Items filtered by date: November 2025

Skin ulcers on the feet are open sores that form when the skin and underlying tissue break down due to poor circulation, nerve damage, or constant pressure. Pressure ulcers develop on the heels or ankles when prolonged pressure reduces blood flow to the skin. Venous ulcers form above the ankle when veins fail to circulate blood properly, causing fluid buildup and skin damage. Arterial ulcers appear on the toes, ankles, or between toes when  blood flow is reduced by narrowed arteries, leaving the skin deprived of oxygen. Neuropathic ulcers, often seen in people with diabetes, occur on weight-bearing areas like the ball of the foot. Nerve damage prevents pain sensation, allowing minor injuries to worsen unnoticed. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, promote healing, and help prevent limb loss. If you notice sores on the feet that do not heal properly, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Kennedy Legel from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the small joints of the feet, leading to pain, stiffness, and deformity that can make walking difficult. Inflammation can weaken ligaments and change the alignment of the toes and arches, increasing pressure in certain areas and raising the risk of corns, calluses, and ulcers. Proper foot care plays a vital role in managing these symptoms and maintaining mobility. Wearing supportive shoes with cushioned soles, a wide toe box, and custom orthotics help reduce stress on painful joints. Regular podiatric care allows early detection of changes that may require adjustments in footwear or treatment. Stretching, gentle exercise, and controlling inflammation through medical management can further protect joint function. If you are suffering with foot or ankle pain from rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you seek professional guidance from a podiatrist.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Kennedy Legel of Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Stretching is essential for runners to prevent injuries, improve flexibility, and support muscle recovery. The knee hug stretch loosens hip and glute muscles by pulling one knee toward the chest while standing. The child’s pose relaxes the back and hips by kneeling and reaching arms forward on the ground. A simple toe touch stretches hamstrings and calves by bending forward to touch your toes. These stretches improve circulation, reduce tension, and enhance running performance. A podiatrist can assess gait, provide injury prevention tips, and recommend orthotics for proper support. If you have developed foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional running injury prevention tips. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kennedy Legel of Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Patients who have bunions may notice their daily activities can be interrupted as a result of the pain and discomfort they may cause. It appears as a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, and it may make it difficult to wear shoes. A bunion can gradually form from genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Patients have found mild relief when a protective pad is worn on top of the bunion, in addition to soaking the affected foot in warm water. If the bunion is prominent, surgery may be an option  which is referred to as a bunionectomy. There are toe exercises that can be performed which can be helpful in strengthening the overall foot. If you notice the beginning signs of a bunion, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment technique.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Kennedy Legel of Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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