Close-up of a diabetic foot with severe ulcer and infection.
20Sep

diabetic foot

 Diabetes is a disease that results in inadequate and faulty production or less sensitivity to insulin. Insulin is an important hormone in the body whose function is to assist the cells in absorbing sugar from the blood so that it can be utilized for producing energy.   When this whole process gets disturbed or does not work properly, then the sugar keeps circulating in the blood which leads to various health issues.

 If high levels of sugar continue to persist for a longer period of time, it can harm many parts of the body including the feet. According to a recent survey, diabetes is accountable for causing over 50 percent of foot amputations in the United States. People suffering   from diabetes are   more susceptible to developing foot problems that result due to high levels of blood sugar. Some of the most common foot problems that occur due to diabetes are peripheral vascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. Both these problems are     known to result in severe complications

 The foot problems that are triggered due to diabetes

 The two major foot problems that are caused as a result of diabetes are:

  • Peripheral Vascular Disease-

Diabetes results in alterations in the blood vessels especially the arteries. In this disease, the fatty deposits cause an obstruction in the blood vessels beyond the heart and brain. Peripheral Vascular disease has the tendency to affect the blood vessels leading back and forth from the ends like the hands and feet, minimizing the flow of the blood to both the parts. The decreased level of blood flow can result in wounds that recover at a slow pace, pain, and infection. This disease can develop a serious infection and in such a case, a footdoctor in Houston at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center may recommend foot amputation. A person suffering from peripheral vascular disease is also prone to develop ulcers and gangrene (a condition that is caused due to the death of the tissue because of the lack of blood.)

  • Diabetic Neuropathy –

Over a period of time, diabetes can result in nerve damage that causes numbness in the foot. Such a condition makes it more difficult for a person to feel sensation in the hands and feet. Diabetic neuropathy also makes it challenging for a diabetic patient to feel any infection, irritation, or soreness at the extremities. They may also not be able to observe when their shoes are rubbing. Diabetic neuropathy can result in a greater risk of blisters, cuts, and sores.

If a person suffering from diabetes does not undergo treatment for the condition, then it can lead to the development of ulcers, infections, and even gangrene.

Symptoms of foot problems

According to DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center’s podiatrists in Houston, foot symptoms that result due to diabetes are as follows:

1) Wounds with drainage

2) Stained socks

3) Severe tingling

4) Blisters without any pain

5) Red striations

6) Numbness or lack of sensation

7)  Temperature variations and skin discoloration

In case of an infection, a diabetic patient may also experience:

1) Chills

2) Shaking

3) Fever

4) High blood sugar levels

5) Redness

Treatment for foot problems

Different surgical and non-surgical options are available for the treatment of foot problems:

  • Non-surgical treatment-

A Houston podiatrist will initially try to treat the condition without any surgery by cleaning and dressing the wound, wearing a total contact cast or cast boot, or carefully observing any gangrene till self-amputation occurs.

  • Surgical treatment –

It includes the removal of dead tissues, amputations, surgical stabilization, arterial bypass, and endovascular surgery.

It is important that you take care of foot hygiene. You can do this by taking steps like washing the feet daily, wearing supportive shoes, trimming nails cautiously, controlling blood sugar levels, going for regular foot examinations, and caring for bunions as well as corns.

If you have any questions, 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.

 

Illustration of toe arthritis symptoms including gout and ankylosing spondylitis.
20Sep

Arthritis is generally known to trigger pain in the joints of hips, hands, and knees, but it can also happen in various other parts of the body where the joints exist such as the toes. A number of various kinds of arthritis can result in toe pain. At times, the cartilage present between the bones wears out. As a result, the bones without the protective cartilage rub together. This agitates the tissue and leads to swelling as well as pain. If in case you are experiencing pain in the toe, arthritis may be the cause of it.

What Does Toe Arthritis Mean?

