Items filtered by date: December 2021

Most people associate diabetes with blood sugar and insulin levels, but many diabetics are also at risk for severe foot problems. Over time diabetes may cause nerve damage and this is commonly referred to as diabetic neuropathy. This condition can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet. Once this develops you might not notice a cut or sore on the foot which could lead to an infection. Diabetes can also reduce blood flow to the feet making it even more difficult for a cut or infection to heal. Without treatment an infection may lead to gangrene, and in severe cases amputation of a toe or foot could be necessary. If you have diabetes there are ways to keep your feet healthy: inspect your feet every day for cuts, sores, scrapes, or any other changes; wash and dry your feet thoroughly; trim toenails straight across and not too short; wear socks and shoes that fit correctly; and elevate your feet while you are sitting. If you have foot wounds that won't heal, notice an odor coming from your feet, or see changes to the color or shape of your feet, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Surgery Specialists of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in River Oaks and Sharpstown in Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A variety of underlying issues can cause heel pain, including bone disorders, soft tissue problems, and systemic diseases. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This occurs when the plantar fascia, the long band of fibrous tissue on the sole of the feet, gets damaged, torn, or inflamed. Other soft tissue disorders which may lead to heel pain include Achilles tendonitis (an inflammation of the tendon which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone) and bursitis (an inflammation of the bursa sac that protects the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel). Bone issues that can cause heel pain include traumatic injuries or stress fractures of the heel bone, osteomyelitis (bone infection), osteoporosis (bone disease), and heel spurs—which are hardened calcium deposits that build up on the heel bone due to repeated stress. Certain systemic diseases can also present heel pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease) and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). If you have any type of heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose the origin of your heel pain through a physical examination, diagnostic imaging and other evaluations, and treat your condition accordingly.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Surgery Specialists of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in River Oaks and Sharpstown in Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When this chemical crystallizes in the joints, it can cause sudden and severe pain, redness, warmth, and difficulty moving the affected area. Gout often affects the big toe joint or other joints in the feet. While gout flare ups may go away on their own over time, gout can become a chronic condition, with flare ups increasing in frequency and permanently damaging affected joints. Fortunately, early diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes can help manage gout and prevent flare ups. For more information about gout, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Surgery Specialists of Texas. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Running puts a lot of stress on the various bones, tendons, and ligaments located in the feet. This stress can lead to a variety of issues that can be very painful and even sideline a runner. One of the most common foot conditions that runners experience is plantar fasciitis. This causes severe heel pain when the plantar fascia (the band along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes) becomes inflamed. Small hairline fractures in the feet, known as stress fractures, are also common among runners. They also may develop extensor tendonitis, which occurs when the tendons that help with the movement of the toes become inflamed. There are a number of foot related injuries that can impact runners negatively. Therefore, runners who feel any pain in their feet should consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible.  

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Surgery Specialists of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in River Oaks and Sharpstown in Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.