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achillesTendon
24Jan

achillesTendonIt is normal for the Achilles ligament to get injured. The tendon stretches from the heel to the calf muscles, and it is the largest tendon in the body. It is springy and is felt at the back of the ankle. It mainly helps raise your toes and point the toes towards the floor. It is common to feel stiffness or burning pain at the back of your leg, which is an indication that the is partly or entirely torn. Achilles tendon pain affects your ability to walk.

Causes of Achilles tendon

Every time you walk, you use the Achilles tendon to move the foot, although, it is prone to injury due to poor circulation.

  • An injury can happen due to increased stress on the tendon through intense sports, especially those involving jumping, falling, or stepping into a hole.
  • Achilles tendinitis injury can affect some parts of the tendon. There are two main types under this category the non-insertional Achilles tendinitis, which is an injury to the middle of the tendon when it breaks or swells, and the insertional Achilles tendinitis that affects the lower part of the heel and can cause bone spurs.
  • is common among weekend warriors, who are mainly middle-aged people participating in sports part-time.
  • Illness or medications such as certain antibiotics or steroids weaken the tendon leaving it prone to injuries.

Achilles tendon issues can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing pain with your achilles tendon, contact the podiatrist at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Some factors that increase the risk of Achilles tendon rupture include:

  1. Age between 30 to 40 is more likely to experience Achilles injury.
  2. Tendon injury is more likely to occur in men than women.
  3. Recreational sports that have sudden stop and start, involving jumping or running, such as tennis, soccer, and basketball.
  4. Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin increase the risk of tendon injury.
  5. Being overweight puts more strain on the tendon.
  6. Steroid injections into the ankle joint can weaken the nearby tendons and can be associated with a tendon injury.

Prevention of

The chances of developing Achilles tendon injury can be reduced by:

Stretching the calf until there is a noticeable pull. The stretching exercise keeps the tendon strong and increases its ability to absorb force thus preventing injury.

Alternate high impact sports with low-impact sports. Alternate running with swimming, and when injured avoid activities that place excess stress on the Achilles tendons.

Avoid running or training on slippery and hard surfaces.

Dress in well-fitting athletics shoes with properly cushioned heels and in cold weather dress warmly.

Increase training intensity slowly, that is the increase in distance, duration, or frequency, should be done at a rate of 10 percent.

The obvious symptom of Achilles tendon injury is pain above your heel when you are on your feet. The injury pain is usually instant but the area might be stiff, tender, and swollen. Immediately you notice symptoms of tendon injury, start by resting and applying ice, compression, and keeping the leg elevated until you can visit an Achilles tendon specialist for further treatment.

18Jan

bunion

A , usually a bony bump, that forms on the joint of the big . It means that some bones at the front of the foot have moved out of place, causing the big toe to pull towards the smaller toes, forcing the joint to stick out. The area around the joint is red and sore. The most obvious symptom of a bunion is a bulging lump at the joint of the toe. Avoid bunion surgery by seeking solutions immediately you notice bunion symptoms.

Causes of bunions

The exact cause of bunions is not known, but other likely reasons are

  1. Foot deformities at birth.
  2. Inherited foot type.
  3. and stresses.
  4. Some bunions have been linked to inflammatory rheumatoid .
  5. Tight or too-narrow shoes or high-heeled shoes cause bunions though some experts disagree with this.

Other factors that increase the risk of developing bunions are:

  • Wearing high heels is believed to be the number one risk factor. High heels force the toes to the front of the shoes causing the toes to cramp.
  • Wearing too narrow or tight shoes, likely pointed, cause bunions due to pressure on the toes cramped together.
  • The tendency to develop bunions might be a result of inherited anatomy or structure of the foot.
  • If you have an underlying condition, such as , it likely favors the development of bunions.
  • Adolescents, especially girls, are likely to get bunions. It is not known why, but doctors suspect the constant need to change footwear around this age as a contributing factor. However, bunions in adolescents and young people have not been linked to any underlying health condition.
  • Bunionette forms at the little toe’s joint, often known as a tailor’s bunion, is caused by the pressure put on the side of the foot. It often happens due to sitting cross-legged for long hours, putting pressure on the side of the foot leading to bunions near the pinky toes.

