Tuesday, 12 September 2023 00:00

Requirements to Become a Podiatrist

Becoming a podiatrist, who is a specialized medical professional focusing on foot and ankle health, involves a well-defined educational journey. An interested student will typically need to complete a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology or premed. After this foundation, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM, degree is obtained, which is a comprehensive four-year program. During the DPM program, the subjects studied can include anatomy, physiology, and podiatric medicine, accompanied by clinical training. This phase will provide hands-on experience and exposure to various foot and ankle conditions. Following graduation, the competent student will likely complete a residency program, which can last from two to four years, focusing on specialized areas, such as surgery or sports medicine. The final step is to obtain licensure by passing state-specific exams. Becoming a podiatrist requires dedication, a strong educational foundation, and a commitment to promoting foot health. If you have questions about the field of podiatry, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with pertinent information.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
Use innovative methods to treat conditions
Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
Correct walking patterns and balance
Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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 and ankle needs.

What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine who treats the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. If you are having any pain, injuries, or abnormalities in these areas, it is best that you seek help from a podiatrist.

Podiatrists complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school. Their training is like that of other physicians, and they may go on to complete a fellowship training after a residency training. Some podiatrists are board certified meaning they have advanced training, clinical experience, and have taken an exam to prove their skills. Certifying boards for podiatry are the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Podiatrists may work in private practices, hospitals, clinics, or they may even become professors at colleges of podiatric medicine.

While in college, those who want to be podiatrists often take biology, chemistry, and physics classes in preparation for podiatry school. In podiatry school, students study how the bones, nerves, and muscles work together to help you move around. Additionally, they study injuries and how to properly diagnose and treat them. Admittance into podiatric medical school requires the completion of 90 semester hours of undergraduate study with a good grade point average, and acceptable scores on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

Podiatrists treat many different conditions such as: aching feet, ankle pain, bunions, corns, hammertoes, fungus, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, sprains and more. Common forms of treatment for these conditions are physical therapy, drugs, or surgery. Podiatrists may also recommend corrective shoe inserts, custom-made shoes, plaster casts, and strappings to correct deformities.

Even if you are someone whose feet are in generally good condition, you should still visit a podiatrist to have your feet properly exfoliated and maintained, or to make sure you are looking after your feet properly.

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Tuesday, 05 September 2023 00:00

How MLS Laser Therapy Sheds Light on Pain and Inflammation

MLS (Multiwave Locked System) Laser Therapy is a non-invasive method of treatment that uses two continuous therapeutic wavelengths of light that penetrate deep into the tissue to stimulate the regeneration of cells, decrease pain and inflammation, and improve circulation to the injured area. While there may be a slight warming sensation at the site of treatment, the combination of these two synchronized wavelengths minimizes the risk of thermal damage. Treatments generally take 10-15 minutes, and the typical course of treatment entails roughly 6 to 12 treatments. Many patients experience long-term positive results from MLS Therapy, as it addresses the cause of pain rather than simply masking symptoms. Podiatrists may use MLS therapy to treat plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon issues, bursitis, neuromas, arthritis, fractures, injuries, and more. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your podiatrist to see if you are a good candidate for MLS Laser Therapy.

MLS Laser Therapy is a successful alternative for treating any pain you may be experiencing related to certain podiatric conditions. If you are interested in MLS Laser Therapy, consult with one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

MLS Laser Therapy

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy is a patented, FDA-cleared technology that helps relieve pain and inflammation from a number of podiatric conditions, including:

Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Sports Injuries
Wounds
Achilles Tendonitis
Arthritis
Neuropathy
Neuromas

MLS Laser Therapy is an ideal alternative to surgery and prescription medication, as it has no negative side effects and encourages accelerated healing. Among its many clinical benefits, MLS Laser Therapy also:

Reduces swelling due to bruising or inflammation
Blocks pain
Reduces formation of scar tissue
Improves nerve function

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.

