Pain felt on the outside of the foot is termed lateral pain, and there are many causes. The most common cause of lateral foot pain is a sprained ankle, which is responsible for about 85 percent of lateral foot injuries. When the anterior talofibular, or ATFL, ligament is overstretched, it can be torn or, in severe cases, ruptured. This injury causes pain, swelling, bruising, and instability. If an ankle sprain is not fully healed and rehabbed, it can become a chronic condition. Overuse by runners is another cause of pain on the outside of the foot. It can result in hairline fractures in the bones of the feet, including the fifth metatarsal. Because continuing the activity can lead to breaking the bone, resting the foot for about six weeks is suggested. A third cause of pain on the outside of the foot is termed peroneal tendinosis. Repetitive use of the ankle and improper footwear are the main causes of irritation to this tendon. Resting the leg can help it to heal, and in some cases, surgery is a treatment option. For help with pain on the outside of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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.

Research has shown millions of people fall every year, which could lead to disabilities or even death. Over the last 20 years the number of falls has increased more rapidly than any other type of injury, according to world health experts. It is beneficial to have programs in place that can teach balance and strength training to older individuals. Tai chi and yoga, which can fall into these categories, may improve overall health in addition to preventing falls. Many falls happen in the home, and installing grab bars in the toilet and shower areas may help to reduce these accidents. Additionally, it can help to replace worn rugs and improve lighting in the living areas. Falling can affect the feet, and it is crucial to avoid injuring the toes or feet. If you would like to learn more about effective fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist. 

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

People may enjoy playing pickleball instead of tennis as it is less demanding on the body. It is wise to properly stretch the feet and ankles before engaging in this sport, which may help prevent chronic or acute injuries. Acute pain can be traumatic and is generally caused by a single event, such as falling and bracing the body with one hand. This may lead to incurring a broken wrist. Repeated stress over time may point to developing a chronic injury. An example of this can be reaching down to hit a low ball and repeating it several times throughout the match. A common injury people can get while playing pickleball can affect the Achilles tendon. This is located in the lower back of the leg and connects the heels to the calf muscles. This injury may be acute or chronic, and the Achilles tendon can become completely or partially torn. It is beneficial to stretch the heels and calf muscles before beginning to play pickleball, in addition to wearing proper shoes for this type of sport. If you would like more information about how the feet can be affected by a pickleball injury, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

There is no mistaking the discomfort that can happen from enduring an Achilles tendon injury. It is often a sudden, sharp pain that occurs when this tendon becomes torn. It can happen to runners who increase speed and mileage too quickly, often without properly warming up. The Achilles tendon is located in the lower portion of the calf and connects the heel to the calf muscles. This type of injury may also happen while running on hard or uneven surfaces, or if the foot suddenly turns out. In addition to the intense pain this injury can cause, the affected foot may feel stiff in the morning, and is often painful when touched. Treatment often begins by stopping the activity that caused the injury, and a brace or cast may need to temporarily be worn that can provide stability as it heals. If you have had an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward treatment options that are correct for you.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease is a cardiovascular condition that can seriously affect the health of your feet. When fatty deposits build up in the arteries that serve the legs, the flow of blood to the feet and toes can be restricted. Common symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or PAD, include hair loss and weakness in the legs and feet, brittle or slow-growing toenails, and numbness in the lower extremities. One of the more serious results of PAD is the increased inability of sores or cuts on the feet and ankles to heal normally. If these wounds are not noticed or left unattended, they can become ulcerous. This is a common side effect of diabetes as the result of high levels of blood sugar. Foot ulcers can become gangrenous and increase the danger of losing a limb. Eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking and drinking, along with losing weight can all help to reduce the effects of peripheral artery disease. For help with this condition as it affects the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.