December 2017

While rock climbing uses a lot of upper body strength, long-time climbers will tell your use of feet while climbing is just as important. The feet can help you span far distances, as well as give your arms a break by carrying your weight as you rest. The importance of taking care of your feet, then, is not to be ignored.

If you are an avid rock climber, chances are you’ve dealt with foot health issues from foot odor to pain and disfiguration. Much of the issues come from the shoes that are used for rock climbing. Not only do they need to fit snugly for grip and balance, they also force the toes into a shape to mimic standing on one pointed toe (like ballet dancers). This allows for climbers to wedge their feet into small spaces, as well as allowing for them to stand on a small rock as they traverse the climbing wall.

Some people do not experience severe foot issues. However, others can develop problems such as bunions, sesamoiditis, metatarsal pain, tendinitis, and even fractures, depending on how often they climb and whether or not they experience injury.

Maintaining foot health, therefore, is a must when it comes to rock climbing. Follow these tips to prevent foot issues.

The following are helpful tips for climbers to upkeep foot health:

• Maintain good hygiene! Wash your hands and feet before and after your climb. This will reduce the germs that you are exposing yourself and others to. Starting with stinky or sweaty feet will only perpetuate the problem. Between climbs and after you climb, wash your feet with soap and water – and make sure to use flip-flops so that you do not walk barefoot in the locker room.
• Buy shoes that fit well. This may not happen the first time you buy them, since your feet are not used to climbing shoes. If you do not have shoes that fit snugly (without cutting off circulation), it can lead to blistering and pain as your feet overcompensate to help you grip and balance.
• Clean your shoes. After climbing, wipe the inside and outside of the shoes. Spraying sanitizing spray can help to reduce foot odor issues. Additionally, allow your shoes to dry out completely before using them again. Wash them occasionally and make sure they dry well – otherwise they will develop their own odor.
• Rest your feet between climbs. Your feet will thank you and so will the shoes. Letting them breathe will reduce the chance of repetitive use injury and foot odor development.  

Not sure if your feet are ready for rock climbing? Come see us at Texas Foot Works. Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz can assess your feet to make sure your feet are in good shape to start this great whole body exercise activity. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices!

Diabetics already have enough to take care of with checking blood sugar levels, watching what you eat, and getting a good amount of exercise. However, you can experience further complications, especially when diabetic neuropathy develops.

In some cases, neuropathy can be the first sign that a person has developed diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy happens when there is nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels. Nerve fibers throughout the body can be affected, but it tends to occur more in the legs and feet. This means that there is a loss of feeling in the lower extremities, making you vulnerable to cuts, scrapes, and bruises that you may not be aware of until they become infected or severely bruised. The neuropathy also reduces blood flow and circulation, which slows down the healing process as well.

The following are are a few tips to take care of your feet when you have diabetes:

• If you do not have diabetic neuropathy, do your best to prevent it for as long as possible by taking care of your health. Control your blood sugar levels, eat healthily, and exercise regularly.
• Whether or not you have neuropathy, take the time to check your feet each day. Be wary of any cuts or blisters that you may not have felt or noticed.
• Clean your feet with soap and warm water each day to prevent any bacterial or fungal issues. If you have neuropathy, be sure to check the temperature of the water before you put your feet in it.
• Dry your feet completely, and then moisturize to protect your feet.
• Protect your feet at all times, especially with diabetic neuropathy – don’t go barefoot, even inside your house. Before putting on shoes, check for rocks or other small objects in your shoes
• Perform regular maintenance – if you have ingrown toenails or corns and calluses, it may be best to have a podiatrist take care of them for you.
• Try not to sit or stand for long periods of time. Regular exercise will help with blood flow and circulation.

If you have questions about diabetic neuropathy, contact your local podiatrist at Texas Foot Works. Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz is more than happy to discuss this topic more in detail and find solutions for any problems you may come across. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices!

Have you been dealing with unattractive toenail fungus (Onchyomycosis)? The anti-fungal creams just aren’t cutting it and the only way to cover it up is with socks and shoes or with nail polish. Don’t be embarrassed by your toenails any longer! At Texas Foot Works, we have the solution right here in our office.

We offer you the technology of laser treatments, which can safely and painlessly treat your toenail fungus! Our laser treatments use specific wavelengths of light to target fungus that survive under the toenails, which are unreachable with creams and other medication. And unlike the many possible side effects that come with oral anti-fungal medications like, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, and liver damage or heart failure, there are no side effects for laser therapy.