Toe arthritis is the result of inflammation of the toe joint. It is known to attack the big toe more frequently, however, the other areas of the toe may also be impacted. Any former trauma and injuries like a sprained or broken toe can result in arthritis in the future. Some of the other factors that are responsible for causing arthritis include gout, Osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The risk factors involve:

1) Becoming obese or overweight

2) A family history that indicates arthritis

3) Increased age

Other factors can also lead to toe arthritis such as the women who wear high-heeled and tight shoes for a major part of their lives are very prone to develop toe arthritis.

Illustration of toe arthritis symptoms including gout and ankylosing spondylitis.

Symptoms of Toe Arthritis

According to foot doctor in Houston at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center, arthritis is known to show various symptoms. Some of these symptoms are as follows:

  • Pain–

It is often the most easily noticeable symptom of the toe arthritis. You may frequently experience pain in the toe or just the big toe. According to a recent study, people described their pain as ranging from deep, sore feeling to a more stabbing and acute sensation when they try to move their toe. The pain might be minor, moderate, or acute according to the level or extent of deterioration or inflammation in the toe joint.

This symptom is one of the most common and enfeebling one in toe arthritis. It can even prevent you from carrying out your daily routine activities.

  • Stiffness–

In arthritis, the cartilage between the bones get damaged over the years. This results in agitation in tissues as well as damaged synovial fluid. These changes can lead to the stiffening of joints and reduced mobility.

The joints, therefore, become incapable of stretching and bending due to minimized support and cushioning. As a result, you may experience difficulty in moving because the toes play an important role in balancing and pushing the foot off the floor. It might be painful to walk as the toe joint also moves with each step.

  • Swelling–

Different kinds of arthritis are known to result in inflammation of the joint, which may cause visible swelling. In such cases, the toes become red and feel warm when touched.

People observe this symptom after they have been sitting at a place for a while, or when you get out of the bed.

  • Change in appearance-

As the cartilage gets worn out and the bones rub against each other, the body strives to improve the situation. It attempts to create more bones. Even though this may result in stabilizing the joint, it can also make it appear bigger. The toe may begin to get deformed and hence a curved shape is created which is also known as the ‘’claw feet’’.

  • Locked joint–

If there is excessive swelling as well as stiffness in the toe, it can result in a locked joint which makes it difficult to bend the toes. Locking up of joints is also caused due to bone spurs and the rough edges of the bones. However, this is not a persistent condition.

Foot surgery illustration showing incision and surgical tools.

Therefore, whenever you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to go for a check-up by a specialist in arthritis at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center.

If you have any questions, 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.

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

 

Detailed illustration of heel anatomy showing plantar fascia and plantar fasciitis.
16Sep

You might feel stiffness and pain in your heel when you wake up in the morning or while lying down on the bed. This pain could be due to conditions like plantar fasciitis or an injury such as a stress fracture.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain below the heel of the foot. According to a recent study conducted by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, there are about two million cases of Plantar Fasciitis treated each year.

One in ten people is prone to develop this condition at a certain point in their lives. Plantar Fasciitis counts for around 11 to 15 per cent of foot symptoms that require cure or treatment, as per a review of researches related to this condition.

The Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that is marked by acute and piercing heel pain. It generally occurs when you wake up in the morning or stand up after sitting for a long time. The most frequent symptoms of this condition are- stabbing pain, a state which can also result in swelling of the heel area.

The pain from this condition can be quite severe after rest and gradually assuages during the day. However, you should avoid exercising and standing on your foot for a long period as the pain may reappear by doing so.

The plantar fascia is a thick band of the ligament or connective tissue positioned below the foot. This band of the ligament which helps to support the curve of the foot works like a bowstring of the bow and is meant to endure any pressure or strain experienced by the feet.

A person may develop inflammation or stress of the fascia over the years and it eventually becomes a persistent or chronic condition. A person suffering from plantar fasciitis never really take sufficient to recover or get better.

The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

A person suffers from plantar fasciitis when the plantar fascia turns stiff due to extreme strain and pressure that results in inflammation. The more tension the plantar fascia experiences, the greater vexation, and inflammation will be there. Therefore, any increase in stress and tearing causes the condition and gives rise to pain in the heel.

