Foot stress fractures, prevalent among runners, are primarily attributed to overuse, constituting 80 percent of cases. The repetitive forces during running may cause microscopic bone damage, escalating into hairline fractures if adequate recovery time is not provided. Sudden increases in running volume, intensity, or frequency, common in the overtraining syndrome, can make it worse. Running form also plays a role, especially with those who have a pronounced heel strike. However, transitioning abruptly to a forefoot strike or wearing minimal footwear can similarly increase the risk of metatarsal stress fractures. Nutrition is a vital factor in preventing stress fractures of the feet. Low vitamin D levels, specifically during winter, elevate the risk of stress fractures. Runners, especially women, face heightened risk if conditions such as osteoporosis or menstrual cycle-related amenorrhea are present. Additionally, sudden changes in running surfaces, such as switching from trails to roads without proper training, can elevate the risk. Wearing proper footwear is equally as important. Old, ill-fitting shoes that lack proper support can increase bone stress. Balancing training intensity, adopting gradual changes in running techniques, maintaining a nutritious diet, and ensuring proper footwear are key components of a comprehensive approach to foot health and injury prevention. For help in managing foot stress fractures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

Common peroneal nerve dysfunction, also known as common fibular nerve dysfunction, involves damage to the peroneal nerve, affecting movement and sensation in the foot and leg. This condition can occur at any age and is a type of peripheral neuropathy, specifically mononeuropathy, where a single nerve is damaged. Causes can range from knee trauma, fibula fracture, tight casts, habitual leg crossing, to pressure during sleep or surgery. It is also seen in individuals with anorexia, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, alcohol use, or inherited disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Symptoms include decreased sensation, numbness, tingling in the leg, foot dropping, a slapping gait, toe dragging, and muscle weakness. Diagnosis involves a physical exam, electromyography, nerve conduction tests, MRI, and nerve ultrasound. Potential complications may include reduced walking ability and permanent sensation loss or weakness in the legs or feet. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss treatment options.

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.

Heel spurs, bony outgrowths at the bottom of the heel bone, can be a source of persistent foot discomfort. Formed due to calcium deposits, heel spurs often accompany conditions like plantar fasciitis. The pain associated with heel spurs typically arises during weight-bearing activities, especially after rest periods. While rest and proper footwear are important components of managing heel spurs, specific exercises can provide relief. Stretching exercises, such as calf stretches and towel curls, may help to alleviate tension in the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot can reduce inflammation. Strengthening exercises, like toe-tapping and marble pickups, enhance foot and ankle muscles, promoting better support. A podiatrist treats heel spurs. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you visit this type of doctor who can help you with appropriate treatment and guide you toward additional stretches. 

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 Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. 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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Foot blisters are fluid-filled pockets that form on the skin's surface, commonly caused by friction, heat, and moisture. These blisters can be painful and uncomfortable, affecting individuals of all ages. Friction is a primary culprit in blister formation. When the skin repeatedly rubs against footwear or other surfaces, it can lead to irritation, causing a blister to develop as a protective mechanism. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially those that are too tight or loose, can exacerbate this problem. Heat and moisture also contribute to blister development. When your feet sweat excessively, it creates a moist environment inside your shoes, increasing the risk of friction. In hot weather, sweat can make the skin more vulnerable to blistering. Another potential cause of blisters is burns, whether from hot surfaces, chemicals, or sunburn, as they can damage the skin and result in blister formation. Understanding the causes of foot blisters is essential for prevention. If you do develop a blister, it is important to protect and care for it to avoid infection and promote healing, and a podiatrist can help you accomplish this. It is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can guide you toward healing and prevention techniques.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.