+
Home admin (Page 72)

Author: admin

Dr. Ejodamen B Shobowale, DPM, smiling in a white coat at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center.
19Apr

Modern medDr. Ejodamen B Shobowale, DPM, smiling in a white coat at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center. icine is attractive; there is a specialist for every part of the body. The feet are not an exception and you need a podiatrist to keep them fully functional.  If you are certain of what you want, seek a specialist for your foot issues. Podiatrists are masters who deal with problems affecting lower legs and the feet. Foot injuries and conditions vary; some podiatrists specialize in sports injury, biomechanical, surgery among other conditions while others specialize in more than one condition. Podiatric medical schools are responsible for training, followed by years of residency training. Podiatrists prescribe drugs, do surgeries, order lab tests, reset broken bones and order x-rays.

If you are looking for some expert advice on foot and ankle issues, you may want to seek help from the best podiatrist in Houston. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our Houston foot doctor. Our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet

What to consider when choosing a  podiatrist.

Experience

Find one who specializes in medical and surgical services if you need, both administrations in your foot issues. An experienced podiatry expert comes up with the best diagnosis and the right treatment choices for foot pains and conditions. It’s critical to check how long they have been in the industry. A few conditions are intricate you need a specialist who can treat complex issues of the feet and one who has the right treatment approach.

Look for references

Get your friends, family members, and relatives to seek reviews of an experienced podiatrist in Houston. The best individual to tell would be one who has endured foot pain or foot injury. The numerous opinions you seek the better for you to compare and decide on the best.

Should emphasize the significance of orthotics

The best podiatrists understand the importance of orthotics. This is because they correct various foot conditions before they become complex. Proper utilization of proper shoe inserts can deal with plantar fasciitis.

Convenience

There are a few interesting points when searching for a podiatrist who will work with you. Part of getting the right treatment depends on if the doctors working hours fit your schedule and do they accept your health insurance. You need to spare each penny in your pocket and getting specialist who acknowledges your medical coverage is vital. Where is the doctor located? Is it accessible by you?

Existing medical condition

Some ailments most likely cause foot conditions. Settle for a foot doctor who is familiar with foot complications that come from pre-existing conditions such as diabetes.

Why do you need to see a podiatrist?

  1. If you start running regularly, have your feet assessed to get recommendations for the right athletic shoe.
  2. If you notice peeling or scaling of the feet.
  3. III. When you experience joint pain in the ankles, heels, and feet, especially if they are red, delicate, swollen or tender and they limit daily activities.
  4. If you are diabetic, you are susceptible to foot problems. Make a podiatrist visits part of your health care routine to avoid complications which can result in amputation.
  5. If you have discolored or thick, or stubborn ingrown toenails.
  6. If you suspect you might have suffered a broken bone, sprain or strain.
  7. VII. If you have wart-like growths
  8. VIII. If you have a callus or corns that are bothersome.
  9. If you notice cuts or cracks on the skin.
  10. If you have athlete’s foot that doesn’t improve after some.

What to expect on your visit to the Houston foot doctor?

The principal visit resembles other specialist’s visit, the podiatrist will ask questions about medical history; mention medications you are on and medical procedures you have undergone.

Assessment of your walk, stand, range of motion and your shoe fit. A podiatrist treats ingrown toenails, bunions, lower back pain, heel pain, foot deformities and blood circulation to your feet for diabetic patients. The podiatrist can recommend physical therapy, orthotics or padding.

Most importantly, choose a podiatrist you are comfortable with. The feet are a very important part of your body. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Houston, TX. Our Houston foot specialist can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We offer the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all foot and ankle related issues.

22Mar

bunionAlso referred to as Hallux valgus, it is a painful bump which is bony and it develops in the big toe joint inside the foot. Besides, one can suffer from a tailor’s bunion 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 flat feet, 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.

Arthritis 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 podiatrist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale will provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet

BUNION CORRECTOR INTERVENTIONS

Conservative method bunion treatment

Relieve pressure off the foot bunion 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 foot pain.
  • 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 bunion removal, 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.

Detailed illustration of the Achilles tendon connecting calf muscles to the heel.
14Jan

Understanding the Achilles Tendon

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 achilles tendon pain, 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 foot injury to the achilles tendon?

To prevent an achilles tendon injury, 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. 

Achilles Tendonitis Treatment

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 bunion refers to a bony bump that is formed at the bottom area of your big toe, 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.

Bunion removal 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 Bunion Surgery

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 numbness 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. Foot specialist 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

 

3Sep

Sesamoiditis is a condition that affects the joint that is just behind the big toe in the area known as the ball of the foot. It is most common in younger people and people who have just begun an exercise program. Since the sesamoid bones are like a pulley controlling the big toe, they can rub against each other and cause a gradual onset of pain. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. If ignored, sesamoiditis can lead to other, more serious problems such as severe irritation and fractures of the bones.

The cause of sesamoiditis is sudden increase in activity. The ball of your foot acts as a springboard to help you lift off when you are jogging or running. Sudden increase in the use of these bones or the tendon that controls them can cause irritation. The tendon then begins to develop inflammation and the joint begins to swell. People with smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch are typically more susceptible to this condition.

Sesamoiditis is fairly simple to diagnose since the symptoms have a gradual onset rather than a sudden impact. The symptoms begin with slight irritation around the joint shortly after the increase in activity. The discomfort eventually turns to pain with light swelling and possibly redness. Although redness or bruising are rare, this may be a symptom. After each session of exercising, the aggravated joint becomes more irritated and increases into a very intense throbbing.

Treatment for sesamoiditis can vary depending on the severity of the situation. However, treatment is almost always approached in a noninvasive way. For a case that is just beginning the doctor may recommend a very strict rest period that will limit the activity allowed on the joint. If you must be active, a recommendation for as modified shoe or insole, along with bandaging and immobilizing the big toe will be made to ensure that pressure is not placed on the joint. For severe cases, it is typically recommended that the joint and the big toe be completely immobilized to allow adequate time to heal. Ice and an over the counter anti-inflammatory may can help with the pain and discomfort while you are at rest.

When you return to your regular exercise activities, it is recommended that you use an insole that will allow even distribution of impact to your entire foot, rather than just the balls of your foot. This will prevent further aggravation of the injury.

 

X-ray image showing sesamoid bones under the big toe joint.
3Sep

X-ray image showing sesamoid bones under the big toe joint.

X-ray image highlighting sesamoid bones in the foot with red marker. The purpose of sesamoid bones is to provide force as you push off your toes while running. They are the two bones located under the big toe that are connected to tendons in the foot. If this area becomes inflamed, a condition that is known as sesamoiditis can develop. It may be caused by wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or it can happen from participating in repetitive running and jumping activities. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which typically consists of having an MRI taken, the correct treatment can begin. This may consist of wearing custom made orthotics which can aid in reducing pressure that is put on the sesamoid bones. It may also be beneficial to temporarily cease the activity which may have caused this condition. If you are suffering from sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can recommend the best treatment for you.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr.Eji Shobowale of DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Read more about Sesamoiditis