Plantar fasciitis is more frequently seen in active men and women aged between 40 and 70 years. Women are more prone to develop this condition as compared to men. A retrospective study about running injuries conducted in 2002 indicated that 7.8 per cent of the injuries suffered by athletes, specifically runners were plantar fasciitis. This condition was listed among one of the 5 most recurrent running injuries.

                   

                                                                

                   

The Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis

In most cases, plantar fasciitis develops for no clear and identifiable cause. Several risk factors can give rise to plantar fasciitis such as:

  • Increased pressure on the heels-

This condition is most common in people who walk or run frequently and stand on their feet for a longer time. Various occupations such as a factory worker or teacher require long hours of walking or standing and people associated with such professions are more prone to develop this condition.

  • Obesity-

Excessive weight gain can result in the damage of plantar fascia which makes it unable to endure any shock and leads to pain in the heel. About 70 per cent of people suffering from plantar fasciitis are obese. A recent study also reports that there is a direct relationship between higher body mass index (BMI) and non-athletes suffering from this condition. Pregnancy is also a common reason for developing plantar fasciitis.

3) Foot Abnormalities

People who have foot abnormalities like flat feet have increased chances of developing this condition as the entire soles of their feet are in contact with the ground while standing. Likewise, clavus foot also increases your risk of suffering from plantar fasciitis because a greater amount of strain is experienced by your heel and ball of the foot when you stand or walk.

Other causes of plantar fasciitis include- Wearing the wrong shoes, inflammatory diseases, diabetes, Bursitis, and arthritis.

Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis

Severe pain in the heel is the main symptom of this condition. If you don’t get relief from the pain after several weeks, then you should consult a podiatrist near Houston.

A podiatrist in Houston at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center will conduct an X-ray to examine your foot and identify the condition that is causing the pain.

Heel spurs are small and sharp outgrowths located on the calcaneus bone. They can often be seen on the X-rays. However, heel spurs are not believed to be the reason for the pain in plantar fasciitis.

According to Houston podiatrists, one out of ten people have the heel spurs. However, just one out of twenty people with heel spurs suffer from plantar fasciitis.

                                                     

         

                        

If you will not seek any treatment for plantar fasciitis, then it can result in impaired mobility, back and hip problems, and other foot conditions.

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.

Woman performing Achilles tendon stretch against wall for foot health.
12Sep

It is very important to take care of your Achilles tendon if do a lot of physical activity, or you tend to put immense pressure on your legs and feet. If you do too much of intense physical activity and overuse this tendon without warming up or stretching properly, it may tear or rupture, and it might also lead to tendonitis, that is, swelling and inflammation of the Achilles tendon. If you are suffering from Achilles tendonitis, visit a Foot and Ankle Sprain Specialist in Houston TX. Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis are tightness and discomfort along with feelings of weakness in the heel and the range of motion gets restricted. If you feel Heel Pain or Achilles tendon pain, consult a foot doctor for ankle and heel pain treatments. Stretching can help in recovery and healing if you have Achilles tendonitis.

If you are suffering from Achilles tendonitis, visit a Foot and Ankle Sprain Specialist in Houston TX such as Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale of DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center. Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis are tightness and discomfort along with feelings of weakness in the heel and the range of motion gets restricted. If you feel Heel Pain or Achilles tendon pain, consult a foot doctor for ankle and heel pain treatments. Stretching can help in recovery and healing if you have Achilles tendonitis.

When Achilles tendonitis becomes chronic, it leads to Achilles tendinopathy involving damage and degeneration of collagen present in the tendon. If you have Achilles tendonitis but do not treat it in time, it is very likely to develop small tears in the tendon (known as tendonitis) and may lead to partial or complete rupture of the tendon.

Talk to a foot doctor Houston about treating and healing your Achilles tendon immediately if you notice any of the symptoms. To accelerate the healing process and to increase mobility and range of motion, here are a few Achilles tendon stretches and strength exercises which you can do.