What is Laser Treatment like?

• You’ll come to our office for 3 or more treatments, depending on the severity of your fungal infection.
• Each treatment will take under 10 minutes.
• There is little or no discomfort, and there is no anesthesia involved.
• There is no ointments or solutions used on the affected area, only the focused laser beams, which you won’t feel.
• There is no recovery period, so you can walk in, get treated, and walk out. You can even apply toenail polish in between treatments (but it needs to come off for treatment).
• It does not damage the toenail or surrounding skin or tissues.

The treatments will kill the fungi that are growing under the toenail. It will prevent new toenail growth from having the unattractiveness of fungal toenails and revitalized growth will begin again. While the treatment does not guarantee that the fungus will not come back, you can take measures like practicing daily preventative hygiene habits. Our podiatrist may also suggest preventative maintenance treatment.

Are you ready to get rid of those ugly fungal toenails? Come see our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz for prompt treatment. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices so that we can help you rejuvenate your toenails!

Our feet and ankles are subject to many different problems because of the roles they play in carrying us around and keeping us fit each day. They include acute and chronic pain issues that often do not have a quick and easy treatment. Enter, EPAT.

EPAT, or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive treatment for a range of musculoskeletal issues. According to the Curamedix brochure about EPAT, “This proprietary technology is based on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing process. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals.”

How can EPAT help me?

EPAT Treatment is used for many conditions, including these common foot problems:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Heel Pain
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Scar adhesions in the foot and ankle
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Sesamoiditis
• Acute and Chronic Muscle Pain

A coupling gel is applied to the treatment area and then the handheld probe is placed and held there during the therapy. Because there is no surgery, anesthesia, or recovery period for EPAT treatment, patients can resume activities right after a treatment session. For some, a lingering discomfort may exist for a few days, but it should not interfere with activity. The treatments are quick and painless – taking only 5 to 10 minutes over 3+ weekly sessions. Many can feel relief after just a few sessions!

Do you have acute or chronic pain in your feet or ankles? Have you had a foot issue that’s been persistently bothering you? Come see our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz at Texas Foot Works. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices so that we can help you find pain relief using our EPAT Treatment.

Got bunions? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Catherine Zeta-Jones, JLo, and Amy Adams are just a few celebrities that have been sighted with the problem. It’s not really a surprise, though since women are more prone to having foot issues then men are. It’s most likely due to the types of shoes that women wear, often sacrificing comfort for fashion.

What are bunions?

While it can begin with genetics, shoes that force the toes into a specific shape can aggravate this common problem of the big toe joint (and sometimes the pinky toe). Additionally, foot injuries, birth deformities, ill-fitting and unsupportive shoes, as well as changes in gait due to arthritis can cause bunions or make them worse.

When there is uneven pressure applied to the big toe joint, it can become misaligned and/or a bony growth can begin to stick out to try to support this pressure. For some, this deformity can be painless, but for others, it can be painful – in addition to being unsightly. If it is left untreated, complications can arise including bursitis, hammertoe, or metatarsalgia.

How do you treat bunions?

If you have pain and swelling, it’s important to get treatment sooner than later. Our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz, can properly diagnose the issue and determine the cause of your bunions. Then, he can prescribe the proper treatment that may include one or more of the following:

• Physical therapy/exercises to strengthen the muscles around the toe to keep the joint in place.
• Over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, and/or gels to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.
• Bunion pads may be helpful to reduce friction and rubbing in shoes.
• Custom orthotics may be required to give you the proper support in your feet and reduce irritation to the bunions.
• In severe cases, surgery may be required to correct joint issues or remove some of the bony protrusions.

For bunion treatment, contact us at Texas Foot Works. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices so that we can help you find pain relief from bunions.

Millions of people are affected with diabetes each year. Diabetes damages blood vessels in all parts of the body, especially the feet. The legs and feet may develop slow blood flow, which causes neuropathy (nerve damage). Once a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is important that the feet are well taken care of, or else the lower limbs may have to be amputated. This only happens in drastic cases, but it shows how seriously diabetic foot care should be taken.

