types of shoes and sneakers are obviously generically placed into the shoe or sneaker which simply does not support every individual's arch or foot structure the same way.  This can be an issue for many people.  Any significant degree of asymmetry or difference in foot structure from one foot to the other generally necessitates a custom-made orthotic that will fit and work in conjunction with a well supportive shoe or sneaker.

Are You Considering Custom Orthotics  in Austin, TX?

If you are considering custom orthotics, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Yes. Especially if you are competitive or do extensive mileage each week.  Experience has shown us that when the orthotics place the bones of the foot in a more corrected and structurally aligned position, this necessitates less energy expenditure by the muscles of the foot and leg as the bones of the foot lock together and in essence, stay aligned during the thousands of "up and down pistoning motions" while cycling. 

Conversely, when the foot is not in its ideal structural position, it necessitates the muscles of the foot and lower leg to work harder to keep nudging the bones of the foot back into their ideal alignment.  This done over and over during the hours and thousands of downstrokes of the cycling action, causes the muscles to work much harder and predisposes them and even the bones of the foot to injury from overuse.  

Almost one for one, the cyclists who use these types of orthotics in their cycling shoes have relayed they go faster and longer using less energy and experiencing significantly less "fatigue" during cycling.  Depending on the style of cycle shoe, you may necessitate a pair specifically for that activity but for the most part, the orthotics that you can put into your sneakers or lace-up dress shoes fit into cycling shoes. 

Are You Considering Custom Orthotics  in Austin, TX?

If you are considering custom orthotics, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.