Achilles Tendon Stretching Exercises

There are some exercises for stretching your Achilles tendon. These are the three of the most common Achilles tendon stretching exercises:

Calf Stretch or Runner’s Stretch:

Woman performing Achilles tendon stretch against wall for foot health.

This exercise is done to loosen the tendon and reduce the tightness and discomfort caused by an inflamed Achilles tendon. For this exercise, place your hands on the wall (or a chair). In case of putting your hands on a wall, place them at eye level. Keep one leg straight and keep the heel on the floor with your toes pointing straight ahead. Bend the other leg in front of the straight leg, pushing your hips towards the wall. Stretch the back leg (straight leg) and lean forward to the point you feel a stretch or pull in your calf, but no pain. Make sure that your heels do not come off the floor. Hold the position for 30 seconds and repeat three times.

Toe-to-wall Stretch:

Woman stretching Achilles tendon near fireplace for foot health and ankle strength.

If you are not comfortable with calf stretch, you can do this exercise, which also helps to improve mobility, loosen up and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. This exercise is to be performed with the leg that is causing discomfort. Stand in front of the wall and place your toes against the wall. Keep your heel on the floor, and place your toes as high as you can to feel a deep stretch. Keep your other leg behind you with toes forward and heel on the floor, and lean forward. Hold the position for 30 seconds and repeat three times.

Heel drop:

Woman stretching Achilles tendon using a walker for support.

Before doing this stretching exercise, it is better to do it under the supervision of a foot specialist Houston or a physical therapist because if not done correctly, it might damage the Achilles tendon. To do this exercise, you will need a staircase or a stepladder. While using a stepladder ensure that it is locked in a fixed position. Do this exercise with the leg that is causing discomfort (having problems with the Achilles tendon). Grab the staircase or ladder railing, and place the ball of your foot on the edge of the step at the bottom of the stair or ladder. Let the heel of the foot to drop down and relax the other foot. Make sure that you do not slip off and hurt yourself. Hold the position for 30 seconds and repeat three times. If you face trouble while balancing, do this exercise under the guidance of a professional.

Calf Strengthening Exercises

Calf muscles are attached to the Achilles tendon and should be kept strong to lessen stress on the tendon. Here are three calf muscle strengthening exercises:

Sitting Heel Raises:

Sit on a chair, place your feet as apart as your shoulder width. Lift your toes as high as possible until you feel some pain. Pause, and then lower your heels very slowly. Do 20 reps of this exercise in one set. Repeat this 5-6 times daily.

Standing Heel Raises:

Stand on the floor and place your feet as apart as your shoulder width. Grabbing a chair for support, stand on the ball of your feet and rise by lifting your heels as high as possible until you feel some pain. Pause, and then lower your heels very slowly. Do 20 reps of this exercise in one set. Repeat this 5-6 times daily.

Calf Exercises Using a Resistance Band:

Sit on the floor (or on your bed). Extending your legs straight out before you, wrap a resistance band around the ball of your foot (of the leg you want to stretch) and slightly bend your knee. Hold the ends of the band with your hands and pull it towards yourself to flex the foot. Pause and then release your foot, pointing it away from you. Do 10 -15 reps of this exercise in one set. Repeat three times. Initially, use a light resistance band and later you can use a thicker band as your tendon will become stronger.

So, here are a few exercises which will definitely speed up your recovery process if you injured your Achilles tendon. Make sure to always consult a physician before doing any sort of self diagnosis. And to keep yourself fit, always exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. 

If you have questions, 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 Achilles Tendons

Detailed ankle sprain model showing ligaments and bones with red highlight.
7Sep
Mayo Clinic

An ankle injury can be painful and can highly disrupt our day-to-day activities. Depending upon the severity of the injury, from a minor sprain to major ligament damage, the intensity of the treatment also varies.

