Weak ankles can make uneven sidewalks, rocky trails, and sports feel risky. The ankle may roll easily, feel unsteady, or give way without warning. Previous sprains are a leading cause, because an injured ligament may not support the joint. In addition, weak muscles surrounding the foot and ankle can reduce control. Some people have loose ligaments or a foot shape that places extra strain on the ankle. Repeated instability can lead to more sprains, ongoing pain, and joint damage. A podiatrist can identify why the ankle feels weak and whether an unhealed injury is contributing. Ankle-strengthening exercises can improve stability, balance, and control. 

A podiatrist may recommend gentle resistance exercises that move the foot up, down, and from side-to-side. Calf raises strengthen the muscles that support the ankle while standing. Balance exercises, including standing on one foot, help the body respond when the ground shifts. These exercises should begin at a safe level and should not cause sharp pain. After a recent sprain, the injured tissues need to heal before harder exercise begins. Starting too soon can increase pain or lead to another injury. A podiatrist can explain which movements are appropriate and how often they should be performed.

A podiatrist can examine ankle motion, muscle strength, and balance to build a suitable plan. Treatment includes guidance on safe exercises and supportive shoes. Custom orthotics may improve foot alignment and reduce strain on an unstable ankle. A brace can provide support for sports or demanding activities, but it does not replace strengthening. The podiatrist can monitor progress and adjust the plan as control improves. Imaging tests may be ordered when pain, swelling, or repeated sprains suggest ligament or bone damage. Severe instability that continues despite conservative treatment may require surgery to repair damaged tissue or correct a structural problem. If you have ankle weakness, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Thick toenails can become uncomfortable inside shoes and difficult to trim. The nail may turn yellow, brown, or white. It can develop ridges, crumble at the edges, or lift away from the skin beneath it. A  fungal toenail infection is one possible cause. The fungus grows in warm, moist places and can enter through a crack in the nail or skin. Thickening can also result from repeated pressure, an earlier injury, or psoriasis, which is a condition that causes inflamed, scaly skin. Some patients notice little discomfort at first, but the nail can press against the shoe and cause pain while walking.

A thick toenail does not always mean that fungus is present. Aging, poor circulation, and long-term health conditions can also change nail growth. For this reason, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins. A podiatrist can examine the nail, surrounding skin, and toes. A nail clipping or sample from beneath the nail can be tested for fungus. The examination can reveal pressure from a poorly fitting shoe or signs of another foot problem. Patients with diabetes or reduced circulation should seek prompt care because even a minor nail injury can raise the risk of infection.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the thickening. A podiatrist can safely trim and thin the nail to reduce pressure and make shoes more comfortable. Care for a fungal infection includes a treatment plan based on test results and the patient's health. Because toenails grow slowly, improvement can take several months and follow-up visits can help track progress. A podiatrist may also suggest roomier shoes, protective padding, or professional nail care. In severe cases, removing part or all of the damaged nail may be considered. Prompt attention can prevent increased pain, skin irritation, and difficulty with walking. If you have developed thick toenails that are causing discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the bottom of the foot can affect the heel, arch, or ball. Sharp pain between the heel and arch, especially with the first steps after rest, can point to plantar fasciitis. This condition involves irritation of the strong band of tissue that supports the arch. Burning or shooting pain near the toes can be linked to Morton’s neuroma, which is a thickened, irritated nerve. Corns, calluses, and plantar warts can also hurt when pressure is placed on them.

Foot pain can begin after running, another intense activity, or a sudden injury. Wearing shoes that are too tight or that lack proper support can place added stress on the foot. A low or fallen arch can also shift pressure to areas that are not built to handle it. Swelling and bruising after repetitive exercise can signal a sprain or a stress fracture. Severe pain after an injury, an unusual foot shape, or trouble putting weight on the foot requires prompt professional medical attention. People with diabetes should have new foot pain checked quickly because small problems can become serious.

A podiatrist can examine the painful area, study how the foot moves, and review when the symptoms began. The evaluation can include imaging to check for a fracture or another hidden injury. Treatment depends on the cause and can include custom orthotics, activity changes, or in-office care for painful skin growths. Orthotics are shoe inserts made to improve support and reduce pressure. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes with the right fit and support for your foot structure. Early diagnosis can keep a minor concern from limiting work, exercise, and daily movement. Surgery is reserved for certain problems that do not respond to other treatments. If you have pain on the bottom of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever’s disease is a heel condition that can affect children while their bones are still growing. It develops when repeated stress irritates the growth plate at the heel. The Achilles tendon attaches in this area and can place increased pulling force on the developing heel during activity. Symptoms include heel pain, tenderness, and discomfort after running or jumping. A child may also limp or avoid activities that put pressure on the heel.

This condition most affects active children during growth spurts, between 8 and 14 years old. Boys and girls can develop Sever’s disease. Children who participate in sports involving running and jumping may have greater risk because their heels experience impact. Tight calf muscles, increased sports participation, and limited recovery between activities can also contribute. Symptoms may become more noticeable when training intensity increases.

A podiatrist evaluates the child’s symptoms, activity level, and walking pattern. The provider may examine ankle flexibility and calf tightness to understand how stress is affecting the heel. Imaging is sometimes used when symptoms are unusual or another injury needs to be excluded. Treatment is usually conservative and focuses on reducing stress. Care may include activity modification, wearing supportive footwear and heel lifts. Follow-up visits help monitor improvement and adjust treatment.

Relief at home can begin by reducing activities that trigger pain and allowing recovery between active days. Supportive shoes can reduce strain, while gentle stretching may help improve calf flexibility when recommended. Children should not be encouraged to continuplayig sports through heel pain. Most children improve as the growth plate matures, but persistent symptoms require evaluation. If your active child has symptoms of Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.