Unless you seek bunion treatment Houston, bunions are permanent. However, several measures will make you comfortable and slow bunion progression. Some measures include

  1. Maintain a healthy weight that does not put pressure on your feet.
  2. Buy the gel-filled or moleskin from a drugstore for the protection of the bunion. You need to test the moleskin for a short time to determine if it helps ease pressure and pain.
  3. Buy over-the-counter arch supports or shoe inserts that will position the foot correctly.
  4. Following your ‘s guidance, use a splint at night to ease the discomfort and hold the toe straight.
  5. Take pain killers that are anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen.
  6. Use massage, warm soaks, and icepacks regularly. If you have circulation problems, consult the before using an icepack.
  7. Buy proper fitting shoes with a wide toe box with room for your toes. The heels of the shoes should be lower than two inches.

Immediately you notice changes in the structure of the toe or foot, visit a bunion doctor to avoid complications such as stiff toe, chronic , and foot/toe deformity.

Over at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center  located in Houston, Texas, and covering surrounding areas like Cypress, and Katy, TX. Ejodamen Shobowale, DPM and her highly skilled staff provide personalized comprehensive care for all your and sport medicine needs. Whether the issue is foot-related like hammertoes, or toenail fungus or involves pain in the heel , nerves, or joints, Dr. Sho, as she is fondly called, can get you back on your feet in no time.

9Nov
Bunions can be corrected with surgery
Bunions can be corrected with surgery

A can be painful, and affects the function and movement of the joint. A might recommend surgical intervention to offer instant relief. Minimally invasive bunion surgery Houston

is becoming a popular option for treatment that started with the Kramer osteotomy and K-wire.

Why should you consider minimally invasive ? Minimally invasive surgery is preferred for mild and moderately painful bunions since

it facilitates easier recovery. For severe bunions, patients undergo open surgery to fix the symptoms of the condition.

The term minimally invasive encompasses a variety of incisional approaches and bunion correction methods. The techniques have been evolving over the past decades.

Best bunion surgeons successfully execute realignment using minimally invasive techniques. Depending on the severity of the bunion, several correction methods are used,

such as realignment osteotomy (bone cutting and bone shaving) or fusion that is bone mending.

Podiatrists use specialized equipment that allows bony correction through small incisional portals made on the skin of the foot.

Minimally invasive Versus bunionectomy

  • Use of high speed, small cone-shaped bone burs to shave and cut the bony segments, while bunionectomy uses large flat bone saws.
  • Tiny incisions made during the surgery allow quick recovery while bunionectomy is open surgery that takes significant time to recover.
  • Experience less after surgery pain that goes away after a short period, allowing you to back to your activities,but after a bunionectomy, you need physical therapy to build strength in your joints.
  • A short operative and recovery time while for bunionectomy you might not be able to walk for a few weeks.
  • Minimally invasive procedures offer bunion correction with minimal trauma and disruption of the overlying soft tissue and skin.

Are you the best candidate for minimally invasive bunion surgery?

When conducted by the best bunion surgeon, most bunions can be corrected using minimally invasive techniques. Moderate bunions are easy to correct,

as compared to large and small bunions. Large bunions might require stable fixation and translations, while small bunions pose a challenge orienting the surgical hardware.

A minimally invasive procedure is ideal for active and healthy patients although these surgical procedures are not the best for every bunion patient.

Arthritic patients may require different surgical procedures. Smoking is not a contradiction in bunion surgery; however, it might delay the bone healing process after surgery.

For patients with osteoporosis, the bone quality might require a restrictive postoperative course.

Are there potential complications?

Minimally invasive procedures are not immune to post-surgical complications.  Some complications are more amplified, while other complications have fewer effects.

Other bunion surgery complications include infections, recurrence, regional pain syndrome, and joint stiffness.

A minimally invasive realignment with screw fixation has fewer complications and superior outcomes, making it the best bunionectomy procedure.

The techniques and procedures, continue to evolve due to the emergence of new surgical screws and specialized instruments.

Houston bunion surgery today allows tiny incisions, walking recovery, and an easy recovery process.

Over at the DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center in Houston , Texas, covering surrounding areas such as Katy, and Cypress, TX. For all your 

and sports medicine needs, Ejodamen Shobowale, DPM and her highly qualified staff provide personalized comprehensive care.

Dr. Sho, as she is affectionately called, will get you back on your feet in no time, regardless of the patient’s issue.

She takes care of foot-related issues like hammertoes, toenail fungus , pain in the ankle, nerves, or joints.

22Mar

bunionAlso referred to as Hallux valgus, it is a painful bump which is bony and it develops in the big joint inside the foot. Besides, one can suffer from a tailor’s which forms alongside the fifth metatarsal alongside the little toe. The development is slow, gradually changing the structure of the bones and the pressure causes the toes to lean towards each other.

