Multiple sclerosis, or MS, often leads to walking difficulties due to muscle weakness, spasticity, or balance issues. Orthotics can significantly improve mobility by providing support and stability to the lower limbs. Ankle-foot orthoses, or AFOs, are commonly used to assist with foot drop. Foot drop is a condition where the foot cannot be lifted properly during walking. These devices help maintain proper foot positioning, reduce the risk of tripping, and improve gait efficiency. Additionally, knee-ankle-foot orthoses, or KAFOs, offer support to both the knee and ankle. These can be beneficial for individuals with knee instability. Orthotics can also help alleviate pain, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall walking patterns. By stabilizing joints and improving alignment, these devices contribute to greater independence and quality of life. If you are experiencing walking difficulties resulting from MS or a similar condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss how custom orthotics can be beneficial.

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dallas, TX . 

Losing a toenail can result from direct injury, infection, or chronic pressure on the toes. Trauma such as stubbing the toe, dropping something heavy on it, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support can damage the nail bed and cause the nail to loosen or detach. Fungal infections can also weaken the nail plate, leading to discoloration, thickening, and eventual separation from the nail bed. Repeated friction from running or wearing tight shoes increases the risk of toenail loss. In some cases, medical conditions that affect circulation or skin cell growth, like psoriasis, can disrupt healthy nail attachment. When a toenail detaches, it exposes delicate tissue underneath, raising the risk of infection or painful inflammation. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying cause, prevent complications, and recommend treatment to protect the new nail as it grows back. If your toenail has broken or become detached, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Richard Galperin, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Heel pain is one of the most frequent complaints in young soccer players, often linked to the growth plate in the heel bone. This area, called the calcaneal apophysis, is soft and more vulnerable to stress during growth. When leg bones lengthen faster than the heel bone, extra tension develops, sometimes leading to inflammation known as calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever’s disease. Symptoms usually include throbbing or aching pain at the back of the heel, which may worsen with running, jumping, or wearing certain cleated shoes. Turf cleats generally provide better cushioning and reduce strain compared to grass cleats, which can put extra stress on the heel. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of heel pain, recommend proper footwear, and provide treatment options that allow young athletes to remain active safely. If your child exhibits signs of heel pain after sports activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Richard Galperin, DPM from Texas. Our doctor 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 office located in Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. If left untreated, the area can become infected and make walking uncomfortable. Podiatrists are specially trained to manage this condition safely and effectively. Treatment depends on the severity of the problem. In mild cases, the nail edge may be gently lifted and trimmed to relieve pressure. For more advanced or recurring cases, a minor in-office procedure may be performed to remove a small part of the nail or the underlying nail root to prevent regrowth in that area. Proper cleaning, antibiotic care, and protective bandaging help the toe heal quickly. A podiatrist also provides guidance on trimming techniques and footwear to reduce future problems. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you seek prompt professional care from a podiatrist who can help restore comfort and prevent further complications.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Richard Galperin, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.