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Podiatry Associates of Victoria
116-A Imperial Drive
Victoria, TX 77901

(361) 578-2777
Fax (361) 578-2778

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January 2021

Monday, 25 January 2021 00:00

What Causes Sever's Disease?

Sever’s disease is a condition, often common in childhood and early adolescence, that causes pain and swelling around the growth plate of the heel. During childhood and puberty, children often experience growth spurts around the ends of their bones. Sometimes, an  imbalance between the growth rates of the bones, muscles, and tendons occur, which can cause a buildup of tension around these areas. The Achilles tendon, which attaches to the heel, can produce repetitive strain around the growth plate of the heel bone. This leads the growth plate to become more likely to get irritated due to overload from repetitive physical activities like running and jumping. Sever’s disease causes symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness in the heel. If your child complains of heel pain, it suggested that you take them to see a podiatrist. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Read more about Sever's Disease
Wednesday, 20 January 2021 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Monday, 18 January 2021 00:00

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails happen when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can lead to the area becoming swollen, tender, painful and inflamed. In some cases, the area can also become infected. There are many potential causes of ingrown toenails, including wearing shoes that are too tight, sustaining an injury to the toenail, or trimming the toenails improperly. Repetitive stress on the toenails from poor posture, partaking in certain sports, poor circulation, and having a genetic predisposition to ingrown toenails can also make them more likely to occur. If you have painful or recurrent ingrown toenails, or an ingrown toenail that is showing signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.  

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Read more about Ingrown Toenails
Monday, 11 January 2021 00:00

The Role of the Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon is an integral part of the foot. It is the tendon that connects the calf to the heels which allows walking, running, and jumping to occur. This tendon can easily tear as a result of tight calf muscles. Additionally, it may happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or from having flat feet or high arches. Patients may find relief when the leg is gently massaged and corrective exercises are performed. Common symptoms of this condition can include severe pain in the back of the heel, and it is often difficult to point and flex the toes. It may help to elevate and rest the affected foot, in addition to apply compression that can help to reduce existing swelling. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is strongly suggested that you seek the advice of a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment techniques.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors 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 Victoria, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Achilles Tendon Injuries

Torn ligaments in the ankle may be indicative of an ankle sprain. This can occur by suddenly stepping off of a curb, or from twisting the ankle beyond its normal limitations. Common symptoms that are often associated with this ailment can include immediate swelling, bruising, and it can become difficult to walk. Patients may find it painful to move the affected area, and the overall ankle may hurt when it is touched. It is beneficial to seek immediate medical attention if you feel you have sprained your ankle. A visit for a sprained ankle generally consists of having an X-ray taken, which is helpful in ruling out a broken ankle. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated, in addition to wrapping it with an elastic bandage. This is needed to provide ankle stability as the healing process takes place. If you think that you may have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Victoria. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Read more about Ankle Sprains
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