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Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that can appear on the feet of people with diabetes. They are usually caused by a mix of poor circulation and nerve damage, which can make it hard to feel pain or notice injuries. Over time, even a small cut or pressure point can turn into a serious wound. These ulcers are more common in people who have had diabetes for many years, especially if their blood sugar is not well controlled. If not treated early, foot ulcers can lead to infections or more serious complications, making regular foot care essential. If a diabetic foot ulcer is suspected or is not healing properly, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and care.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM from Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Foot pain often develops due to injury, structural issues, or medical conditions that affect the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the feet. Common sources of foot pain include bunions, heel spurs, flat feet, and plantar fasciitis. These conditions can place strain on the arch, heel, or forefoot and lead to discomfort with walking or standing. Nerve problems, such as Morton’s neuroma and peripheral neuropathy, may cause burning, tingling, or numbness, especially in the toes or ball of the foot. Pain can also result from arthritis, which may affect the joints of the toes and ankles, or from deformities, like hammertoe, that are caused by a muscle imbalance. Repeated stress, poor foot mechanics, and trauma can lead to stress fractures, tendon injuries, or ligament sprains. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms, examine foot alignment and mobility, and use imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jeffrey Parrett, DPM from Parrett Podiatry. 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 Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A tailor's bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a bony prominence that forms on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. This condition occurs when the fifth metatarsal bone shifts outward while the little toe moves inward, creating a painful bump. It is often caused by inherited foot structure, poor footwear choices, or abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, and discomfort when wearing shoes. Tailor's bunions can interfere with daily activities and limit footwear options. Treatment usually involves wearing wider shoes, and using padding or orthotics for support. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If you have a tailor’s bunion, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips that can ease discomfort.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM of Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

As people age, their feet often lose strength and mobility, which can affect balance and increase the risk of falls. Stiff joints, weaker foot muscles, and reduced ankle flexibility can make walking less stable, especially on uneven surfaces. A podiatrist may recommend exercises that focus on improving the function of the feet, toes, and ankles. Strengthening the small muscles in the feet and increasing ankle mobility can enhance balance and coordination. Exercises such as calf raises, toe lifts, and towel curls can help improve the ability of the feet to respond to sudden shifts in weight. Controlled movement in the ankles also helps with walking and changing direction safely. By improving how the foot and ankle work together, these exercises support better posture and movement. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure and recommend an exercise plan to help prevent falls by addressing weakness, joint stiffness, or other underlying conditions. If you have balance issues that put you at risk for falls, or have injured your feet from falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer helpful guidance.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Jeffrey Parrett, DPM from Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Chronic plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, especially in active individuals. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or strain. Common causes include overuse, wearing improper footwear, high-impact activities, or an abnormal gait. Symptoms typically include sharp or stabbing pain in the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest. The pain may subside during the day but can return after standing or walking for long periods. A podiatrist can diagnose chronic plantar fasciitis through physical exams and imaging tests. Treatment options include custom orthotics to support the arch, targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen the foot, and anti-inflammatory medication. In more severe cases, injections or even surgery may be necessary. If you are dealing with painful plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM from Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Flexibility and strength in the feet are essential for ballet dancers to achieve graceful movements and prevent injuries. Toe tapping is a simple yet effective exercise where dancers gently tap their toes on the floor to warm up the foot muscles and improve control. Resistance band exercises helping to build foot and ankle strength, while enhancing flexibility. Foot circles, performed by extending the leg and slowly rotating the foot in each direction, promote better range of motion and joint stability. Additionally, ankle rolls are another key stretch that involves gently rolling the ankles to loosen up the joints and prepare them for demanding routines. If you have incurred a foot or ankle injury during ballet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for appropriate treatment and suggestions about additional effective foot stretches.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Jeffrey Parrett, DPM from Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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

Corns are thickened areas of skin that form due to constant friction or pressure, often from  wearing tight shoes or abnormal foot structure. The two main types are hard corns and soft corns. Hard corns typically develop on the top or tip of the toes and contain a dense core of dead skin that can cause pain while walking. Soft corns, also called interdigital corns, usually form between the toes, especially the fourth and fifth toes, where moisture keeps them pliable but still painful. Corns differ from calluses in that calluses are larger, flatter, and tend to form on weight-bearing areas such as the balls of the feet. A podiatrist can assess the cause of corns and provide safe treatment by trimming thickened skin, removing the core, or recommending surgery, if necessary. Recurrent or painful corns may indicate underlying foot deformities that can be addressed by a podiatrist. If you have a painful corn on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for safe and sterile treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM of Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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