Showing posts with label foot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foot. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Charity Foot and Ankle Clinic

On February 25, 2011 Dr. Eric Silvers, Dr. Kory Williams and the Staff at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in McKinney and Prosper, Texas will host a "Charity Foot and Ankle Clinic."
The hours of the free clinic will be 1 pm to 5 pm. The clinic will be open to all uninsured residents in McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Plano, Prosper, Princeton, Farmersville, Mellissa, Anna, Parker, and Van Alstyne, Texas.
Appointments are not necessary but come early since we will see people on a first come first serve basis.
Dr. Williams and Dr. Silvers will be happy to evaluate your feet and address any non emergent foot and ankle issues. Unfortunately, emergencies will not be seen during the free clinic.
"We want to thank the community by giving back," says Dr. Eric Silvers, a Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist.
Dr. Silvers has been in practice in Mckinney and the Surrounding area for over 13 years.
Eric M. Silvers, DPM, PA is a Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center with offices located in McKinney, Texas and Prosper, Texas.
Dr. Kory William is also a foot and ankle specialist associated with Dr. Eric Silvers and Advanced Foot and Ankle Center.
http://www.advancedfoottexas.com
Our Office Phone Number is 972-542-2155

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Prosper Podiatrist to Expand Office Hours

Dr. Eric M. Silvers and Dr. Kory D. Williams of Advanced Foot and Ankle will be expanding their office hours in Prosper, Texas. Both foot and ankle specialists see patients in their McKinney, Texas and Prosper, Texas locations. As surgically trained foot and ankle specialists, Dr. Silvers and Dr. Williams consider their skilled approach to foot and ankle conditions as inclusive, gentle and skilled.

Dr. Silvers and Dr. Williams will soon be offering Tuesday Morning and Wednesday morning appointments in their Prosper, Texas Location.

To schedule an appointment, call 972-542-2155 or visit out website at www.advancedfoottexas.com .

Eric M. Silvers, DPM, PA
Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist
Advanced Foot and Ankle Center
McKinney, Texas
Prosper, Texas
http://www.advancedfoottexas.com
972-542-2155

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Heel pain in Children

Heel pain is one of the most common conditions that we see here at Advanced Foot and Ankle in McKinney and Prosper, Texas. Many of our heel pain patients are children. Now, pain in the heel is not normal. It is your body's way of saying to you, "hey, I am not feeling very well down here!" With that being said, pediatric heel pain should not be ignored.

Your child often will complain of pain along the back and/or bottom of the heel or heels and you may see him or her limping or walking on their toes. Often times the heel pain is present during and/or after activity.

The most common cause of pediatric heel pain is a condition called "Calcaneal Apophysitis" or "Sever's Disease." This typically effects kids between the ages of 8-14 years old. This is not the only cause of pediatric heel pain. Other causes can be a fracture, contusion, infection, warts, callouses and in rare cases a tumor.

Pediatric heel pain does differ from heel pain seen in adults. Heel pain seen in adults is often "Plantar Fasciitis" which is a condition that causes inflammation of a long ligament called the Plantar Fascia that runs from the heel bone to the soft tissues behind the toes. Plantar fascia pain is worse after rest (in the morning after rising from bed or after sitting for a while). In the case of Pediatric Heel pain, the pain often increases with activity such as walking and playing sports. Heel pain in kids is common due to the fact that the heel is still growing. The heel bone is not fully developed until the child is 14. There is a growth plate (called the apophysis) along the back of the heel. If the the apophysis is stressed, heel pain will begin due to inflammation. The Achilles tendon inserts along the back of the heel behind this growth plate, and because of this, its aggressive pull on the heel often irritate the growth plate.

It is important to seek treatment at Advanced Foot and Ankle in McKinney and Prosper, Texas for pediatric heel pain since there are more than once cause of pediatric heel pain. Causes include Calcaneal Apophystitis as discussed, Tendo-Achilles bursitis which is a condition in which a sac of fluid between the achilles tendon and the heel bone becomes inflamed. Causes of bursitis can be inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, poor footwear or trauma.

Overuse syndromes can also cause pediatric heel pain. Overuse syndromes typically are seen in kids older than 14 years old. They may suffer from tendinitis of the Achilles Tendon, or less common, plantar fasciitis.

Fractures of the heel can also be seen in kids. Stress fractures are small hairline fractures that are seen more often in teenagers that are active in athletics. Stress fractures are often associated with increased activity. Acute fractures are seen as a result of trauma such as jumping off a piece of furniture, stairway, fence or roof. Heel fractures can be very serious and medical attention should be sought out immediately.

