Items filtered by date: October 2023

Choosing the right footwear is not just about fashion, it is a vital aspect of foot health and overall comfort. Wearing Ill-fitting shoes can lead to various problems, from blisters and calluses to more serious issues such as bunions and back pain. To ensure you are getting the perfect fit, it is beneficial to follow simple guidelines. This can begin by measuring your feet regularly, as their size can change over time. Stand up when measuring, as your feet expand under your body's weight. Remember that one foot may be slightly larger than the other, so choose shoes based on the larger foot's size. It is important to pay attention to both length and width, as a shoe that is too narrow can cause discomfort and potential foot problems. When trying on shoes, do so in the late afternoon or evening when your feet tend to be slightly swollen from daily activity. Walk around in the shoes to ensure they provide enough space and do not pinch or rub anywhere. Check that your toes have some wiggle room, and your heel fits snugly without slipping. Finally, consider the type of shoe you need based on your activity, whether it's running, walking, or formal occasions. Proper shoe sizing is an investment in your foot health and overall well-being. By taking the time to find the right fit, you can prevent discomfort, pain, and potential long-term foot issues. If you require additional information about various shoe fitting methods, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.

Children's feet are remarkable in their growth and development, undergoing significant changes from birth to adolescence. During infancy, a baby's feet are mostly cartilage, gradually ossifying into bones. It is fascinating to note that a child will typically grow approximately 17 shoe sizes by the age of two. As they start walking, the arches of their feet begin to form and develop, providing stability and support. Children often have a naturally wider forefoot and a flat arch due to the accumulation of fatty tissue, which eventually diminishes with age and activity. Wearing proper footwear when the time is right is important for healthy foot development, allowing room for growth and adequate support. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can ensure any potential foot issues are addressed early. If you would like additional information about the stages of development in children’s feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist. 

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Excessive foot sweating, known as focal hyperhidrosis, is a common but distressing condition. It involves uncontrollable sweating of the feet even when not hot or physically active. Treatments can help manage its impact. Normal sweating occurs when you are hot, exercising, anxious, or nervous, as the nervous system triggers sweat glands to cool the body. Medical conditions, including diabetes, menopause, thyroid problems, and nervous system disorders, can cause excessive sweating of the feet. Some medications may contribute to this as well. While excessive sweating itself does not harm health, it can significantly affect quality of life, causing emotional distress, skin conditions, and discomfort. Diagnosis involves a medical evaluation to rule out underlying causes. Treatment options can include medications, therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. Moderate relief can consist of keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing moisture-wicking socks made from breathable fabrics, and seeking emotional support if needed. If you suffer from excessively sweaty feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and treatment.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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.

Toe defects can be present at birth, known as congenital anomalies. These can range from incomplete formation to extra toes. One cause could be amniotic band syndrome, where strands from the amniotic sac entangle around the fetus, restricting growth. Polydactyly refers to toes, which can be fully functional or just a flesh nub. Syndactyly involves webbing or fusion of toes. In simple cases, only soft tissues are fused, but in complex cases, bones are also fused. These defects can also be part of genetic syndromes such as Apert syndrome. Diagnosis often involves ultrasounds before birth and X-rays after birth. Genetic testing may also be done, particularly if other family members have similar issues or a genetic syndrome is suspected. Treatment usually involves surgery to correct the defect or remove extra digits. Prosthetics may be used for missing toes. If your child has been born with extra toes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for the best treatment for your child that will help ensure growing up with little to no impact on their mobility.

Congenital foot problems require 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.

A broken toe can happen to anyone, whether it is from a sudden accident or a simple misstep. The first step in treating a broken toe is recognizing the signs. Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the toe are common indicators. If you suspect a break, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. To confirm the broken toe, a diagnosis is often needed by having an X-ray taken. In the meantime, you can take some steps to alleviate discomfort. Resting the affected foot and elevating it may help to reduce swelling. Immobilize the toe by buddy-taping it to an adjacent healthy toe, which can provide support and stability during the healing process. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help to manage pain, and it is helpful to avoid putting weight on the injured toe. If the fracture is severe or displaced, the toe may need to be reset or placed in a splint. Healing a broken toe takes time, so it is advised to be patient and take good care of your injured toe. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this injury.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.