Items filtered by date: December 2022

Broken feet encompass various fractures, including metatarsal, calcaneus, and toe fractures, each requiring specific treatments and healing approaches. They can be complete or partial fractures. Without proper treatment, complications like chronic pain, deformity, and impaired mobility may arise. Initial treatment often involves immobilization through casting, bracing, or splinting to facilitate proper bone alignment and healing. Depending on the severity, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign bones and stabilize fractures. Bone healing progresses through stages, beginning with inflammation, followed by the formation of soft callus and eventual remodeling into mature bone tissue. Podiatrists play a significant role in managing a broken foot by providing accurate diagnosis, customized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring throughout the healing process. If you have sustained a foot fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper intervention, and to minimize complications.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Bunions manifest primarily as the big toe angling towards the other toes, causing a bony protrusion on the inner edge of the foot. Symptoms include pain, swelling, callused skin, and foot shape changes. Treatment aims to alleviate discomfort and may involve painkillers, orthotics, or surgery for severe cases. Untreated bunions can worsen and lead to complications like arthritis or toe misalignment. Bunions are more prevalent in women, possibly due to footwear choices like high heels. Other causes of bunions include genetics, arthritis, and ill-fitting shoes. Prevention involves wearing properly fitting shoes with ample toe room, and avoiding tight or high-heeled footwear. Surgery is often the only solution for severe cases but may not guarantee complete recovery. If you have a bunion that causes you pain, it is suggested that you make appointments with a podiatrist for regular monitoring and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Pain at the back of a dancer’s ankle can happen for various reasons, ranging from overuse to specific injuries. Achilles tendonitis, a common condition among dancers, results from repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Another possible cause is posterior impingement syndrome, often seen in dancers who frequently point their toes, causing compression and irritation at the back of the ankle joint. Additionally, Haglund's deformity, characterized by a bony prominence at the back of the heel, can exacerbate discomfort, especially when wearing tight-fitting shoes. If you are a dancer and are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Orthotics are a common treatment for plantar fasciitis, a condition causing persistent heel and foot pain. These shoe inserts provide support and alignment correction, relieving pressure on the plantar fascia. By redistributing weight and reducing strain on the foot's arch, orthotics can help to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. They are designed to address specific imbalances during walking or standing, improving overall foot mechanics. Studies have shown that orthotics can effectively reduce pain and improve function for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis. Custom-made orthotics are particularly effective at offering tailored support for individual foot shapes and conditions. In addition to other treatments, such as stretching exercises and wearing proper footwear, orthotics can help in managing and alleviating plantar fasciitis symptoms. If you suffer from the discomfort of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the most suitable treatment for you, including custom-made orthotics as an option.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists play an important role in managing chronic foot pain. Podiatrists can diagnose the underlying causes of the pain and also implement targeted treatment plans. These doctors have the specialized knowledge it takes to pinpoint the source of the foot pain, whether it be caused by structural issues, biomechanical abnormalities, or conditions such as arthritis or neuropathy. They may perform assessments and diagnostic tests to find the answers patients in pain are looking for. Based on the diagnosis, podiatrists may recommend a variety of interventions to ease pain, including custom orthotic inserts to correct foot alignment, stretches to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Podiatrists can also provide guidance on proper footwear selection and offer lifestyle modifications to minimize stress on the feet. By addressing the root cause of chronic foot pain and tailoring treatment plans to individual needs, podiatrists empower patients to find relief and regain mobility, which can greatly enhance quality of life. If you have persisting foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can diagnose you and provide a personalized treatment plan.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. 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 Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.