Items filtered by date: November 2022

Wednesday, 30 November 2022 00:00

Simple Foot Care Techniques for Diabetic Patients

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that happens due to elevated glucose levels in the blood. The feet are often affected, and daily attention must be paid to them. This can begin with washing and drying the feet, followed by checking the soles for existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes. Secondly, the toenails must be trimmed correctly, and many people prefer to schedule regular visits to a podiatrist who can cut toenails properly. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, and slippers worn inside the house can help to protect the feet while walking. Additionally, wearing sneakers while at the beach can help to shield the skin on the feet from the sand and sun. Poor circulation may be improved when the feet are frequently elevated, and a gentle exercise program is implemented. Many diabetic patients have high glucose levels as a result of the types of foods that are consumed. It is beneficial to reduce the intake of sugary foods and drinks and limit bread and pasta as much as possible. If you have diabetes, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat and help you to manage this condition. 

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

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00

Falls and Broken Ankles

Falls are common among seniors and once one falls, their chances of falling again are doubled. Unfortunately, falls can create serious injuries, including head injuries and broken bones, which can make everyday activities and mobility difficult. Causes can be a weakness in their lower body, being deficient in Vitamin D, or having trouble with walking or balance. Other falls may be from medicines that impact steadiness on the feet and cause poor vision. Wearing ill-fitting footwear can also make one more likely to fall. Broken ankles are often the result of falls, and this can further impact normal life. It is important to pay attention to risk factors and try to remedy as many of these as possible to prevent falls. Visiting a podiatrist can be helpful in being evaluated for fall risks and getting specific suggestions for changes that need to be made.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Read more about All About Broken Ankle
Tuesday, 15 November 2022 00:00

Flat Feet and the Military

Having flat feet is a foot condition that affects approximately 8 million people in the country. It is noticeable by the absence of an arch in the foot, and it can cause some people pain and discomfort. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops fully in the teenage years. Some adults will never have an arch, and this may affect certain parts of their lives. A common concern that is held by people who have flat feet and are interested in joining the military consists of being qualified for certain branches of service. In the past, military enlistment was not permitted for people with flat feet, but that policy has recently been changed. People who have this condition are allowed to enter the military, providing there are no obvious symptoms. However, if there is foot pain or swelling from flat feet, the interested person will be barred from enlisting. If you have questions about flat feet and how it contributes to enlisting in the military, please contact a podiatrist, who can answer any questions and concerns you may have.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Read more about What is Flexible Flat Foot?
Tuesday, 08 November 2022 00:00

Facts About Plantar Warts

A plantar wart, also called a verruca, is believed to be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and results in the buildup of keratin on the skin. This shows up as a wart. Because HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, it may be spread by walking barefoot around swimming pools or gym locker rooms. It frequently enters through a crack or sore on the bottom of the foot. Plantar warts often cause pain, which can be felt when putting weight on the foot. Other symptoms include thickened skin that appears to be a callus and black dots, which are actually dried blood trapped in the capillaries. Sometimes, white or skin-colored lesions appear on the sole of the foot. Plantar warts often go away on their own, but the foot may be re-exposed if proper footwear is not used in situations where HPV is likely to be found. A podiatrist can offer a number of treatment options to remove a plantar wart. Among them are burning off the wart with salicylic acid, freezing the wart, or cutting the wart out. For more information, please consult a podiatrist. 

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.

Read more about What Are Plantar Warts?
Tuesday, 01 November 2022 00:00

High Heels Can Lead to Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a painful foot condition that affects women more than men. It may develop from frequently wearing high heels and occurs in the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Many high heels do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in and this can cause the nerve to become compressed. Common symptoms associated with Morton’s neuroma can include the sensation of stepping on a pebble or marble, numbness, or stabbing pain surrounding the affected area. Relief may be found when the foot is elevated and when soft insoles are worn inside the shoe. Patients who are overweight are encouraged to lose any additional weight to help reduce the pressure on the feet. It is also suggested to refrain from participating in running and jumping activities, and this may help accelerate the healing process. In severe cases, surgery may be required to permanently repair or remove the affected nerve for maximum comfort. If you have this foot condition, please consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different 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 care needs.

Read more about What is Morton's Neuroma?

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