Who’s prone to the development of a bunion?

Greater prevalence is in women because of the belief that they wear narrow, tight shoes that squeeze the toes, which favors the development of a bunion. The problem can be exacerbated because the body’s weight is pushed forward and the toes are forced in front. However, narrow shoes are not the underlying cause of developing bunions.

They also run in families, especially among people with , low arches, tendons, and loose joints are more prone to bunions.

The shape of the top of the first metatarsal bone is also a determinant because if it is too round it is more likely to deform upon squeezing.

Some occupations require lots of standing, dancing, and walking such as nursing, ballet dancing, and teaching. People in these occupations are more susceptible to bunions.

Pregnant women are more likely to develop bunions because hormonal changes cause the feet to flatten and ligaments loosen.

patients are at a higher risk of developing bunions because it damages the cartilages within joints.

If you are looking for some expert advice on bunions, you may want to seek help from a . Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our , Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale will provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet

INTERVENTIONS

Conservative method bunion treatment

Relieve pressure off the by wearing the right shoes that are wide with enough room for toe movement. Good shoe choices include shoes made from soft leather, sandals, and athletic shoes.

Wear low heeled shoes not higher than an inch.

Protect the bunion with a gel-filled pad or moleskin; they are readily available at drugstores. Have spacious shoes to accommodate the pads.

Wear shoe inserts (semisoft orthoses) that will correctly position the feet.

Wearing a splint at night eases discomfort and holds the toe straight.

Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warm soaks, and ice packs to relieve pain. Cortisone injection temporarily reduces inflammation.

Massage, ultrasound, and whirlpool may provide relief.

Bunion surgery

Bunions can be removed via a surgical procedure to correct the deformed area; the procedure is known as a bunionectomy.  There are different types of removal procedures which will remove the bunion and realign the big toe. A specialist determines the kind of procedure that should be done depending on how it developed and the size.

You are eligible for surgery if

  • Bunion pain restricts you from accomplishing daily activities.
  • If you can’t walk a few blocks without .
  • Even after medication and rest, the big toe remains swollen and painful.
  • If you cannot bend or straighten the big toe.

There are three main procedures a surgeon performs

  • Osteotomy where the big toe joint is cut to realign in a normal position.
  • Exostectomy where the bunion is removed without doing an alignment.
  • Arthrodesis where the surgeon replacing the damaged joint metal plates and screws in a bid to correct the deformity.

After a , full recovery can take at least four months.

Keep track of the shape of the feet as they develop. Exercise the feet by picking small objects with your toes to strengthen them. Avoid high heels and wear shoes that fit properly without cramping your toes together. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX. Our Cypress office can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all bunion related issues.

achilles tendon
14Jan

Understanding the

The achilles tendon is known to be the largest tendon in your body that extends from calf muscles to the bones of the heel. You can feel it at the back of your ankle and above your heel. To feel the achilles tendon at work, while on your feet, point your toes to the floor and raise the tips of your toes. Injuries to this tendon are often associated with mild or moderate pain or sudden stiffness in that part of the leg. In severe cases of , it may be because the tendon is torn or possibly ruptured. 

achilles tendon

Causes of Injuries To The Achilles Tendon

The injury is common if someone is engaging in activities that require quick sprints, slow downs or pivots. Some of these activities are dancing, football, tennis, volleyball, softball, gymnastics, running, etc. Furthermore, repetitive strain of achilles tendon have been known to be a common cause of injury to the achilles tendon.

The achilles tendon connects to the achilles heel. The achilles heel bone can become tender with age and this increases the probability of an injury to the bone or tendon. This scenario is typically more severe for athletes that participate in quick movement sports.

How to prevent a to the achilles tendon?

To prevent an , some measures can be taken:

Daily stretching – It is necessary to stretch the calf muscles and achilles tendon daily to prevent injuries to this part of the leg. This will also improve your flexibility. 

  • Increase activity level slowly – With regular physical activity, the likelihood of experiencing pain from achilles tendon is very slim
  • Strengthen calf muscles – Strong muscles help the calf and achilles tendon to handle sudden stress caused by exercise or similar activities.  
  • Take it easy – Try to keep away from activities that can cause stress to your calf muscles and achilles tendon. Warm-up first before you try any strenuous activity.  
  • Choose shoes carefully – Choose the right shoes when exercising. Choose shoes that have suitable cushioning to reduce stress to your feet. Replace worn-out shoes. Finally, if the shoe is not comfortable, do not use it to exercise. 

