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Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

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

How to Measure Your Shoe Size Correctly

Properly measuring your shoe size is essential for comfort, support, and foot health. The most accurate method involves using a Brannock device, a specialized tool designed to measure the length, width, and arch length of your foot. This ensures that your shoes fit properly and reduces the risk of blisters, bunions, or other foot problems caused by wearing ill-fitting footwear. A podiatrist can help guide you through the measurement process, assess your foot structure, and recommend shoes that support your unique shape and gait. Regular measurements are important, especially as feet can change over time due to age, weight, or activity level. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong size shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer additional information about the importance of proper shoe fitting. 

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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When the Achilles Tendon Becomes Overworked or Injured

The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel, can become irritated or damaged when it is placed under repeated stress. Many people notice a gradual ache above the heel that feels worse during activity and eases with rest. Others experience stiffness in the morning, swelling along the back of the ankle, or tenderness when pressing on the tendon. Sudden increases in exercise, tight calf muscles, wearing unsupportive footwear, or changes in walking surfaces can all contribute to strain. In more severe cases, sharp pain or difficulty pushing off the foot may indicate a partial tear. Early awareness helps prevent further injury and supports a smoother recovery through stretching, wearing proper footwear, and activity changes. If you continue to feel discomfort or notice swelling along the tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about The Causes, Types, and Treatments of Achilles Tendon Injuries

Recovering After Ankle Fracture Surgery

Ankle fracture surgery is sometimes needed when the bones are not in the right position to heal on their own. The goal is to realign the joint so it can regain strength, stability, and comfortable movement. After surgery, the ankle is usually protected in a cast or boot while the bone begins to mend. Swelling, bruising, and stiffness are common at first, but these improve with time, rest, and guided activity. As healing progresses, gentle targeted exercises help restore motion and confidence with walking. Wearing supportive footwear and careful weight-bearing also play important roles in the recovery process. Paying attention to discomfort, keeping follow up appointments, and following instructions closely all help ensure the best outcome. If you have concerns about a recent ankle surgery or your recovery, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper guidance.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Loren Hansen, DPM from Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  • Swelling around the area
  • Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Read more about All About Broken Ankles

Foot and Ankle Joints Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause painful inflammation in the joints of the feet and ankles, making daily movement difficult. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. It leads to stiffness, swelling, and warmth in areas, such as the toes, midfoot, or ankle. The joints most often affected include the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joints at the base of the toes, the subtalar joint beneath the heel, and the ankle joint where the foot meets the leg. Over time, joint damage can cause deformities. Hammertoes, bunions, nodules, and painful calluses can develop from uneven pressure. Circulation problems may also occur, sometimes causing ulcers or skin changes. A podiatrist can evaluate joint involvement through imaging, prescribe orthotics to redistribute pressure, and recommend surgery when necessary. If you have foot or ankle pain from rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Loren Hansen, DPM of Ankle & Foot Medical Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Read more about Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet
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