Treatment of pediatric heel pain is often initiated by seeing one of the Podiatrists at Advanced Foot and Ankle. A thorough extremity exam will be carried out follow by X-rays. Sometimes a MRI or CT scan may be necessary. Blood work may also need to be order to rule out arthritic inflammatory conditions or if an infection is suspected.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and the intensity of the pain. Rest or reduced activity is often suggested. Our doctors may suggest that the child refrain from high impact activity including running and/or jumping. Heel lifts, night splints and/or walking cast immobilization may also be entertained as treatment options. Anti inflammatory medications, physical therapy and custom molded foot braces (orthotics) are other ways of treating pediatric heel pain. On rare occasions surgery may be needed, especially if the child has a short heel cord.

Can anything be done to prevent pediatric heel pain? Yes, shoe gear such as avoiding cleated shoes, avoiding obesity, choosing well constructed shoes that coincide with the patients activity and avoiding activity that may be too aggressive for the child's physical ability.

Dr. Eric Silvers and Dr. Kory Williams see pediatric heel pain daily and are well trained to treat all foot and ankle conditions seen in children. They can be reached at 972-542-2155 or you may visit our website at http://www.advancedfoottexas.com/ .

Eric M. Silvers, DPM, PA
Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist
Advanced Foot and Ankle Center
McKinney, Texas
Prosper, Texas
http://www.advancedfoottexas.com
972-542-2155

Thursday, January 29, 2009

McKinney Foot and Ankle Doctor Discusses Plantar Warts

Plantar Warts

A plantar wart (verruca plantaris) is a wart caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). It is a small lesion that appears on the sole of the foot and typically resembles a cauliflower. A plantar wart may have small black specks within it that bleed when the surface is cut or shaved; these are abnormal capillaries or blood vessels feeding the wart. Though the name plantar wart describes specifically HPV infection on the sole of the foot, infection by the virus is possible anywhere on the body and common especially on the palm of the hand, where the appearance of the wart is often exactly as described above for plantar warts. Because of pressure on the sole of the foot, a layer of hard skin forms over the wart. A plantar wart may or may not be painful. It can be spread in showers, around swimming pools, by sharing shoes, etc.Plantar warts, can often be differentiated from corns by close observation of the skin lines. Feet, like hands, are covered in skin lines or "fingerprints". With plantar warts, the skin “fingerprints” go around the lesion. If the lesion is not a plantar wart, the fingerprints continue across the top layer of the skin. Plantar warts tend to be painful on with pressure from either side of the lesion rather than direct pressure. Corns tend to be painful on direct pressure rather than pressure from either side.
 The difference between plantar warts and warts on other parts of the body is that warts are generally outgrowth lesions, but on the bottom of the foot, they are pushed inward by the pressure of walking. Since the skin on the bottom of the foot tends to be thicker, the treatment of plantar warts is more difficult.When discussing treatments, no treatment in common use is 100% effective. Podiatrists are considered specialists in the treatment of plantar warts. Although immunization is available for the HPV and strains causing cervical cancer, there is currently no vaccination treatment for plantar warts. The treatment of warts by keratolysis involves the peeling away of dead surface skin cells with chemicals like Canthacure (canthiridin, derived from a blistering beetle) or trichloroacetic acid or salicylic acid. Cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen is a common treatment that works by producing a blister under the wart. It is painful but usually nonscarring. Lasers utilized in the operating room are also a great option. Surgical excision of the wart is a last resort option but appears to be the most definitive for recalcitrant lesions. Dr. Williams and Dr. Silvers have extensive training in using these products as well as surgical options concerning warts. Patiently waiting may be appropriate since many warts will eventually resolve due to the patient's own immune system. In many cases, the body will become naturally immune to the wart and the verrucæ will fall off, although it can be months to years before this takes place.Warts may spread, develop into clusters or fuse to become a mosaic wart. Plantar warts can be painful making it difficult to walk and run. Overaggressive treatment may lead to scarring. Others may get infected. If a wart is being treated professionally and does not seem to improve in a reasonable period of time, the growth should be excised and biopsied.Avoid walking barefoot in public areas such as showers and public changing rooms. Change shoes and socks daily. Avoid sharing shoes and socks. Avoid direct contact with warts on other parts of body. Avoid direct contact with warts on other persons.If you have a painful plantar’s wart and are seeking treatment, please come visit Advanced Foot and Ankle. Dr. Silvers is a board certified foot and ankle specialist practicing in McKinney, Texas and Proper, Texas. He sees patients from North Dallas, McKinney, Plano, Allen, Prosper, Frisco, Melissa, Anna and Princeton, Texas. To Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Silvers, please call 972-542-2155 or visit our website at http://www.advancedfoottexas.com Dr. Kory Williams will be joining McKinney Foot and Ankle and Advanced Foot and Ankle in July of 2009. Both Dr. Silvers and Dr. Williams strive to deliver the utmost quality foot and ankle care with a compassionate bedside manner. Our doctors have 5 years of combined foot and ankle post graduate training and over 11 years of private practice experience. Both Dr. Silvers and Dr. Williams are respected speakers in the field of Podiatric Medicine, Surgery and Practice Management. Dr. Silvers is the Past President of the Dallas County Podiatric Medical Society.

