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Chronic ankle instability can make standing, walking and running feel uncomfortable and unsteady. The Brostrom procedure, also known as lateral ankle ligament reconstruction, is a surgical solution designed to restore strength and stability to the ankle. If you have persistent swelling or discomfort, frequent ankle sprains, or your ankle gives way when you walk or perform other activities, you may want to consider this procedure. Understanding the benefits, process and recovery can help you make an informed decision.

Why might someone need the Brostrom procedure?

Ankle instability often develops after repeated ankle sprains or ligament injuries that fail to heal properly. When the outer ankle ligaments become weak, stretched or loosened, they can no longer provide the support needed to perform various activities, including walking and running. This leads to frequent rolling of the ankle or the ankle giving way, which can result in damage to the other structures of the foot and ankle. The Brostrom procedure is typically performed on individuals who experience ongoing ankle instability, generally after they’ve exhausted other options like physical therapy or wearing ankle braces.

What are the benefits?

The main benefit of the Brostrom procedure is improved ankle stability, which can reduce the risk of future sprains and other injuries. The procedure can also help alleviate pain in the ankle and improve mobility. For athletes and active individuals, this procedure is beneficial for preventing long-term damage by reducing repeated stress on the ankle and by helping them regain the strength required for high-impact activities. Overall, restoring strength in the ligaments through lateral ankle ligament reconstruction allows patients to return to their regular activities with comfort and confidence. 

What happens during the procedure?

During the Brostrom procedure, the lateral ankle ligaments are tightened through a small incision on the outside of the ankle using strong sutures and bands to restore stability. Small fibular anchors may be added for extra support or nearby supportive tissue may be incorporated to strengthen the repair. Once the ligaments are stabilized, the surgeon carefully closes the incision to allow for proper healing.

What does the recovery process look like?

The exact time it takes to recover from the Brostrom procedure varies depending on the severity of damage to the lateral ankle ligaments, the patient’s age and fitness level, and adherence to physical therapy. Although the recovery time and process look different for everyone, there are a few main stages to expect:

• First few weeks: The first couple of weeks after surgery involve lots of rest. During this time, you will not put any weight on the ankle and may use crutches or wear a cast or boot. In this recovery phase, it’s important to ice the ankle and keep it elevated to reduce swelling.
• Physical therapy: After the first few weeks of healing, your doctor will recommend physical therapy. This is crucial for regaining strength and range of motion in your ankle. 
• Becoming more active: Depending on your progress, light activities like walking may be possible within a few weeks. However, it may take several months to return to high-impact activities like sports and other exercise. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when it comes to physical activity to prevent any delays in the healing process or cause further injury.

When should you ask a podiatrist about the procedure?

If you’re experiencing chronic ankle instability, frequent sprains or persistent pain and tenderness, especially after trying other treatments like physical therapy, speak to a podiatrist about the Brostrom procedure. A podiatrist can assess your condition and help you determine if this surgery is right for you. If your daily activities are being impacted and conservative treatments haven’t provided relief, discussing your options with a specialist is a good next step.

North Texas Foot & Ankle is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to our patients to help them maintain the best possible foot health. We take the time to understand your unique needs and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. If you’re considering the Brostrom procedure or have concerns regarding chronic ankle instability, the team at North Texas Foot & Ankle is here to help! Schedule a consultation with us online or call us today at (214)-574-9255.

When it comes to podiatry, it seemed like a natural fit for Dr. Todd Lewis at North Texas Foot & Ankle. He said throughout his childhood, he was in and out of the doctor’s office. Sports, however, gave him (and his mother) a break from the worries of illness. 

“Podiatry interested me because of the sports medicine element of it and became a specialist/podiatrist,” he said.

He also had other connections, despite no one else in his family being in the medical field.

“My pediatrician was friends with a podiatrist,” he noted. “I grew up on the beach, and injured my toe by getting it caught in a bike spoke. I went to my pediatrician as a kid, and the pediatrician sent me to a podiatrist. I thought I wanted to go into medicine in general, but that podiatrist was instrumental in inspiring me to go into podiatry.”

Throughout his career with North Texas Foot & Ankle, he’s seen the field expand and grow. 

“Things in the OR are now done in the office with wound care,” he said. “For example, graphing you can do in the office.” 

He also said that patients have found a lot of success through treatments that aren’t typical.

“I use a lot of stuff not covered by insurance — a lot of people don’t want to do self-paid things but I’ve had patients see incredible benefits from unexpected things,” he explained. “The CN-U is an exceptionally new technology that I like. I do laser (MLS); laser is effective. Light therapy is another.”

Wound care is something Dr. Lewis specializes in, and most of his patients are wound care and gout related. 

“I see a lot of wound care,” he noted. “Diabetic wounds… wounds in general. I also treat infections and gout.” 

What Dr. Lewis said really sets him apart is making sure patients feel heard.

“I listen, most of the time they’ll tell me the diagnosis before I even touch them,” he said, adding that eye contact is also an important piece to helping people feel heard.

“I don’t go in and start probing, I take the input of what they say. I just let my patients speak.”

