When adults experience heel pain, a podiatrist begins diagnosis by asking detailed questions about symptoms, daily activities, and any recent injuries. The exact location of the pain, whether under the heel, behind it, or on the sides, can help identify the cause. Common conditions include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, or heel spurs. During a physical exam, the podiatrist checks for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and how the foot functions during movement. Gait analysis may reveal abnormal foot mechanics. Imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasound are sometimes used to detect bone spurs, soft tissue damage, or stress fractures. In certain cases, lab tests may be ordered to rule out systemic conditions. Because heel pain can have many causes and may worsen without treatment, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of the podiatrists of Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing the correct shoe size is vital for foot health and overall comfort. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause a variety of foot problems. Wearing tight shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, and bunions, while shoes that are too loose can cause instability, leading to sprained ankles or difficulty walking. Inappropriate shoe sizes can also contribute to conditions like hammertoes, corns, or nerve damage. Additionally, wearing ill-fitting shoes can impact posture, leading to back, knee, or hip pain. Children’s feet are especially prone to damage if their shoes do not fit properly as they are still growing. If you have foot pain, possibly from wearing the wrong size shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on how to find your right shoe size.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot, known as metatarsalgia, is a condition that affects many people. It often feels like a sharp, burning, or aching pain in the area between the arch and the toes. Common causes include wearing shoes that lack proper support or cushioning, high-impact activities that place excessive pressure on the forefoot, and foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Other possible reasons for forefoot pain include nerve problems like Morton’s neuroma or thinning of the fat pad that cushions the bones in the ball of the foot. Without proper care, the pain may worsen over time and interfere with daily activities. If you are experiencing persistent pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that can relieve discomfort and help prevent further complications.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of the podiatrists of Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the toenails, causing them to become thick, discolored, brittle, and sometimes painful. It often starts as a small white or yellow spot under the nail and can gradually spread, making the nail more difficult to treat over time. Warm, damp environments, like the inside of shoes, create the perfect conditions for fungi to thrive. Treatment for onychomycosis depends on how severe the infection is. Topical antifungal medications may work for mild cases, while more advanced infections often require oral antifungal medication or special procedures to effectively clear the fungus. In some cases, a podiatrist may need to remove part of the nail to treat the infection underneath. Early diagnosis and intervention improve the chances of successful treatment and prevent the infection from spreading to other nails. If you notice changes in your toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

For more information about treatment, contact one of the podiatrists of Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Big toe pain is a problem that can make walking uncomfortable and limit your daily activities. Several conditions can cause pain in the big toe joint. One of the most common is arthritis, which leads to joint stiffness and swelling. Another cause is bunions, where the joint becomes enlarged and painful over time. Gout, a type of arthritis, can also trigger sudden, sharp pain in the big toe, often at night. Turf toe, a sprain of the big toe joint, is common in athletes. Wearing tight shoes or high heels can make these problems worse. Early treatment, such as wearing supportive shoes, using orthotics, or trying targeted exercises, can help relieve pain and prevent long-term damage. If you have big toe pain that does not improve, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of the podiatrists of Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.