Eric M. Silvers, DPM, PA
Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist
Advanced Foot and Ankle Center
McKinney, Texas
Prosper, Texas
http://www.advancedfoottexas.com
972-542-2155

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

McKinney Foot Specialist Discusses Gout in the Foot

Painful Gout Attack in the Foot and Ankle

Gout is a disorder that results from the build-up of uric acid in the tissues or a joint, most often the joint of the big toe. An attack of gout can be miserable, marked by the following symptoms:1. Intense pain that comes on suddenly2. redness, swelling, and warmth over the jointGout attacks are caused by deposits of crystallized uric acid in the joint. Uric acid is present in the blood and eliminated in the urine. In people who have gout, the uric acid accumulates and crystallizes in the joint. Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of purines, chemicals that are found naturally in our bodies and in food. Some people develop gout because their kidneys have difficulty eliminating normal amounts of uric acid, while other develop too much uric acid.Gout attacks the big toe joint because uric acid accumulates in area of low temperature and since the big toe joint is farthest from the heart, it is the most likely target for gout.Consuming foods and beverages high in purines can trigger a gout attack. You may reduce the chance of getting a gout attack if you avoid or limit the comsumption of shellfish, liver, red wine, beer and red meat.Some people are predisposed to having gout, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and stress. Some medications can increase gout attacks like diuretics or "water pills" as well as niacin or vitamin B3.In diagnosing gout at McKinney Foot & Ankle, either myself, Dr. Williams, or my partner, Dr. Silvers will take a detailed history and perform x-rays and lab tests.Treatment of gout includes prescription medications or injections to treat the pain, swelling and inflammation. Dietary restrictions of the above mentioned foods is suggested. Patients are advised to also drink plenty of fluids, while avoiding alcoholic beverages. Also, by avoiding walking, elevating and icing the foot will aid in the reduction of symptoms.Symptoms of gout usually resolve in 3-10 days with treatment. If gout symptoms continue despite initial treatment, or if repeated attacks occur, daily medication may be required for an extended period of time.Surgery is sometimes required to remove the uric acid crystals and repair the joint. At McKinney Foot & Ankle, the surgeons, Dr. Williams or Dr. Silvers, will determine the procedure that would be most beneficial in your case. We have extensive experience in surgically treating gout in the foot and ankle.

Once you have started treatment and diet changes, it is important to know that the treatment and dietary changes are ongoing. Stopping the medication and returning to the pre-gout diet is simply inviting another flareup. Recurrent gouty arthritic flares can cause damage to the joint(s) affected. The Foot and Ankle Specialists at Advanced Foot and Ankle in McKinney and Prosper, Texas treat many Texas with gout.
Dr. Kory Williams or Dr. Eric Silvers can be reached at 972-542-2155 or you may visit our website at http://www.advancedfoottexas.com/.We have office locations in both McKinney and Proper, Texas

Eric M. Silvers, DPM, PA
Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist
Advanced Foot and Ankle Center
McKinney, Texas
Prosper, Texas
http://www.advancedfoottexas.com
972-542-2155