Dr. Lewis is also an advocate for patient knowledge and prevention, particularly with wound care.

“I try to tell them to remember issues when you healed, wounds especially you have to be preventative,” he said. “I’m hardcore on education.”

Dr. Lewis said his work is only part of a patient’s overall health. 

“Nutrition is a big thing I’ll utilize for patients,” he noted. “Homeopathic approach to people who only want to do things that can heal naturally, but also have a mix between steroids.

“Podiatry is a multidisciplinary approach… If disease is an issue for someone, there’s often largely vascular issues.”

But as Dr. Lewis notes, advancements in treatments can help offset those issues. 

“Things that used to have IVs for treatment can now be delivered orally. Antibiotics have become a big part of that.”

When it comes to what Dr. Lewis says makes North Texas Foot & Ankle different from the rest, he said the answer is simple. 

“I hate hearing that people can’t get in before they get to us, so same-day vs one-day meetings are huge to us. We’re flexible in getting patients in at a timely manner.”

When we think of exercise, we often ignore exercises that target our feet. Unfortunately, many of us neglect our feet until we begin experiencing pain and discomfort. This can lead to a number of serious issues down the road. Keeping your feet strong and healthy improves mobility and flexibility while reducing the risk of injury and foot pain. Here are six simple foot exercises you can do to strengthen and maintain healthy feet:

1. Toe Curls

Toe curls, sometimes referred to as toe stretches, build up the muscles in your feet and toes, which helps improve strength and flexibility. Here’s how to safely do toe curls:

• Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
• Curl your toes and hold for 5-10 seconds.
• Extend your toes upwards and hold for 5-10 seconds. 
• Repeat this 5-10 times.

2. Toe Splays

Toe splays are an easy stretch that helps you improve control and strengthen your toe muscles. For this one, you can do both feet at the same time or one at a time, depending on which is more comfortable for you.

• Sit in a chair with your feet resting on the floor.
• Spread your toes as far as you can without straining your feet and hold for 5-10 seconds.
• Repeat this 5-10 times.

3. Toe Taps

This exercise is a bit more challenging than the first two toe exercises, but it’s helpful for coordination and flexibility in your feet. Here’s how to do this exercise:

• Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
• With the balls of your feet touching the floor, quickly raise your toes up and down, tapping the floor with each downward movement.
• Do this exercise for 30 seconds.

Alternatively, you can do this exercise slowly and more controlled by lifting each toe from the ground one at a time and putting them back down one at a time. Do this for 10 times per foot.

4. Foot and Calf Raises

This exercise works the muscles in your feet and calves. To do this safely, be careful not to place any strain on your ankles.

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Slowly rise onto the balls of your feet, lifting the ankles off the floor.
• Hold for one second, then release and slowly lower your foot back onto the floor.
• Repeat 10 times.

5. Foot Roll

Foot rolling is a good exercise for releasing tension and increasing circulation. This exercise is especially helpful for those with plantar fasciitis to help alleviate discomfort since it doubles as a massage. To do this exercise:

• Sit in a chair with your feet on the floor.
• Place a tennis ball, frozen water bottle or foam roller under your foot.
• Slowly roll along the length of your foot, focusing on especially tight areas.
• Do this for two minutes on each foot.

6. Achilles Stretch

The Achilles tendon is commonly ruptured or torn. This results in pain, stiffness, swelling and impaired movement. To prevent Achilles tendon injuries and improve ankle mobility, do this stretch:

• Stand resting your hands flat against the wall.
• With your knees and toes facing straight ahead, place one leg back (like you’re going to do a lunge).
• Straighten out your back leg and bend your front leg.
• Keep both your heels flat on the ground as you bend the front knee, leaning towards the wall.
• Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other leg.

For this exercise, it’s important to keep both heels flat on the floor and the knees and toes facing forward, avoiding turning the knees or toes out. Otherwise, you won’t feel the stretch in your Achilles tendon.

Now that you know a few simple foot exercises and stretches, you can incorporate them into your routine to strengthen your foot muscles, improve mobility and enhance day-to-day comfort. Being proactive is the key to long-term foot health and North Texas Foot & Ankle is here to support you every step of the way with education and preventative care. Call (214) 574-9255 or schedule an appointment online to get started on your journey to healthy feet!

Choosing the right footwear is an important decision for any athlete. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, wearing the proper shoes for your sport is paramount for preventing injuries and enhancing athletic performance. Finding proper athletic footwear goes beyond aesthetics or shopping for the most popular brands. It’s about understanding the demands of your sport and the mechanics of your feet and choosing footwear that best supports both.

Enhance Athletic Performance

An athlete’s performance relies on wearing the proper footwear. Most sports have a shoe designed to support their specific movements and requirements. For example, running shoes are lightweight and flexible, while hiking shoes are designed with uneven terrain in mind, with traction and stability across the entire sole as the main feature. 

Enhancing athletic performance doesn’t stop at considering the sport. It extends to keeping the individual’s unique foot in mind. The height and stability of the person’s arches are important considerations when choosing athletic footwear. For example, runners with arches prone to collapsing should find running shoes in the “stability” category. These shoes are designed to guide your foot into a more neutral alignment while running, preventing overpronation and enhancing athletic performance. Regardless of your preferred sport, investing in the proper footwear provides the comfort and support needed to safely perform at your highest level.

