How to Avoid Corns and Calluses

Posted on August 14th, 2015

corns & calluses | Casteel Foot & Ankle Center 972-412-4449

Just about everyone has had to deal with corns and calluses at one time or another. While corns usually appear on your toes - typically on the sides and tops of the toes - calluses can show up anywhere that friction occurs on the skin, including the palms of the hands as well as the bottoms of your feet. Here are some ways that you can avoid this issue. Symptoms of Corns and Calluses Corns and calluses are usually characterized by rough, thick areas of skin, raised, hardened bumps, waxy, and dry or flaky skin. Corns have a hard center

Treatments for Heel Spurs

Posted on July 16th, 2015

Heel spurs can result in painful inflammation at the back of the heel or under the heel. It is usually associated with inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which can cause a great deal of tenderness that is made worse when you push off the ball of the foot. Here is some information on how the problem is diagnosed as well as it is treated. Diagnosis of Heel Spurs Your Rowlett podiatrist will conduct a thorough examination to confirm a diagnosis of heel spurs as well as to determine the best course of action to treat the problem. He or she

Recovering From Ankle Fracture Surgery

Posted on June 22nd, 2015

Ankle fracture surgery may be required in some instances and treated with non-surgical alternatives in others. If your fracture resulted in a displacement of the bone, it extends into your ankle joint or it has led to torn ligaments and tendons, you may need a surgical procedure. Here is some information on what you can expect if you are about to have surgery. Before the Ankle Fracture Surgery Before your ankle fracture surgery, you need to be as protective of the injury as you possibly can to prevent any further injury. You should have already been fitted with a splint

Reducing the Risk of Achilles Tendonitis

Posted on May 20th, 2015

ankle pain | Casteel Foot & Ankle Center 972-412-4449

While you may not be able to prevent the Achilles tendonitis, there are some things you can do to help reduce the chances you will develop this extremely painful condition. If you have this problem, then you will need to employ these strategies to lower the risk of suffering a recurring episode. Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis Achilles tendonitis occurs when the tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone - the Achilles tendon - is overused. It usually affects runners, but it can also happen to anyone who is active. The condition usually starts with a small amount of

What are Ganglion Cysts, and are they Serious?

Posted on April 18th, 2015

ganglion cyst | Casteel Foot & Ankle Center 972-412-4449

Ganglion cysts are lumps that normally form in the feet and ankles, along tendons and joints. Even though they are noncancerous, they can cause substantial pain if not treated. Here is some information on this condition and different treatment options. What causes Ganglion Cysts? There are several contributing factors to the formation of ganglion cysts. Although cysts can be as small as the size of a pea, they can cause a great deal of pain when they press on a nerve. In addition, if a cyst is in the wrong location it can restrict joint movement. If the ball of

Common Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis

Posted on March 2nd, 2015

Ankle arthritis, also referred to as osteoarthritis, occurs due to wear and tear on the joint that accumulates over the years. Pain, swelling and, in some cases, deformity can result. But how can you tell if you have this condition or if you're just experiencing ordinary aches and pains? Here are some of the ways to find out. How it Happens As we age, the soft tissue within the ankle can wear down, leading to bones rubbing on one another. Ankle arthritis involves inflammation, which can manifest itself in several ways. These are some of the most common symptoms: Changes

Signs You May Have a Heel Fracture

Posted on February 13th, 2015

A heel fracture can be a severe injury, but there is a chance you may not immediately know that one has occurred. There could be the potential for major long-term problems such as chronic pain and even arthritis. So that is why you need to be alert to the signs of a fracture and seek medical help immediately if you experience the symptoms. Information on the Calcaneus The calcaneus is the formal term for the heel bone. Since it has a thin shell on the outside and a spongy bone on the inside, it is often compared to a hard-boiled egg.

Common Surgical Procedures for Flat Feet

Posted on January 12th, 2015

If you have flat feet and non-surgical methods have not corrected the problem, then you may be a candidate for a surgical procedure. The type of procedure will be determined by the severity of your condition, your age, and whether or not your feet are stiff. Flexible or Rigid? If you have flexible flat feet, for example, then your foot doctor will likely recommend a procedure designed to maintain that flexibility while building an arch. This could involve repairing a tendon in a way that it helps lift the arch. However, if there is a substantial amount of bone collapse,

Treating Morton’s Neuroma Without Surgery

Posted on December 12th, 2014

Morton's neuroma (also referred to as intermetatarsal neuroma), is a condition characterized by thickening, inflammation or enlargement of the nerves located between the bones in your toes. It is typically found between the third and fourth toes, but it may also take place between the second and third. Non-Surgical Options It usually happens because the bones are pressing against the nerve. While you may need surgery to correct the problem, your Rowlett podiatrist will first consider non-surgical options. Here are a few of them. Medications Your podiatrist in Rowlett may recommend you take an anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen

More than Just Foot Pain

Posted on October 1st, 2014

Foot pain and ankle problems are a fact of life for most people at one time or another. Everything from simple sores to stubbed toes can often be treated at home with over-the-counter medications and time, but in some cases, foot and ankle problems require the care of a podiatrist in order to resolve themselves. Below is a list of some common reasons to see our podiatrist, Dr. Catherine Casteel: Foot Pain Yes... foot and ankle pain that is severe, and/or does not go away or ease up, should always be referred to our podiatrist. There are many causes of foot and ankle