Items filtered by date: August 2023

Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection affecting the feet and causing itchy, red, and flaky rashes. This condition, despite its name, can affect anyone not just athletes. It thrives in warm, humid conditions like sweaty feet inside poorly ventilated shoes or walking barefoot in locker rooms or by pool areas. Symptoms can include a rash, itching, skin cracking, and burning sensations, often affecting the area between the fourth and fifth toes. Risk factors include closed shoes, excessive foot sweating, poor hygiene, living in warm environments, and weakened immune systems. Men are more susceptible to athlete’s foot than women. Diagnosis relies on typical symptoms, but tests may be necessary in uncertain cases, including UV examination and skin or nail scrapings. Treatment and prevention involve washing the feet daily, drying the feet thoroughly, and wearing cotton socks and breathable shoes. Medical treatment includes antifungal creams, ointments, or tablets prescribed by a doctor. Early treatment is essential to prevent complications, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions. If you suspect you have athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Surgery Specialists of Texas.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best 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 and ankle needs.

As children gleefully skip and run, their feet become the unsung heroes of their adventures. A child’s foot is not fully developed at birth, and will gradually mature as the growing process occurs. Flat feet, often seen in toddlers, emerge as a result of developing arches. The right shoes for tiny feet are paramount, supporting their natural formation. Interestingly, children have more sweat glands per square inch on their feet as compared to adults, making it understandable to crawl or walk without socks. When children’s feet are observed, their evolving balance and coordination skills can be noticed. So, next time you witness a hop, a skip, or a jump, remember, those feet are crafting a tale of growth, exploration, and endless childhood delight. If you would like additional knowledge about children’s feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading foot conditions among Americans causing heel pain. The condition is characterized by the aggravation of the plantar fascia. Depending on your particular case of plantar fasciitis, a medical professional might recommend that you perform any number of stretches to mitigate the pain. For example, a medical professional, such as a podiatrist, might recommend that to combat plantar fasciitis, you can perform toe extensions. This stretch can be performed by putting the affected foot behind the other in a standing position. Then, contract the calf muscles and lift the back heel to essentially extend the toes. If you are someone that is living with plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an exam and treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Ingrown toenails can cause immense discomfort and frustration. Understanding the different types and underlying causes can help prevent and address this uncomfortable foot condition. The edge of a toenail that grows into the surrounding skin is referred to as a distal ingrown toenail and is considered to be the most common type. When the nail grows into either side of the skin, this is known as a lateral ingrown toenail. Common symptoms can include redness, swelling, and it may become infected. If the toenail is not trimmed properly, it may result in a portion of the nail penetrating the skin, which is known as a partial ingrown toenail. People who wear shoes that do not fit correctly, in addition to those with a foot injury, may find they have developed an ingrown toenail. If you have this foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options that may include minor surgery for partial removal. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

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 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.

Volleyball players commonly experience foot injuries due to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the sport. Sprained ankles and twisted knees frequently occur, often resulting from sudden stops, starts, and side-to-side movements on the court. Additionally, repetitive jumping and landing can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. Immediate relief for these types of injuries includes taking a break from volleyball play, resting the affected foot, and elevating it as often as possible. If you have more severe injuries or those that worsen over time, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for care. This foot and ankle expert can accurately diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment so that you can return to the game as quickly as possible.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Surgery Specialists of Texas. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete 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 care needs.