Items filtered by date: October 2021

There are a variety of bones, ligaments and tendons in the foot, and any condition that affects these can be very painful. Foot pain can ruin daily life and become very complicated. Depending on the area of the foot that hurts, a variety of different injuries may be considered. Heel pain, which is one of the most debilitating forms of foot pain, is often a sign of heel spurs or plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissues along the bottom of the foot). Conditions such as sesamoiditis, metatarsalgia, or Morton’s neuroma, which is a thickening of tissues around the nerves, can lead to pain in the ball of the foot. Patients who are experiencing pain in the arch of the foot may be suffering from flat feet or fallen arches. Other issues such as gout, bunions, hammertoes, and turf toe can cause pain in the toes. Patients who are struggling with foot pain should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.   

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe which have developed over time. Repeated pressure on the toe can gradually shift it out of position and tilt towards the other toes. Bunions are also referred to as Hallux abductovalgus, Hallux valgus, HAV, and HV. It is believed that genetics and wearing high heels or narrow-toed footwear can increase the risk of developing this condition. Other conditions that may also contribute to bunions forming include certain types of arthritis, flat feet, and rare genetic bone disorders. Painful bunions can be treated by a podiatrist in a variety of ways from padding and taping, to custom orthotics, night-time splints, icing and other therapies, and by switching to proper footwear. In the most severe cases, a podiatric surgeon can remove the bunion and restore the natural position and beauty of the toe.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Warts are growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can occur in various areas of the body and are spread through direct contact or indirectly through contact with a surface or object that has previously been in contact with a wart. Plantar warts are flat, hard, and rough growths that develop on the bottom surface (plantar) of the foot. They are brown or gray, with tiny black dots in the center, which are actually blood vessels that nourish the wart with oxygen and nutrients. Plantar warts can be individual or grow in clusters. They are typically tender and can be quite painful while walking and standing. While they may go away on their own, it can take years to completely rid yourself of them. If you have one or more plantar warts that are causing you discomfort, contact a podiatrist who has a variety of treatment options to remove the wart.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sesamoiditis is a foot condition in which the sesamoid bones, located in the ball of the foot just beneath the big toe, become injured or inflamed. If you have sesamoiditis, it is very important that you rest the affected foot, however, this can be somewhat difficult without proper planning. To give your foot time to heal, you will likely need to avoid putting pressure and weight on the foot as much as possible. In the early stages of healing, when the sesamoids and surrounding areas are inflamed, it may help to also avoid bending the toes. Do simple ankle stretches and strengthening exercises to maintain your ankle mobility. Good ankle mobility can help keep excess pressure off of your sesamoids when you walk. Finally, wearing the right shoes can be very helpful during the healing process. Choose shoes with a wide toe box and without high heels. A podiatrist may also suggest orthotics. If you have sesamoiditis, please consult with your local podiatrist. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.