Items filtered by date: December 2022

Many pregnant women notice their growing fetus produces several changes to the body. The feet are often affected, and can become swollen as the pregnancy progresses. It is considered to be an uncomfortable but normal part of pregnancy, and some women may need to buy larger shoes during this time. Swollen feet during pregnancy can happen as a result of extra pressure that is put on the blood vessels, which carry the blood from the legs to the heart. Fluid retention can happen from this, and the medical term for this is known as edema. Additionally, the feet may become larger from the hormone relaxin, which is responsible for loosening the ligaments in the feet. There are effective methods that can help to manage swollen feet during this time. These can consist of drinking plenty of water, limiting sodium intake, and frequently elevating the feet. Additionally, it may help to refrain from crossing the legs, and wearing support stockings may help to limit fluid retention. If you have concerns about how pregnancy can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

A foot condition that is common among active children and young teenagers is called Sever’s disease. It is characterized by heel pain and affects kids who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. The medical term for this ailment is known as calcaneal apophysitis and the pain comes from the heel area as new bones form at the growth plate. Excess repetition can cause inflammation surrounding the heel which can make it difficult to walk. The symptoms that are generally felt with this condition can consist of swelling, tenderness, and limping. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may contribute to the onset of Sever’s disease. This may also cause the ankle to have a limited range of motion. After a diagnosis is performed, which includes having a physical assessment and an X-ray taken, it may be recommended that specific stretches are completed to help strengthen the affected foot. Additionally, a podiatrist may prescribe custom-made orthotics that can provide additional cushioning. If your child is afflicted with Sever’s disease, please consult with this type of doctor to manage this condition.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

When the skin on the feet is exposed to friction or pressure, circles of hard, thick skin, called corns can develop. These usually come on the sides and tops of the toes or between the toes. Wearing shoes without socks and the rubbing this can cause on feet while walking, running, or standing for long periods of time can contribute to the development of corns. Proper foot care goes a long way in preventing corns. Washing, drying, and using moisturizer on the feet each day is imperative. Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit well. If you get a corn, you can soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes and then use a pumice stone to gently massage it to help remove dead skin cells and try to alleviate pain. Once this is done, it might help to put a cotton ball soaked in castor oil over the corn and secure it with a bandage. Doing this each day may help the corn heal. If using such methods does not resolve the issue, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you additional treatment options.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

A heel spur is a bony growth on the calcaneus, or heel bone, that often extends into the arch of the foot. Though this can become painful, many people have heel spurs and are unaware of them. Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel to the ball of the foot. Heel spurs, which are calcium deposits, develop over a period of time. They can be the result of continual stretching of the plantar fascia or repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are especially common among runners and other athletes who do a lot of jumping. Other risk factors are running on hard surfaces, footwear that does not provide proper heel cushioning or arch support, and excess weight or obesity. In addition, people who spend a great part of the day on their feet may be more likely to develop heel spurs. Seniors, people with diabetes, and anyone with arch problems also may be more at risk. If heel spurs are causing pain and interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.  

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.