Prevent Injuries

Physical activity places a lot of stress on the body. Neglecting to wear proper footwear puts athletes at a higher risk for injury. Wearing the wrong footwear for a particular sport or footwear that doesn’t fit properly can put excess strain on the feet and ankles, resulting in stress fractures, sprains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and other conditions. Proper athletic footwear provides the support, stability, shock absorption and traction required to safely perform in sports while significantly reducing the risk of sustaining foot and ankle injuries. 

How to Choose the Proper Footwear

Although it’s tempting to choose the most stylish or popular footwear, be careful not to get caught up in the aesthetics. Base your choice on these few considerations:

• Activity: Each sport requires specific footwear to support the motions and movements associated with different activities. Each type of athletic footwear has its own supportive design, cushioning, flexibility, traction and durability features. Which activity you participate in is the first factor to consider when choosing footwear.
• Your unique foot type: There’s a variety of footwear options available to support and stabilize different foot types. Determine whether you have high, low or neutral arches, and consider whether your arches and ankles are prone to collapsing or overpronation. Choose footwear that best suits your specific needs. 
• Proper fit: Shoes that are ill-fitting, too tight or too loose can lead to discomfort and injury. Your shoes should feel comfortable when you first put them on, and you shouldn’t feel the need to “break them in.” Look for shoes that allow you enough room to wiggle your toes but are snug enough to feel stable and supportive.

When Should You Replace Athletic Footwear?

Wearing old, worn-out athletic footwear is as ineffective as wearing the wrong footwear because shoes lose their structural integrity, stability and shock absorption over time. To prevent injury, invest in the proper athletic footwear and replace your shoes when appropriate. The life expectancy of athletic shoes largely depends on the intensity of your activities and how often you use them. You’ll know when your shoes are reaching the end of their life cycle because the cushioning will flatten, the tread will wear off, and the midsole will compress. When your shoes start showing signs of wear and tear and begin losing their comforting and supporting qualities, it’s time for a new pair.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just beginning your athletic journey, prioritizing proper footwear is essential to your comfort and safety. At North Texas Foot & Ankle, we know how important prevention is to maintaining healthy feet. Don’t wait for discomfort or injury to strike—take proactive charge of your foot health and call (214) 574-9255 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!

Many people wait until they experience significant foot pain or discomfort before visiting a podiatrist, but early intervention can prevent serious issues down the road. This is especially important for people with chronic conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy, which requires consistent monitoring for wounds and infections. Whether you’re dealing with chronic conditions, foot pain, mobility issues, or simply want to maintain healthy feet, regular check-ups with a podiatrist are essential. Read on to learn about why regular podiatrist check ups are important for maintaining good foot health.

Maintain Overall Foot Health

Our feet are complex and require more attention than we tend to think. They’re made up of many small bones and soft tissues that work together to support our mobility and allow us to participate in various activities, such as walking and running. Podiatrists assess your foot mechanics to identify any abnormalities or imbalances that may be affecting your mobility or foot function. They also recommend targeted treatments, such as custom orthotics or therapeutic exercises, to improve foot health and prevent future problems.

Detect Problems Early

Many foot conditions, such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, toenail fungus and other injuries can be treated more effectively when caught in earlier stages. Much like primary care checkups, regular podiatry visits can save you some discomfort in the future. The earlier a condition or problem is caught, the better. Early detection prevents problems from progressing into more severe conditions and helps avoid further complications that may require surgery or more invasive treatments. 

Manage Chronic Conditions

People with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis and peripheral artery disease, can face severe foot problems due to poor circulation, nerve damage or joint pain. Those with chronic conditions must visit a podiatrist regularly to monitor these conditions to prevent foot problems from progressing or worsening over time.

This is especially important for people with diabetes, as diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, can cause a loss of sensation in the feet. This makes it difficult to detect wounds or infections, which can lead to significant problems in the future if left untreated. 

Create Individualized Treatment Plans

Every patient is different, with a unique set of needs and challenges. Establishing an ongoing relationship with your podiatrist allows them to gain a deeper understanding of your specific concerns and needs. This gives them a better ability to create an individualized treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle, ensuring more effective and personalized care. 

Receive Preventative Care and Proper Education

Regular podiatry check ups are essential for preventative care, helping to address common concerns like toenail trimming, callus removal and footwear issues. During these visits, your podiatrist will not only treat immediate and routine needs, but also provide valuable education on maintaining optimal foot health. They’ll teach you about proper hygiene habits, nail care techniques, supportive footwear options, and strengthening exercises for your feet and ankles.

Regular podiatry visits help you gain the knowledge and tools you need to proactively care for your feet, preventing serious problems and improving overall foot health. At North Texas Foot & Ankle, we prioritize compassionate care while offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere during your visit. We help you every step of the way on your journey to better foot health. To get started with your regular podiatry visits, give us a call at 214-574-9255 or book your appointment online toda