Navicular stress fractures, which occur in the top inner side of the midfoot, frequently affect physically active people, particularly runners. These hairline fractures of the navicular bone often cause a dull pain in the midfoot that may extend along the inside of the arch and worsen with activity. Because X-rays may not detect a navicular stress fracture, advanced imaging like bone scans or CT scans may be needed for an accurate diagnosis. The navicular bone is prone to stress fractures due to its location and the amount of repetitive impact it endures. A delayed diagnosis can prolong healing, and in such cases, a non-weight-bearing immobilization in a cast may be prescribed for several weeks. If the fracture does not heal with conservative treatment, surgery may be required to stabilize the bone and restore function. A podiatrist can assess your foot biomechanics, recommend appropriate treatment, and help prevent future injuries. If you are experiencing midfoot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact David Carmack, DPM from Texas. 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 Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Laser treatment for fungal toenails is an advanced therapy that uses focused light to target and destroy fungal infections under the nail. The procedure is non-invasive, meaning there is no need for cuts or incisions, making it a more comfortable alternative to traditional treatments. It is also largely painless, with most patients reporting only mild warmth or slight discomfort during the session. One of the key benefits of laser treatment is that it carries little to no risk of side effects, unlike some oral medications that can cause adverse reactions. However, the success of the treatment depends largely on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, a single session may be enough, but more extensive infections could require multiple treatments to achieve optimal results. If you have toenail fungus and are considering this form of treatment, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to assess your specific condition and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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.

Hammertoe is a condition where one or more of the smaller toes develop an abnormal bend at the middle joint, often due to muscle imbalance. Wearing tight footwear and high heels are common causes of hammertoes, as they force the toes into unnatural positions, which can shorten tendons over time. Women are more frequently susceptible to hammertoe formation, largely due to footwear choices, but anyone with a history of diabetes, arthritis, or prior foot injuries is also at greater risk. Symptoms of hammertoe include the formation of calluses, pain during movement, and impaired balance or mobility. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe by evaluating the flexibility of the affected toe joint and determining whether custom orthotics or footwear modifications may relieve discomfort. For fixed joints or persistent pain, surgery might be needed to realign the toe. If you have problems with a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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