It is very important to always wash and dry the feet thoroughly, especially in between the toes, when diabetic. Secondly, examining your feet and toes for redness or sores must be done, even if you do not feel pain. You may also want to examine your feet from the bottom. Try to avoid wearing colored socks to prevent infections that may occur from the die. Additionally, well-fitting socks are highly recommended.

A diabetic’s physician should always monitor their Hemoglobin A1C levels to test how well the blood sugars are being controlled during the past 3 months. It is very important to keep blood sugar levels at normal range, 70-110mg/dl. In addition to giving advice about everyday eating habits and foot care, a physician may prescribe medicine to help with neuropathy of a diabetic patient. It is also advised to see a podiatrist if experiencing any feet conditions. Toe nails may also need to be taken care of by a podiatrist, since some patients may cut too deep around the cuticles, causing infection.

A person can take care of their feet at home by following the instructions of their physician. Using creams on one’s feet is also an effective way to heal dryness. When using tools to remove calluses, use caution, as severe diabetics may not be able to feel pain on their feet. If any complications arise do not hesitate to call a podiatrist.

On a daily basis, diabetic feet must be checked. If you are ever concerned about something, contact your health care professional. You never want to wait until a wound gets too bad to treat. If left untreated, gangrene may develop. Gangrene is a serious infection that can cause in diabetics that can lead to sepsis or amputation. It is also important for diabetics to be on the lookout for ulcers. Ulcers are sores that develop from tissue loss on the skin. They can be quite painful and require intensive treatment. Early treatment and everyday inspection are imperative to staying healthy.

When you have a deformity in the first joint of the toe making it point up and then down, it’s called a hammertoe. The tip of the toe may still be flat, but between that and the foot, there is an upside-down V. It may or may not cause pain, but it needs to be treated if it causes swelling and redness of the toe, has a painful corn on top, gives you pain at the base of your toe, and/or causes pain when you try to move the toe.

Hammertoes can be caused by abnormal development of muscle tissue in the toes, hereditary factors, trauma, arthritis, and wearing shoes that are too tight. When it is caught early, flexible hammertoes are more easily treatable with padding and taping. However after a long time, they become rigid hammertoes, which may make surgery the only option.

If you have noticed that you may have some mild symptoms of hammertoe, you can try some at-home treatments such as:

• Wear shoes that are roomier and more comfortable around the toes. This will prevent further deformity and reduce pressures that might cause a corn or blister.
• If you’ve got pain and swelling in your toe(s), apply an ice pack several times a day to reduce inflammation.
• A hammertoe pad can be used on the top of the bent toe to reduce pressure and friction.
• Use a pumice stone to reduce the size of a corn or callus on your toe after a warm soak.
• Try some exercises like picking up small objects with your toes to stretch and strengthen your toes.

If these remedies don’t work, contact us at Texas Foot Works. Our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz, can assess the problem and give you the best treatment option for your particular case. He may suggest padding and taping the toes to protect and straighten them to correct the imbalance. For pain, he may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or give you cortisone injection. Custom orthotic inserts may help to support your feet and prevent worsening symptoms. If the toe deformity and pain become severe, surgery may be the only option to relieve your issues. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices so that we can help you find pain relief from hammertoes.

Many of us lead busy lives, which often makes us forget about self-care, let alone foot care. Our feet often get neglected, even though they carry us everywhere, every day! It’s time to appreciate our feet. At Texas Foot Works, we want you to care for your feet. We have come up with some simple ways to practice good hygiene and remember to care for your feet at home.

• Leave your shoes and your work at the door. When you get home, it’s time to relax and enjoy yourself, whether it be with your favorite meal and TV show, or with your family. For everyone’s health and well-being, your work should be left at work and your germ-covered shoes should be left at the door. If you’ve really been all over the place, give your shoes a once over with anti-germ spray, inside and out.
• Have more than one pair of shoes to wear to work and put them into rotation. If you have to wear a suit and tie to work each day, it may be simpler to wear the same shoes each day, but you risk an issue with foot odor and bacteria build up. If you really only like one pair of shoes, get 2 or 3 pairs of the same and rotate them.
• Wearing slippers or indoor shoes in the house? Make sure they have grip if you have hardwood or tile floors. If you have carpet, the bottom should be smooth so that you do not trip up on the carpet pile.
• Mats, mats, mats. Having a mat in your kitchen will help you prevent backaches while cooking or cleaning. The same goes for any areas where you might stand for a long time – crafting table, painting easel, or standing desk. Bath mats and bathtub rubber mats will prevent slips and falls on wet surfaces.
• If you do not have carpet on the stairs, safety can be achieved with anti-slip strips or a stair liner to prevent slipping while going up or down the stairs. Children and older adults will thank you! (or you’ll thank yourself for keeping your family safe!)