MLS Laser Therapy

MLS Laser Therapy is an FDA-approved technology designed to treat various painful conditions. It is often sought out as a successful alternative to surgical treatment and prescription medication that may otherwise bring about negative side effects. During MLS Laser Therapy, light energy enters the damaged cells to stimulate intercellular activity, reducing pain in the affected area and accelerating the recovery process.

MLS Laser Therapy is used in podiatry to treat various conditions. These include heel pain, plantar fasciitis, sports injuries, wounds, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis, neuromas, neurological pain, musculoskeletal disorders, and sore muscles. Aside from the specific conditions MLS Laser Therapy treats, patients can also gain from the treatment’s general benefits. These benefits include a rapid relief of pain, the reduction of swelling caused by inflammation or bruising, faster healing, improved blood circulation, the reduction of scar tissue, and improved nerve function.

MLS Laser Therapy is a non-surgical treatment with no side effects. The treatment process is painless and typically takes a short amount of time to complete. Several treatments may be required depending on the specific condition.

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Wednesday, 30 August 2023 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

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Tuesday, 29 August 2023 00:00

Athlete’s Foot and How It Is Treated

Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection affecting the feet and causing itchy, red, and flaky rashes. This condition, despite its name, can affect anyone not just athletes. It thrives in warm, humid conditions like sweaty feet inside poorly ventilated shoes or walking barefoot in locker rooms or by pool areas. Symptoms can include a rash, itching, skin cracking, and burning sensations, often affecting the area between the fourth and fifth toes. Risk factors include closed shoes, excessive foot sweating, poor hygiene, living in warm environments, and weakened immune systems. Men are more susceptible to athlete’s foot than women. Diagnosis relies on typical symptoms, but tests may be necessary in uncertain cases, including UV examination and skin or nail scrapings. Treatment and prevention involve washing the feet daily, drying the feet thoroughly, and wearing cotton socks and breathable shoes. Medical treatment includes antifungal creams, ointments, or tablets prescribed by a doctor. Early treatment is essential to prevent complications, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions. If you suspect you have athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

Thoroughly washing and drying feet
Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
Using shower shoes in public showers
Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

Redness
Burning
Itching
Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is an extremely contagious infection caused by a fungus that results in itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is known as tinea pedis and thrives in moist, dark areas such as shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, commons areas, public changing areas, bathrooms, dormitory style houses, locker rooms, and public swimming pools. Athlete’s foot is difficult to treat as well because of the highly contagious and recurrent nature of the fungus.

Tinea is the same fungus that causes ringworm, and is spread by direct contact with an infected body part, contaminated clothing, or by touching other objects and body parts that have been exposed to the fungus. Because the feet are an ideal place for tinea to grow and spread, this is the most commonly affected area. It is, however, known to grow in other places. The term athlete’s foot describes tinea that grows strictly on the feet.

The most commonly infected body parts are the hands, groin, and scalp, as well as the feet. Around 70% of the population suffer from tinea infections at some point in their lives, however not all of these cases are athlete’s foot. Just like any other ailment, some people are more likely to get it than others, such as people with a history of tinea infections or other skin infections, both recurring and non-recurring ones. The extent to which a person experiences regrowth and recurrent tinea infections varies from person to person.

Sometimes people will not even know that they are infected with tinea or that they have athlete’s foot because of a lack of symptoms. However, most experience mild to moderate flaking, itching, redness, and burning. However, some of the more severe symptoms include cracking and bleeding skin, intense itching and burning, pain while walking or standing, and even blistering.

Because of the recurring nature of the tinea fungus and the athlete’s foot it causes, the best way to treat this condition is with prevention. You can take some preventative measures such as wearing flip flops or sandals in locker rooms and public showers to reduce contact with the floor. It also helps to keep clean, dry feet while allowing them to breathe. Using powders to keep your feet dry is a good idea, as well as keeping your feet exposed to light and cool air, to prevent the growth of tinea. If you do happen to get athlete’s foot, opt for using topical medicated creams, ointments or sprays. These treatments help eliminate and prevent it from coming back.

