Items filtered by date: October 2024

Bunions are common foot deformities involving a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. This causes the top of the toe to angle toward the smaller toes. Such a misalignment can lead to pain, redness, and swelling in the area. Over time, the bunion can worsen and may lead to stiffness or arthritis in the joint. Factors that contribute to bunion formation include abnormal foot mechanics, genetics, and wearing tight or high-heeled shoes. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, making walking and wearing shoes challenging. A lesser-known foot deformity called a bunionette can occur at the base of the pinky toe with similar symptoms. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the bunion through clinical examination and imaging tests. Treatment options include custom orthotics for foot support and surgery, if deemed necessary. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Richard Galperin, DPM of Texas. 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 Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Custom orthotics are often recommended when pain or fatigue in the foot, bones, joints, ligaments, or tendons interferes with daily activities. These devices that fit into the shoe are tailored to address specific issues, providing targeted support that off-the-shelf solutions often cannot achieve. The need for custom orthotics arises in various situations, such as when foot mechanics are abnormal, leading to conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or overpronation. Orthotics can also help when pain extends to other parts of the body, such as the knees, hips, or lower back, as a result of improper foot alignment. There are different types of custom orthotics, including soft, semi-rigid, accommodative, and rigid, each designed to meet specific needs. Choosing the appropriate orthotic is key to effectively relieving pain and restoring function. If you are suffering with discomfort in your feet, ankles, or other related body parts, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine which type of orthotic is right for you based on your symptoms and the underlying cause of your discomfort.

Experience a transformative solution to heel pain and foot pain through the personalized benefits of custom orthotics and shoe inserts. If you’re grappling with the persistent agony of plantar fasciitis, these customized inserts are designed to alleviate the strain on the plantar fascia, providing targeted relief. Engineered to adapt to your unique foot anatomy, custom orthotics tackle not only plantar fasciitis but also general foot and heel pain, offering unparalleled support and comfort. Don’t let every step be a reminder of discomfort; step into a world of tailored well-being. Say farewell to the limitations imposed by heel pain and embrace the freedom of pain-free mobility. Invest in your foot health and redefine your daily stride with the transformative power of custom orthotics and shoe inserts, ensuring each step is a step towards lasting comfort. 

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

Toenail laser treatment has gained popularity as a treatment for toenail fungal infections, offering a modern alternative to traditional methods. One significant advantage is its effectiveness, as lasers target infected tissue without harming surrounding areas, often resulting in quicker recovery times and minimal discomfort. Additionally, this procedure requires no anesthesia and can be completed in a short session, making it convenient for patients. However, there are also drawbacks to consider. The cost of laser treatment can be higher than conventional options, and multiple sessions may be necessary for optimal results. Furthermore, while the procedure is generally safe, some individuals may experience temporary side effects such as redness or swelling. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is right for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Richard Galperin, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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

The foot and ankle consist of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, forming a complex structure that provides support, balance, and mobility. Key joints include the ankle joint where the tibia, fibula, and talus meet, the subtalar joint allowing side-to-side motion, and the midfoot joints, which contribute to arch flexibility. Biomechanics of the foot and ankle are critical, as they impact walking, running, and overall posture. Improper alignment or function in these joints can lead to issues like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or osteoarthritis, affecting movement and increasing stress on the knees, hips, and lower back. Proper foot care, wearing supportive footwear, and orthotics can help maintain good biomechanics, reduce pain, and prevent injuries. It is suggested that you include regular check-ups with a podiatrist in your health care routine to catch potential problems early, ensuring long-term foot health.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Richard Galperin, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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