Items filtered by date: April 2021

Millions of people in America will have at least one bout with nail fungus in their lifetime. Infections are said to occur more in adults over 40 due to structural changes in toenails, and athletes whose feet spend a lot of time confined in damp socks and shoes. If a family member has toenail fungus, that can increase your chance of infection as well. At best, toenail fungus is unsightly and embarrassing. At worst, it may lead to bacterial infections in people with circulatory issues, diabetes, or immune system disorders. You can lower your risk of contracting toenail fungus by wearing flip-flops in locker rooms and communal showers, keeping your toenails trimmed and injury-free, letting your feet air out after being in stuffy athletic shoes, and never sharing toenail clippers or other foot care instruments with anyone. To help clear up your toenail fungus as quickly as possible, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can utilize a variety of treatments to rid your toenails from those pesky keratin-eating fungi.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Because older adults often deal with balance and mobility issues, their risk of falling is increased. Proper footwear can help reduce that risk, even in those with diabetes, arthritis and neurodegenerative diseases. High heels and sling-back or backless shoes can be particularly hazardous as they reduce a person’s ability to maintain balance. While older adults with diabetes or foot pain are often more familiar with foot care practices, all older adults can benefit from contacting a podiatrist to learn more about foot and ankle health and what shoes are best for improving balance and reducing their risk of falling and serious injury.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

The toes can become bent into a variety of different positions, and those toes are either known as hammertoes, claw toes, or mallet toes. Hammertoes occur when the toes are bent downwards causing the middle joint to be raised. Hammertoes often affect the second toe, and they usually occur with bunions. Claw toes cause the four smaller toes to curl up because the middle joints bend down and the joints connecting the toes to the foot bend up. A mallet toe occurs when the joint closest to the tip of the toe begins to bend downwards. These toe conditions are often a result of shoes that are too tight, but they can be linked to conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. Because these conditions are often painful, patients who are suffering from one of these conditions should consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to help find the correct treatment method and suggest surgery if necessary.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, Mont Belvieu, Spring, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Flexibility and resistance exercises are great ways to keep your feet healthy, and can even help prevent injuries. Flexibility exercises can help your feet stay limber, while resistance exercises help build up muscles for protection and support of the entire structure of the foot. Many flexibility and resistance exercises can be done with nothing more than your feet, or sometimes a chair, table, or even resistance bands. For many people, foot stretches and exercises can be done every day while at work or at home—but you should always consult with a podiatrist before beginning any exercise routine, especially if you have diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular problems or foot disorders. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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