If you are dealing with Achilles tendonitis, the following steps can help alleviate the pain:

  1. Rest the injured leg as much as you can and do not put weight on the leg. 
  2. Ice it for at least twenty minutes and also do some stretches to avoid pain from the tendon.
  3. Compress your injured leg with the help of elastic bandages around the lower leg and  ankle to reduce the chances of swelling.
  4. You can take anti-inflammatory medicines which should help with pain and swelling. Take medicine only after consulting with a physician as it is necessary to use the right dosage
  5. While resting, try elevating your leg to get some relief.
  6. Try wearing heel lifts. Heel lifts in shoes give relief from achilles tendonitis pain.
19Sep

A refers to a bony bump that is formed at the bottom area of your big , where it joins the foot bone to form a union known as the first metatarsal. When you have a bunion, your big toe points overly towards your second toe. It is a foot deformity that comprises of both soft tissue and bone.

This foot deformity can be very painful. One of the most common reasons for this condition is wearing shoes that are very narrow or small in the toe area. This can also be considered as a pressure-response impact. Women are more prone to develop this deformity as compared to men.

is a surgical operation that focuses on correcting the malformed region of the foot close to the big toe. The procedure of Bunion removal is also called hallux valgus correction, bunionectomy, or bunion operation. Hallux valgus is a Latin term that refers to ‘foot malformation’.

If non-surgical methods are not effective for relieving your pain, then bunion removal becomes an obligatory surgical procedure.

Opting for the

There are a large number of people who experience comfort and relief from the bunion pain by wearing larger shoes that have a broader toe cap. For example, a person with such a foot deformity may decide to wear sports shoes rather than high heels to ease the pain.

Using protective pads for cushioning the bunion also helps. If someone still experiences pain in spite of making these lifestyle changes, then he can choose to undergo a bunion removal surgery as it will prove to be an effective treatment procedure.

Houston foot specialists at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center offer more than a hundred different forms of bunion removal surgeries to take out the baunion and to readjust the big toe. Factors like the size of the bunion and the way it has developed determine the type of surgical procedure that suits you.

bunion removal

Preparing for the Surgery

Before the scheduling of bunion surgery in Houston, you will need to undergo certain medical tests to assess your comprehensive health. These medical tests include:

1) The X-ray of your lungs

2) Monitoring your heart function for performing an electrocardiogram.

3) Examining your urine and blood to detect any underlying disease or ailment.

You will also be required to stop taking any medications for several days before undergoing the surgery, especially if you take any blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin.

Bunion surgery is generally an ambulant procedure and allows you to go home in several hours after the completion of the surgery. 

You can consult your doctor to determine the duration of fasting before the bunion surgery according to the time of your surgery. You must follow their instructions carefully to prevent any potential complications.

The Procedure of the Surgery

The majority of the people don’t require a general anesthetic before the surgery but you will be given a local anesthetic known as ankle block. It causes below the ankle; however, you will be awake during the surgery. 

After you are entirely numb, the surgeon will take out the bunion and will make other required corrections to your foot.

The following are a few common types of bunion surgeries:

  • Osteotomy-

In this procedure, the surgeon will remove your big toe joint and readjust it to the usual position.

  • Exostectomy-

The bunion will be removed by the surgeon without making any realignment.

  • Arthrodesis-

The damaged joint will be replaced using metal plates or screws to repair the deformity.

After the surgery has been successfully done, you will be shifted to the recovery room and your foot will be bandaged. The surgeon will monitor your heart rate and blood pressure.

Recovery

The complete recovery takes about 4 to 6 months. During the first two weeks, you will have to wear a surgical cast or boot to protect your foot. You should also take care that the stitches don’t get wet.

After the surgical boot is removed, you will not be able to endure weight on your foot and will require crutches for support. Houston advises to ice your foot to speed up the healing process and minimize inflammation. Ensure to keep off your feet as much as possible.

Also, your foot will continue to remain swollen for a few months after the removal of a bunion. You should wear shoes that have a wider toe box to reduce the pain. Women must not wear high heels for about six months after the bunion surgery. You can consult your doctor for any physical therapy and exercises to strengthen your foot.

bunion treatment shoe, bunion removal surgery

Bunion removal surgery is extremely successful and the majority of people who opt for this surgery experience reduced pain in the foot and improved alignment of their big toe.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about bunion removal