Friday, November 28, 2008

McKinney Foot and Ankle Center ads New Podiatrist

Dr. Eric Silvers and the staff of McKinney Foot and Ankle Center in McKinney, Texas and Advanced Foot and Ankle in Prosper Texas are proud to introduce Dr. Kory Williams. Dr. Williams will be joining McKinney Foot and Ankle Center and Advanced Foot and Ankle in July of 2009. Dr. Williams has advanced training in foot and ankle surgery. He along with Dr. Silvers have extensive training in foot and ankle care including sharp stabbing heel pain often referred to as planter fasciitis or heel spurs, bunion deformities, repair of failed bunion surgery, hammer toe corrections, treatment of toe and foot injuries and foot lumps and tumors (tumours, tumers), ankle surgery including ankle stabilization surgery, repair of tendon ruptures or tears including Achilles Tendon tears and injuries. Both Dr. Silvers and Dr. Williams also offer conservative treatment of many foot and ankle conditions including plantar (planter warts) toenail fungus, athletes foot, toe and foot sores, gangrene to the toe or the foot, vascular problems, diabetic neuropathy. Both office offer radiofrequency treatment of foot and ankle conditions including heel spurs and plantar fasciitis that causes sharp shooting pain to the foot or the heel.

McKinney Foot and Ankle and Advanced Foot and Ankle in Prosper, Texas offer convenient office hours including daytime, same day, early morning, evening and lunchtime appointments. Please call 972-542-2155 to schedule an appointment or visit out website at www.mckinneyfootcenter.com to make a online appointment request. We look forward to seeing you.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Dr. Silvers to open a Prosper, Texas Location

Dr. Eric Silvers of McKinney Foot and Ankle Center will be opening a second office in Prosper, Texas the early part of 2009. Dr. Silvers is a board certified foot and ankle specialist and has been in practice for over 11 years. He serves communities in Collin County including Prosper, McKinney, Plano, Allen, Anna, Melissa, Frisco and Princeton Texas. Dr. Silvers treats all ages from infants to geriatrics with foot and ankle conditions. Some conditions include heel and arch pain as a result of plantar fasciitis, injuries to the foot and ankle including running injuries, fractures and wound care to the foot and ankle, bunions, plantar warts, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis and tendon ruptures, ingrown and fungal toenails, just to name a few. Dr. Silvers will still maintain his main location in McKinney, Texas.To schedule an appointment with Dr. Silvers please call McKinney Foot and Ankle Center at 972-542-2155 or visit our website at www.mckinneyfootcenter.com.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

McKinney Texas Foot and Ankle Specialist

What Can a Podiatrist Do About Foot Pain?
Let’s start at the beginning and answer the question, “What is a Podiatrist?”
A podiatrist is a specialist who focuses on your feet and ankles. We are quite simply “The Experts” on your feet and ankles and should be the very first doctor you call when you experience pain or other problems with them. I’ve listed many of the foot problems podiatrists treat in this book.
The DPM after our name stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Most people know that podiatrists deal with foot and ankle problems and work with seniors, or diabetics, or people with poor circulation; but what most people don’t know is that podiatrists treat patients of all ages. A podiatrist is also well-qualified to help children and young adults with the problems that they can experience with their feet and ankles.
Podiatrists are required, just like any other doctor, to be licensed by the state in which they practice. When medically necessary, podiatrists can perform surgery to correct or remedy problems. Before we recommend surgery, we will explore the many conservative therapies and remedies that are available for our patients and then recommend the very best course of treatment. As medical science advances and new therapies become available to the public, podiatrists are increasingly able to offer their patients some of the most state-of-the-art care available. I’m constantly amazed at the new therapies I can offer my patients and will discuss several of them now.
Conservative Foot Care
Also known as non-surgical treatment, conservative foot care is being used to treat many foot problems with dramatic results. Any initial visit to a podiatrist’s office will start with a patient history and physical examination. Diagnostic x-rays and laboratory tests can also be used to help determine the best course of treatment.
Non-surgical treatments may be called for in many cases including medical conditions which preclude the option of elective surgery, time commitment constraints, and elderly patients with many medical conditions. Patients with arthritis, diabetes, and circulatory foot problems may all be helped by non-surgical treatments. In spite of not being able to opt for foot surgery many patients find great relief from pain and discomfort through the use of conservative foot care treatments.
There are a wide variety of non-surgical treatments being used by podiatrists today. Injections, oral and topical medications, and foot, ankle, or toe strappings are all examples of conservative foot care. Other options are exercise, custom-made walking shoes, and orthotics. Additional treatments prescribed by podiatrists include physical therapy, foot massage, trimming of corns and calluses, and proper nail trimming and foot care. Visit our website at http://www.mckinneyfootcenter.com/.
Dr. Silvers is a board certified foot and ankle physician practicing in McKinney, Texas.