The foot condition known as clubfoot is considered to be a birth defect. It does not improve without treatment, and it is advised that a treatment program begin as early as possible. It is a foot structure deformity, and is present at birth. A noticeable sign that clubfoot is present consists of the baby’s foot turning in, forcing the bottom of the foot to face sideways. Research has indicated there are two types of clubfoot. The most common type is referred to as isolated clubfoot, and can happen when there are no other medical conditions. When other health issues and clubfoot exists, this is referred to as non-isolated clubfoot. Spina bifida can accompany clubfoot and is considered to be a birth defect of the brain, spine, and spinal cord. There may be factors that can increase the risk of having a baby born with clubfoot. These include having a baby boy, environmental factors consisting of the kinds of foods that are eaten, and genetic factors. Many pregnant women choose to have ultrasound tests performed, which can be helpful in detecting if clubfoot is present. A common treatment, which can be started after birth, is known as the Ponseti method. This consists of gently stretching the affected foot toward the correct position, followed by putting it in a cast. If your child has clubfoot, please consult with a podiatrist who can help to manage effective treatment options.

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.

Being overweight or obese can cause a variety of health problems, including issues with your feet and ankles. Extra pounds can mean extra pressure placed on these areas, which may lead to foot pain, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, flat feet, and peripheral edema. Peripheral edema is the medical term for swelling in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. The swelling occurs when there is decreased blood circulation caused by excess body mass which, in turn, leads to an accumulation of fluid in the tissues. Peripheral edema may sometimes be prevented by exercising regularly, reducing salt consumption, and achieving/maintaining a healthier body weight. A podiatrist can provide additional prevention tips for peripheral edema, and use a variety of methods to treat it.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

The foot withstands considerable force placed on it by all the activities we do, including walking. There are 26 bones in the foot that are connected by joints and supported by ligaments to absorb the impact of movement. Also, muscles and tendons in the foot allow for flexing and extending the foot. Bones in the foot can break from direct blows, injuries, falls, overuse, or stress. Symptoms of a broken foot include pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to put weight on the foot. If a bone is sticking out from the foot after a fracture, it is more serious and could become a deformity. Most foot fractures are treated with a compression dressing, a stiff soled shoe or boot, and weight bearing as tolerated. Complications can arise from a foot fracture if the bones do not heal properly, if arthritis is involved, one has peripheral neuropathy, or if the skin is broken and an infection develops. Healing time depends on the type of break and the bones involved. A podiatrist should be consulted to confirm a break, access its severity, and for a proper treatment regimen.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

There are many reasons people wear flip-flops in the summer. Yes, they are easy to put on, they keep your feet cooler, and they are much more affordable than shoes so you can get them in many colors. But experts believe that wearing flip-flops on a regular basis can generate serious problems for your feet. First, most flip-flops do not provide adequate cushioning for your heels or support for your arches. They also lack the proper stability and may cause your gait to change, which can cause alignment problems in other body parts. Second, flip-flops offer little protection for your feet against injury, insect bites, and stings, or sunburn. Third, wearing flip-flops can leave you vulnerable to fungal infections, as well as other microorganisms that thrive in the water or sand. If you want further information about foot safety in the summertime, it might be wise to consult with a podiatrist for professional guidance. 

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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.

Many forms of exercise target the larger muscle groups, and the small muscles in the feet may be overlooked. Research has shown that when the ball of the foot is properly stretched, the overall foot may become stronger by improving arch and surrounding ligaments. An effective stretch is referred to as the golf ball stretch. This is done by rolling the sole of the foot over a golf ball for several minutes, then switching feet. Many people find it beneficial to walk on their tip toes, and this can help to build up the balls of the feet. Additionally, calf raises can be done with resistance as the strength in the feet increases. Having a full range of motion in your feet is essential in keeping the feet strong. This can be practiced by standing on a stool while dangling the legs. The big toe can be used as an imaginary pencil, and letters of the alphabet can be drawn with the toes. If you would like additional information about how exercise can benefit the feet, please contact a podiatrist who can provide useful information.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.