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Tuesday, 22 August 2023 00:00

Foot Problems Caused by High Heels

Wearing high heels may elevate your style, but they can also lead to a wide range of foot problems. These fashionable footwear choices, with their high heels and narrow toe boxes, can contribute to pain, discomfort, and potential health issues. One common problem is metatarsalgia, characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot due to increased pressure. In addition, high heels alter your posture, causing an increased load on the forefoot and reducing shock absorption. Another concern is the development of bunions. These painful, bony bumps can form at the base of the big toe as a result of the prolonged pressure and unnatural positioning of the foot in high heels. High heels also can lead to Achilles tendon issues, as the raising of the heel can cause the tendon to tighten and potentially result in tendonitis. To mitigate these problems, experts suggest limiting the amount of time high heels are worn as well as their height. Opt instead for shoes with lower heel heights, wide toe boxes, and cushioning insoles. If foot pain persists, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for personalized advice and treatment options if needed.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal. Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

Ankle Joints
Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
Balls of the Feet
Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

Corns
Calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Morton’s Neuroma
Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available.

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Tuesday, 22 August 2023 00:00

Effect of High Heels on the Feet

For hundreds of years, women have been wearing various kinds of high heels for aesthetic reasons. Women who wear high heels appear to be taller and have longer and thinner legs, and the wearer’s gait and posture changes. Though high heels have had an association with femininity and have kept them popular over the years, there are definite health problems caused by wearing them too frequently.

The motion of the ankle joints is limited when heels are worn. The ankle joint is very important to the body when it comes to walking. Because of their location, these joints have a great deal of weight put on them. Thus, it is very important to keep them as healthy as possible. The Achilles tendon is the main tendon in the ankle. Wearing high heels too often, studies have shown, can cause the calf muscle and Achilles tendon to shorten and stiffen. This can cause problems when shoes without heels are worn.

By putting a great deal of pressure on the ball of the foot and by forcing the toes into a small toe box, high heels can cause or may worsen many foot problems. These include corns, hammertoe, bunions, Morton’s neuroma and plantar fasciitis.

Not only does wearing high heels regularly have negative effects on the feet, the rest of the body can suffer as well. The knees, one of the most important joints in the entire body, can be affected by wearing high heels. High heels can cause the knees to stay bent all the time. Also, it can cause them to bend slightly inward as well. Doctors believe that women can suffer from osteoarthritis later in life because of constantly walking like in high heels. By limiting the natural motion of the foot during walking, high heels also cause an increased in stress on the knees.

Similarly, high heels can cause the back to go out of alignment. If high heels are worn constantly, the spine’s ability to absorb shock can cause continued back pain. They can compress the vertebrae of the lower back, and can overuse the back muscles.

However, this is not to say that high heels can never be worn. If worn occasionally and not often, they will not cause serious problems. They should not be worn every day. It’s important to wear them modestly to avoid the long-term physical health problems of the feet, knees, ankles, and back mentioned above.

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Tuesday, 15 August 2023 00:00

Causes of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are common injuries that can occur during physical activities or even simple daily movements. The most prevalent symptom of an ankle sprain is pain, which is often accompanied by swelling and bruising around the affected area. The severity of the sprain can vary, ranging from mild stretching of the ligaments to complete tears. Causes of ankle sprains often involve rolling or twisting the foot beyond its normal range of motion, leading to ligament damage. Factors such as uneven surfaces, improper footwear, and weak ankle muscles can contribute to the risk of sprains. Immediate treatment involves rest, compression, and elevation to reduce inflammation. As the injury heals, performing ankle exercises and gradually returning to normal activities can aid in strengthening the ankle and preventing future sprains. If you have an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you seek prompt medical attention from a podiatrist to ensure a proper diagnosis and a well-tailored treatment plan for a swift recovery.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of the podiatrists from Ark La Tex Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

Mild to moderate bruising
Limited mobility
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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