Items filtered by date: June 2023

Midfoot arthritis is a condition that affects the middle of the foot and can make it difficult to walk or even stand without pain. This type of arthritis usually gets worse as the day goes on and after standing or walking for prolonged times. It generally develops slowly and worsens over the years. However, it can sometimes develop after a severe foot injury. Sometimes a bony bump appears on the top of the foot with this condition. This ailment is from erosion of cartilage between the bones in the feet. Without the cartilage as cushioning, the bones begin to rub together and pain ensues. Treatment for midfoot arthritis involves wearing shoes that can take pressure off the midfoot and refraining from participating in high-impact activities. It is helpful to partake in alternative forms of exercise and perform strengthening exercises. If you suffer from pain in your midfoot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs, which are often associated with plantar fasciitis, can become painful. They occur when calcium builds up on the bottom of the heel bone. These outgrowths, or spurs, may be caused by foot muscle strains, stretching of the plantar fascia, and a tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are common in athletes who perform sports that require a great deal of running and jumping. Other causes can include gait issues that put extra pressure on the heels, running on hard surfaces, and poorly fitting shoes with inadequate arch support. Excess weight and obesity may also contribute to the formation of heel spurs. In some cases, a person may not experience any symptoms from heel spurs. But others may feel intermittent or chronic pain, especially after running or long periods of exercise. Stretching exercises, pain medication, and shoe inserts are helpful treatment options. For more information on methods to deal with heel spurs, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

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.

Psoriasis is an auto-immune skin condition that can affect many parts of the body, including the feet. When it causes a thickening of the skin covered in scales, it is referred to as plaque psoriasis. Symptoms of plaque psoriasis are itchy, dry, and cracked skin. Toenails may become pitted, cracked, or crumbly, and the affected skin may be painful. Scratching the skin leaves it open to infection. Psoriasis of the feet is referred to as pustular and may be the result of banging or rubbing of the area. This produces an itching sensation that can become quite uncomfortable. While there is no known cure for psoriasis, many treatment options are available, including steroid creams, medicated ointments, and moisturizers. For more information about dealing with psoriasis of the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.  

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Maintaining proper blood circulation to the feet is a critical part of practicing good everyday foot health. This is because proper circulation ensures that blood and oxygen reach the feet. There is an interesting connection between poor circulation in the feet and dry skin. Namely, when an individual struggles with obesity, they can essentially carry extra weight that inhibits proper blood circulation. As a result of this inhibited circulation, the skin on the feet may harden and become dry. If you are someone living with poor circulation in the feet, it is suggested that you reach out to a podiatrist today to address any concerns or problems.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.