Listed below are a series of questions dealing with our practice and facility. After reviewing these, if you need additional information, feel free to call us at 972-250-5700.


Q. What is the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a podiatrist?

A. Orthopedic surgeons are physicians who have completed four years of medical school and then received specialty training during a five-year orthopedic surgery residency program. These specialists diagnose and treat all conditions related to the musculoskeletal structure of the body, which includes the muscles and bones, as well as the spinal column. The physicians at the Texas Foot & Ankle Center have an additional area of specialty in foot and ankle surgery. A podiatrist is a health professional who attends a four-year college of podiatry school to learn about the examination, diagnosis and treatment of foot conditions. Some podiatrists go on to complete a course of additional training for one or more years after podiatry school. Unlike orthopedic surgeons, however, podiatrists are not able to evaluate patients in the emergency room or admit them to the hospital.

Q. How do I know if my ankle is sprained or fractured?

A. After treating the injury with RICE - rest, ice, compression and elevation - if it continues to be swollen and painful, you should see a specialist. An X-ray can determine whether the bone is fractured or the ligaments are overstretched or torn. Only a professional can make this diagnosis and provide the appropriate treatment to limit complications and promote a fast return to activity.

Q. I bent my toe playing soccer and it still hurts. Should I see a doctor?

A. Athletes who play sports that require kicking a ball, such as soccer, are at higher risk for toe sprains, commonly called "turf toe." This injury occurs when the toe is forced backward and hyperextension occurs. Toe sprains are unpredictable in the time it takes to heal and can end a season. They can be associated with sesamoid fractures, which often necessitate surgery if severe enough. Early recognition and aggressive treatment will promote faster healing and prevent complications.

Q. There is pain on the bottom of my heel when I get up in the morning. What causes this?

A. This description is typical of plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which are bands of tissue that extend from the heel to the toes. With repeated stretching of these bands, tiny tears can occur. Chronic irritation and inflammation increases with activity. A bone spur also can develop on the tip of the heel bone. Treatment includes taping the heel and arch, special exercises to stretch the heel, arch and calf muscles, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication and ice to reduce swelling and inserts worn in the shoe.

Q. Can running cause foot pain?

A. The vast majority of problems that people experience with running relate to improper stretching and bad footwear. For example, the Achilles tendon should be stretched for 5 to 10 minutes both before and after running. At the Texas Foot & Ankle Center, we have numerous handouts available to help you with proper stretching exercises. We also believe that the best shoes provide ankle support and shock absorption. Check various brands for the right fit. In addition, look for athletic shoes made to accommodate pronators - people with "flat feet" and supinators - people with high arches.

Q. I injured my ankle last year and it continues to bother me. Is there anything I can do about it?

A. If the traditional methods of treatment, including physical therapy, do not eliminate the problem, a condition called osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) might have developed. OCD is a common source of continued pain after an ankle sprain. It can be treated with arthrosopic surgery through a process of debridement and drilling. If pain persists, cartilage can be transplanted from a non-weight bearing portion of the knee to the injured ankle.

Q. I have been suffering from arthritis in my ankle for years. Do I just have to live with the pain?

A. You do not need to suffer without relief. There are several non-surgical methods for treating arthritis in the foot and ankle. We might prescribe nutritional supplements such as glucosamine/chondroitin and anti-inflammatory medication, suggest you modify your activity level and provide you with custom arch supports or even a brace. On occasion, we inject the ankle with hyaluronic acid. Surgical treatment depends on the severity of the disease. With arthroscopic surgery, we can debride the joint and remove any bone spurs that have developed. When the arthritis is especially severe, we can eliminate the joint and fuse the two joint surfaces together. The treatment will depend on your medical history, physical examination and medical tests.

Q. I was just diagnosed with diabetes last year. Why is it so important to examine my feet?

A. Patients with diabetes are at high risk for circulatory disorders and for diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy causes damage to the nerves, which blocks sensation, making it difficult for people to feel heat, cold or pain, including injuries such as cuts on the bottom of the foot. Infections and ulcers can develop, leading to serious complications. At the Texas Foot & Ankle Center, we suggest people with diabetes have their feet checked every year by a professional. We can also do a simple office screening test for neuropathy.