July 2024

Foot stress fractures, also known as hairline fractures, are small cracks in the bones of the foot caused by repetitive stress or overuse. These fractures commonly occur in weight-bearing bones, particularly affecting athletes and individuals engaged in high-impact activities like running, jumping, gymnastics, and dancing. The second and third metatarsal bones are most susceptible to stress fractures due to the significant pounding they endure during these movements. Symptoms of a foot stress fracture can include localized pain that intensifies with weight-bearing activities, tenderness, and sometimes swelling. The pain may subside with rest but typically returns when activity resumes. Risk factors can include sudden changes in physical activity, abnormal foot structure, low levels of vitamin D and calcium, osteoporosis, and prolonged use of corticosteroids. Women with irregular menstrual cycles are also at increased risk. A podiatrist can conduct a thorough examination, including X-rays or other digital imaging tests, to pinpoint the fracture's location and severity. If you are experiencing foot pain after exercise, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Ankle pain in runners can be a common and debilitating issue, often stemming from overuse or improper technique. The ankle is composed of three main bones, which are the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The tibia and fibula form the lower part of the leg and create the ankle joint by connecting to the talus, which sits above the heel bone. This structure allows for the necessary movement and stability needed during running. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint are stretched or torn, usually due to an awkward landing or sudden twist. Symptoms can include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Ankle pain can hinder daily activities. If you enjoy running and have a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and help you with prevention tips.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Frank Henry, DPM of Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Experiencing pain on the top of the foot is a common issue among runners and active individuals. One cause of this discomfort is extensor tendonitis, an inflammation of the extensor tendons responsible for lifting and straightening the toes. These tendons are vulnerable to injury because they lack protection from bones, muscles, or fatty tissue. Factors that place undue stress on the tendons include tight calf muscles, overtraining without adequate rest, and wearing improperly fitting shoes. Symptoms of extensor tendonitis include pain on the top of the foot during movement, swelling, and sometimes a visible bump along the tendon. Adjusting the way you lace your shoes can help to alleviate pressure on the top of the foot. If pain persists, it may indicate conditions, such as metatarsal stress fractures, atypical gout, or degenerative arthritis. Proper diagnosis from a podiatrist can address the root cause of the pain. If you are experiencing pain on top of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Running shoes come in various designs, each tailored for specific activities and impacting how feet hit the ground. Racing flats are lightweight and designed for speed, offering minimal cushioning to promote a natural, efficient stride. They allow runners to feel the ground more closely, encouraging a forefoot or midfoot strike. Distance spikes, on the other hand, feature spikes on the outsole for enhanced traction on track surfaces. These shoes are also lightweight but provide slightly more support than racing flats, helping runners maintain speed over longer distances. The spikes encourage a forefoot strike, maximizing propulsion and grip. Understanding these differences is vital for selecting the right shoe for your running goals, whether it is achieving maximum speed in a race or maintaining performance over a longer distance. Many people wear the wrong shoes for their style of running, and can endure foot injuries. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat any foot condition and educate you on what type of running shoes to wear.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Heel pain in children can be concerning for parents, especially when it interrupts their child's active lifestyle. One common cause of heel pain is Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis. Typically affecting children aged eight to 12 during periods of rapid growth, Sever's disease is characterized by pain or tenderness in one or both heels, often worsened by physical activity. Symptoms may include mild swelling surrounding the heel bone and limping, especially after exercise. The underlying cause lies in growth spurts where bones, muscles, and tendons grow and change quickly. This makes the growth plate in the heel more susceptible to injury. The Achilles tendon, in particular, can become tight as the bones in the lower leg grow, adding stress to the heel’s growth plate. Activities like running and jumping, especially when combined with wearing sports shoes with studs, can increase the risk. While Sever's disease does not typically lead to long-term problems, it is important to manage the symptoms to prevent disruption in daily activities. Encouraging rest and avoiding activities that cause pain can help alleviate symptoms. If your child exhibits or complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Frank Henry, DPM from Marble Falls, TX. Our doctor 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 Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.