When it comes to choosing the right shoe size while online shopping, there are guidelines to avoid sizing mishaps. It is wise to measure your foot each time you buy from a new brand. To measure your foot accurately, stand on a flat surface with your heels against a wall. Place a ruler on the floor beside the inside of your foot from heel to toe. Position an object with a flat edge at the tip of your longest toe. Measure the length in centimeters where the flat edge crosses the ruler. When using size conversion charts, centimeters are used, as these charts are metric-based. In general, if you have shopped for a particular brand before, order your normal shoe size unless you have a wider foot or wear a half size, in which case, you might have to go up a half size. Account for brand differences as different shoe brands may have slight variations in sizing. By following these steps, you can confidently choose the right shoe size when shopping online, avoiding the frustration of returns, and ensuring a comfortable fit for your footwear. If you have additional questions about how to find the right size shoes for your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss this further.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.

In recent years, minimally invasive surgery has garnered increasing attention as a potential solution for correcting foot and ankle deformities. Unlike traditional open procedures that require large incisions, minimally invasive surgery involves small, precise incisions. The anticipated advantages of this type of surgery include the preservation of blood supply, reduced harm to adjacent soft tissues, and a decreased incidence of wound complications. Minimally invasive surgical techniques can be performed for deformities such as flat feet, bunions, and hammertoe surgeries. If you have foot or ankle deformities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether minimally invasive surgery can help you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Cuboid syndrome is a painful foot condition that can significantly disrupt mobility and daily activities. It occurs when the cuboid bone becomes displaced. The exact cause of cuboid syndrome is often attributed to sudden or excessive forces applied to the foot during activities such as running, jumping, or rolling the ankle. Athletes and individuals who engage in high-impact sports or activities are at a higher risk for this condition due to the repetitive stress placed on the foot. Additionally, people who have flat feet or those who wear poorly fitting shoes may also be prone to developing cuboid syndrome. Recognizing and addressing these risk factors is crucial in preventing the occurrence of cuboid syndrome and maintaining optimal foot health. Seeking professional care promptly is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to ensure a swift recovery. If you have pain in the outer part of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

For individuals with diabetes, a proper foot care routine is crucial to managing their health. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce blood flow to the feet, increasing the risk of complications. A diabetic foot care routine can begin with washing your feet daily with mild soap and warm water and ensuring thorough drying, especially between the toes, to prevent infections. This can be followed by examining the feet every day for any cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Early detection of problems is essential for timely intervention. It is vital to keep the skin hydrated by applying moisturizer. Wearing proper shoes can help the feet to feel comfortable, and it is beneficial to refrain from walking barefoot. Trim the nails straight across instead of in a curved fashion to prevent ingrown toenails. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist trained to deal with complications from this diabetes. 

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.

One of the main causes of poor foot posture is overpronation. This condition occurs when your gait, or how you walk or run, causes the arch of the foot to flatten. This can cause the ankle to roll inward, instead of remaining straight, and puts stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the foot arches. The result is a flattening of the feet. However, flat feet are a different matter entirely. Flat feet, or pes planus, are the collapse or absence of the arch. This condition is common among women over 40, pregnant women, in addition to people who are overweight or have certain medical conditions. Pregnant women are also at risk of overpronation, as the result of gait changes due to a redistribution of their weight. Obesity or walking for long periods of time can also contribute to overpronation. Furthermore, patients whose feet are already slightly flattened are more apt to develop overpronation. If you believe that you may be suffering the effects of overpronation or flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis and an examination of the arches. 

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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.