February 2018

It’s important to properly measure your feet for the correct size before choosing shoes to purchase. Self-serve shoe stores may have a fitting device, where the length and width of the feet can be measured correctly. Measuring both feet is beneficial as the feet may differ in size and there may possibly be foot conditions that are on one foot and not the other. Typically, it’s suggested to wear the socks that are usually worn while making a decision to purchase shoes. This will aid in the correct fit. The overall health and general comfort of the feet and body consist of a proper fit that includes the top of the feet, toes, and the arch. If you experience any pain or discomfort while trying shoes on, the shoes may be fitting incorrectly for your feet.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Hammertoe is a foot condition which affects the toes, causing the joints to become deformed. Choosing to wear shoes that fit tightly is often the cause of this condition, resulting in the toes bending into a forced, abnormal position. The shoes will rub on the toe which causes friction, and corns and calluses will most likely develop. Additionally, medical conditions that presently exist, such as diabetes and arthritis, may contribute to the development of hammertoes. There are treatment options available, including splints to realign the toe and orthotics specifically designed to accommodate the affected toe. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised to learn about choosing proper footwear and advice on how to treat hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

If foot disorders like hammertoes or bunions are experienced, surgery may be considered as an option for relief. Pressure and pain are often the results of tendons becoming too tight. Additionally, the toes may become unbalanced and rub against each other, causing friction. These conditions may cause the joints to become inflamed, which may lead to deformities. Anesthesia is generally administered, which will enable the podiatrist to perform the necessary procedures needed to repair the disorder. This may include adjusting tendons to their proper size, aligning joints back into place, or possibly changing the shape of the bone. A consultation with a podiatrist is suggested to see if foot surgery is the correct option for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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