Have concerns about foot safety and hygiene in the home? Have you been injured by slips or trips at home? Make an appointment today with our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz. He and his team can help you at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices. A healthy home helps to make a happy home!

Onychocryptosis, commonly known as ingrown toenails, tend to occur on the big toes, but it can affect all the little toes too. The toenail can curve into the skin or the skin may grow thickly around it, causing pain, inflammation, and even bacterial or fungal infections.

What causes you to get ingrown toenails?

• Genetics: Curved toes or toenails can be a hereditary trait. When the toes are curled into each other, the pressure applied by the other toes can cause the nail to grow down and into the skin. People with curved toenails have a natural growth direction downward into the skin.
• Injuries: Blunt trauma to the toenail can leave you with a split, broken toenail, or none at all. When there is an injury involving excessive long-term swelling, the toenail can grow into the swollen skin. For broken or removed toenails, they may grow in as ingrown toenails, since the nail is so short to begin with and the skin around can be raised.
• Constant pressure from shoes: Wearing shoes that are too tight puts pressure on the top or front of the toes. The pressure can cause the nail to grown in such a way that they curve into the skin.
• Improper nail cutting: Toenails should be cut straight across instead of round to prevent ingrown toenails. While the option for rounded toenails might be tempting at the nail salon, make sure you keep in mind the risks, especially if you’re prone to getting ingrown toenails.
• Fungal toenails are usually characterized by hardened toenails, which can grow deeply into the skin.

The best way to deal with ingrown toenails is to be vigilant and prevent them from occurring if you can. Remember to trim your toenails straight across, wear shoes that are not too tight, reduce swelling for any injuries, and treat fungal or bacterial infections quickly.

Do you suffer from painful ingrown toenails? Or maybe you don’t experience pain, but there is uncomfortable pressure that you have to deal with each day. We’re here to help! At Texas Foot Works, we will work with you to find the best solutions for your problems with ingrown toenails. It’s best not to try to pry out your toenails if they are ingrown, as you may further agitate them or cause infection. Our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz can help you at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices. Make an appointment today so that he can help relieve your pain.  

Ankle and foot orthotics, known as AFOs, are custom-made inserts, shaped and contoured to fit inside a shoe and used to correct an irregular walking gait or provide cushioning. Orthotics come in a variety of different models and sizes, including both over the counter and customizable variants. Customizable ones should be prescribed through a podiatrist who specializes in customized footwear and orthotics design and management.

AFOs are often used by athletes including track and field runners, cyclists, professional dancers, ice skaters, and even golfers. They benefit a lot from custom made AFOs by preventing injuries from occurring and provide cushioning to keep pain levels down to a minimum. Ankle foot orthotics allow for the correct positioning of the feet and also act as shock absorbers to help keep pressure and stress off the foot and ankle. They can also relieve back pain and hip pain while restoring balance and improving an athlete’s performance.

The way they help alleviate pain is by controlling the movement of both your feet and ankles. They are custom designed by a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist to help treat foot problems such as flat feet, spurs, arthritis of the ankle or foot, ankle sprains, weakness, and drop foot, a condition in which the patient cannot raise their foot at the ankle joint.

With custom orthotics, a patient will go through a complete examination of the foot and ankle, followed by the ankle and foot being cast and fitted for the proper orthotic. Depending upon the final result of the tests, a stretching treatment is created with specific shoe fitting in mind. After they have been fitted to the shoes, adjustments can be made in order to get the perfect fit and completely fill out the shoe. Evaluations are then usually set up to monitor the patient in the coming weeks to see how they are adjusting.

AFOs are also available over the counter and are more common than custom fit ones. Athletes that have generally low aches and pains in the foot, ankle, or lower back area can use an over the counter version of these orthotics. Weight is still distributed evenly throughout the bottom of the foot thanks to the arch support they give, but when an injury or ailment occurs, it is usually not enough to try and remedy it with an over the counter version. In either case, a podiatrist will be able to offer the best advice and treatment when it comes to foot and ankle orthotics and handle all your foot care needs.