A foot stress fracture is a small crack or break in a bone caused by repetitive force or overuse. This type of fracture often occurs in athletes, particularly runners, and people who engage in high-impact activities. The primary cause of a stress fracture is the accumulation of stress on the bone leading to tiny cracks. Common symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness, particularly during activity or when pressure is applied to the affected area. Finding relief from a stress fracture typically involves rest, avoiding weight-bearing activities, and elevating the foot to reduce swelling. A podiatrist may recommend wearing a walking boot or using crutches to minimize stress on the foot. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and effectively treat a foot stress fracture.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Allowing kids to walk barefoot offers numerous benefits for their development and overall well-being. When children walk without shoes, their feet can grow naturally, promoting healthy arch formation and improving foot strength. Barefoot walking also enhances sensory feedback, allowing children to better understand their surroundings and develop improved balance. Additionally, walking without shoes can increase safety awareness, as children become more mindful of the surfaces they walk on, which can help prevent accidents. Another advantage is that walking barefoot encourages fun and freedom, allowing children to engage more fully with their environment. By spending time barefoot, kids can also help extend the lifespan of their shoes, as they do not wear out as quickly. If you have questions or would like additional information about the benefits of your child walking barefoot, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Bunions and gout are two common conditions that can cause pain and discomfort of the big toe, but they have different causes and symptoms. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe due to misalignment of the toe joint. It is often caused by genetics, wearing ill-fitting footwear, or an imbalance in foot mechanics. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the big toe joint, which can make walking difficult. Gout, on the other hand, is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. Gout typically causes sudden intense pain, swelling, and redness, often triggered by dietary factors or dehydration. Treatment for bunions may include wearing proper shoes, using orthotics, or, in severe cases, surgery. Gout can be managed with medication to reduce inflammation and dietary changes. A podiatrist can provide personalized care for both conditions, offering relief and recommending lifestyle adjustments. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.