An ankle sprain is problematic, as it is not as lethal as a fracture, but yet it requires complete rest and care for proper recovery. There is a Foot and Ankle Sprain Specialist in Houston TX at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center who provides treatment for sprains, hammertoes, heel spurs, nail fungus Achilles tendon pains, etc. This specialist is known to offer quality ankle and heel pain treatments, and is one of the leading foot doctor in Houston, Texas, Dr. Shobowale also performs procedures and minor surgeries as per the requirement.

There is no specific time period of sprained ankle recovery, as it varies from one person to another, the extremity of the injury and other personal factors like the meticulous care, provisions for recovery assistance and most importantly, the knowledge of the primary treatment.

Steps to a faster ankle sprain recovery

  • STEP 1- ‘R.I.C.E.’ Treatment

When you encounter an ankle injury, the R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) treatment should be implemented. This treatment is done to reduce the pain and swelling. Moreover, these steps should be implemented within few hours of the injury.

REST

Once you get an ankle injury, the first few hours are crucial. If you do not give rest, then the injury might aggravate. Avoid putting any pressure on injured ankle, and use a crutch for support if is necessary to walk. Once you feel that you can walk without limping, then, gradually discontinue the use of crutch. Only put as much weight on the injured ankle that is tolerable.  Understand that ignoring the pain and swelling can delay the time of recovery, and in worse cases, lead to extremely acute issues.

ICE –

Applying ice on the sprained ankle can effectively ease the pain and reduce the swelling. You can use ice packs or better if you can get hold of the ice wraps which are specially designed to mold the joint. This way the ice wrap will be fixed to our joint, and hence, will result to a faster recovery.

COMPRESSION –

Compression should be given as soon as you receive the injury. You can use a crepe bandage to to wrap the injured portion of your foot. Tightly wrap the bandage to avoid any movement of your ankle. If your ankle is not allowed to move, then the recovery will be faster. Also, make sure that the bandage is not wrapped very tightly as it might disrupt the blood circulation.

ELEVATION –

Keep your sprained ankle higher than your chest  as often as possible. This also helps to significantly reduce the swelling. It is advisable to lie down and prop your legs on a stool, rather than sitting and putting up your leg on an adjacent chair.

  • STEP 2- Motion Exercise

The next step post the primary treatment is to remove the rigidity of the ankle. Since the mobility is restricted due to swelling and pain, it is advised to address these in the initial exercises. Ankle sprains rarely require immobilization like cast or boot, and in fact, demand complete rest for not more than 3 days.

The most basic exercise is to move and rotate your ankle little by little. Try to rotate the tip of your toes clockwise and then anti-clockwise.

  • STEP 3- Get the strength back by exercises

Once the rigidity of the ankle is removed and the pain and swelling have significantly reduced, the next step is to strengthen the injured ankle. Once you injure yourself with an ankle sprain, the joints tend to become very fragile and they have a tendency of getting injured again due to prevailing weakness of the ankle portion. Hence, for complete recovery, strengthening exercises is a mandatory procedure. It is advised to train under a physicist, who can recommend specific exercises to target the injured ankle.

  • STEP 4- Sport-Specific activities

If you are a sports person, then it recommended that post the strengthening exercising phase, do not start playing your sports immediately. First, try to complete the recovery sessions of your particular sports. For example, if you are footballer, after recovering from an ankle sprain, do not attempt to play a full 90 min game. Instead, try attend passing sessions and a bit of jogging.

  • STEP 5- Return to full fitness

Once you feel that your injured portion has got the strength as it was before the injury, you can resume your daily activities. Few signs that your injury has completely healed are:

  • No swelling
  • No pain
  • No visible discoloration or lesions

Conclusion

It is crucial to understand that a sprain cannot heal overnight and needs adequate care and attention over a period of minimum one week for complete recovery. It is a step-by-step process that needs to be followed thoroughly to guarantee full recuperation. Often, the most common mistake that people do is that they do not give sufficient time for their ankle to return to normal before resuming activities. This only adds additional strain on the injury, which can build-up into a major condition. Therefore, by following the process meticulously, a complete recovery from an ankle sprain is ensured!

If you have any questions, 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 Ankle Sprains