Heel pain is a common affliction that podiatrists treat on a daily basis. They see many different forms of heel pain emanating from injuries to soft tissues and other structures, breaks in bones, and arthritis. Soft tissue inflammatory conditions that cause heel pain include plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the foot), Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle that connects the calf muscles to the heel), ligament sprains and muscles strains near the heel, and bursitis (inflammation of the bursa sac between the heel and the Achilles tendon). A fractured heel can vary from a small crack to a full break in the bone, and cause a great deal of heel pain. There are also different forms of arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis, which can cause pain and tightness in the heel. To have your heel pain properly diagnosed and treated, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can help devise an effective treatment plan to address your specific condition.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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.

Research has indicated there are many thousands or even millions of steps that adults have walked by the age of 50. It is common for people to have foot pain at one or more points in their lives, despite the fact it is not normal, even as the aging process occurs. Foot care in the elderly often starts with washing and drying the feet daily, followed by using a good moisturizer. It is crucial to cut the toenails straight across instead of having the toenails stay curved. This technique may be helpful in preventing a painful ingrown toenail from developing. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly and are comfortable, which may help to avoid corns and calluses. A good shoe to wear can have qualities consisting of having at least one inch between the longest toe and the end of the shoe, a firm heel, and a flexible shoe box. Many elderly people choose to be under a podiatrist’s care, and this is helpful in treating existing foot ailments and possibly preventing future foot pain. If your loved one is diabetic or has any type of foot condition, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

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.