Items filtered by date: July 2021

Wearing high heels on a daily basis puts excessive pressure on the balls and soles of your feet and toes, as well as on the back of the heel bone—all of which can cause a host of foot and ankle problems. You can try to help alleviate pain in the plantar fascia by applying light pressure while rolling a tennis ball under the ball of one foot as you stand on the other. Use small, circular motions moving from front-to-back, and switch sides after 30-60 seconds. You can also try to help stretch your calf muscles and strengthen your shins by lifting your toes off of the floor as you walk around in the morning getting ready. A podiatrist can offer more suggestions and therapies to help counter the effects of high heels, as well as treat any foot conditions they may have caused.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury in which the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the toes to the heel, becomes inflamed. This leads to heel and arch pain that may gradually worsen over time. Plantar fasciitis can take a long time to heal due to the plantar fascia ligament having a limited blood supply. Home treatments, such as resting and icing the foot, can be helpful. However, if you are experiencing heel pain that does not improve, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist. You should see a podiatrist as soon as possible if your heel pain is severe enough to interfere with your daily activities, or if the pain worsens or becomes recurrent. It is especially important to be seen by a podiatrist if you have pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes.

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 Houston Foot and Ankle. 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 Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain is a common ailment which may be caused by an irritation of the nerves, arthritis, tendonitis, stress fractures in the heel, a cyst, or—most commonly—plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—the long band of connective tissue on the sole which links the heel bone to the toes—becomes torn, stressed, or otherwise damaged. Repetitive movements during sporting activities, having flat feet or high arches, obesity, prolonged standing, non-supportive footwear and other factors can all put undue stress on the plantar fascia and cause this painful condition to manifest. If you have heel pain of any kind, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can pinpoint the cause of your heel pain and treat it accordingly.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

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 Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow structure on the inside of the ankle, which lies next to the ankle bones. Nerves, arteries, veins, and tendons pass through the tarsal tunnel. The tibial nerve, which runs down the back of the leg, eventually makes its way through the tarsal tunnel to innervate the sole of the foot. When the tibial nerve gets compressed or squeezed within the tarsal tunnel, it can produce pain, tingling, burning, or numbness along its path in the foot. Typical causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include an injury to the ankle that causes inflammation near the tunnel, undue strain on the tibial nerve due to flat feet, something enlarged within the tarsal tunnel (such as a swollen vein, tendon, or cyst), and systemic diseases that cause swelling, such as arthritis and diabetes. If you believe you may have tarsal tunnel syndrome, early diagnosis and treatment from a podiatrist can help relieve your pain, halt the progression of the disorder, and prevent possible permanent nerve damage.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.

The Achilles tendon is located in the calf area and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. When an injury occurs it can cause a rupture or tear of the tendon, and this can be quite painful. It can happen as a result of suddenly turning, and is common among people who occasionally participate in sporting activities. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and plays an important role in walking, running, and pointing and flexing the foot. Many patients who have endured this type of injury can experience difficulty in pointing their toes downward, and the calf may become swollen and bruised as well. If you have pain in the heel or calf area it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat an Achilles tendon injury. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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 the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.