A bunion results when a bony bump forms at the base of the big toe, as the tip of the toe pushes against the other toes. This deformity can cause pain, redness, and swelling. Bunions also make wearing certain shoes uncomfortable while walking or standing for long periods of time. Causes include inherited foot structure, arthritis, and shoes that squeeze the toes together. Some people develop bunions because of poor foot alignment or abnormal walking patterns. A podiatrist can examine the foot, check joint movement, and use X-rays to determine the severity of the bunion. Treatment options include custom orthotics, padding, and wearing supportive shoes with a wider toe box. More advanced bunions may require surgery to straighten the toe joint and improve alignment. Early treatment can help slow the condition and reduce discomfort. If you have pain from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage linked to diabetes that commonly affects the feet and lower legs. High blood sugar can damage nerves, causing numbness, tingling, burning pain, and sharp shooting sensations in the feet. Some people lose the ability to feel heat, cold, or injuries, which increases the risk of cuts, blisters, and foot ulcers going unnoticed. Changes in sensation can also affect balance and stability when walking, increasing the risk of falls. Because feeling in the feet becomes reduced, small wounds can develop into serious infections. A podiatrist can examine the feet, check for nerve damage, monitor circulation, and provide treatment to help prevent further complications. Early care is important for protecting foot health and lowering the risk of severe infections or long-term tissue damage. If you have symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance in managing this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, most often on the big toe, causing pain, redness, and swelling. This usually happens from cutting nails too short, rounding the edges, wearing tight shoes, or injuring the toe. If not treated, the area can become infected, leading to a condition called paronychia, where bacteria or fungi invade the skin surrounding the nail. This may cause pus, increased pain, and further swelling. In rare cases, complications like skin damage or deeper infections can develop, especially in people with diabetes. Mild cases can often be managed with conservative care. However, more severe cases with significant pain or infection may require more advanced medical treatment, including minor procedures to remove part of the nail and prevent recurrence. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

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 Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Turf toe is a sprain of the largest joint in the big toe, caused by excessive upward bending during movement. This injury often occurs in athletes who play on firm surfaces and involves damage to the surrounding ligaments. Grades of injury include mild stretching of the tissues with slight discomfort, partial tearing with swelling and limited motion, and more severe injury with significant pain, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Risk factors include high-impact sports, improper footwear, and repetitive stress on the forefoot. A podiatrist can help by evaluating the injury, providing treatment to reduce inflammation, and guiding recovery. If you have pain in your big toe, it is  suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat turf toe.  

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.