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doctor
19Apr

Modern meddoctoricine is attractive; there is a specialist for every part of the body. The feet are not an exception and you need a 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 , 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 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 . The best individual to tell would be one who has endured foot pain or . The numerous opinions you seek the better for you to compare and decide on the best.

Should emphasize the significance of

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 .

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 . 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 .
  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 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.

footdoc1
3Oct

What is a ?

A podiatrist is a term used to describe medical specialists who treat problems in your feet, ankle or lower part of the legs. Podiatric treatments can range from treating injuries in the feet, to treat other health problems affecting the feet, such as diabetes, skin and nail problems, , and so on. Podiatrists are informally known as foot and ankle doctor in Houston TX, “foot physicians” or also known as podiatric physicians.

Medical training of podiatrists

Although is referred as a doctor, they do not study in conventional medical schools. Instead, they go to their own professional associations and schools. While doctors usually carry the MD degree (written beside their names), podiatrists carry the DPM degree (doctor of podiatric medicine). Similar to other medical students, podiatrists, too, study and train for four years in podiatric medical school. According to mandate, podiatrists have to complete three years (minimum) of residency training for gaining experience, in clinics and hospitals. 

After a student of podiatric medicine has passed all the necessary examinations, the American Board of Podiatric Medicine certifies him or her as a doctor of podiatric medicine. In some cases, the podiatrist may pursue specialized fellowship training focusing on a particular area in to become a specialist podiatrist.

What does a podiatrist do?

Podiatrists perform a wide range of activities such as surgery, resetting bones which have been fractured, broken or damaged and so on. They are also authorized to prescribe drugs and order X-ray tests and other lab tests. Often, with patients suffering from conditions which affect their lower legs and feet, podiatrists require to work closely along with specialists from other medical disciplines.

What conditions do podiatrists treat?

Here is a brief list of the usual problems and conditions that are treated by podiatrists. If you're facing any of these, consult a podiatrist at the earliest:

  1. Injuries such as sprains, fractures:

These are common injuries of the foot or ankle. Often, these injuries are met by athletes who go to foot and ankle doctor Houston at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center for treatment as well as to learn about how to avoid such injuries.

  1. Bone problems in the feet:

These include conditions such as bunions are hammertoes. refers to a condition in which the joint located at the base of the big becomes larger or gets knocked out of its position, resulting in the big toe bending towards the other toes. Hammertoes, on the other hand, refers to a condition in which the toe (any toe) does not bend in the correct way.

  1. Nail problems:

Nail problems include infections in the toenails such as fungal infections, and so on. An is also a troublesome problem in which a corner of the toenail grows into the toe instead of growing outwards.

  1. Diabetes:

Diabetes refers to a health disorder in which the blood sugar levels in the body remain excessively high due to the lack of production or usage of a hormone called insulin. Patients affected with diabetes can suffer from neural damage in the feet and legs and also may suffer problems getting sufficient blood supply to the feet. Diabetes can seriously affect a patient's feet and legs.

According to statistics, every year, over sixty-five thousand patients require amputation of a foot due to diabetes. Therefore it is very important for diabetic patients to see a podiatrist from Houston foot and ankle center in order to prevent that. In case you're a diabetic patient and you notice a sore or a on your feet, it is advised that you consult a podiatrist at the earliest.

  1. Arthritis:

Arthritis is a disorder in which the joints of your body get inflamed, swollen or suffer from wear and tear. Patients suffering from arthritis must see a podiatrist. Each foot in the body has thirty-three joints and they can be severely affected by arthritis. Podiatrists can recommend medication, physical therapy, special type of shoes and inserts for alleviating feet and leg (joint) pain in arthritis. In case these do not work, the podiatrist may suggest surgery.

  1. Growth pains in children:

In children, problems or mild deformities may be present or develop. If a child's feet point inwards, or they look flat, or his or her toes do not line up in a normal way, he or she should be taken to a foot doctor in Houston Texas. Initially, depending upon the condition, the podiatrist will recommend putting braces, use insoles, or suggest exercises. In case the condition requires further treatment, surgery is recommended.

  1. Pain in the heels:

Heel spurs refer to a condition in which excess calcium builds up at the bottom of the heel bone. Heel spurs may be caused due to a variety of reasons- being obese or overweight, excessive running, or due to wearing ill-fitting footwear. Besides heel spurs, can also be caused by plantar fasciitis that is the inflammation of a connective band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Taking part in sports or wearing non-supportive footwear may lead to this. If your foot bends inwards or outwards too much when you walk (overpronation) is also a cause of heel pain. Achilles tendinitis is a condition causing pain at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon is present. These are usually treated with pain-alleviating drugs and using shoe inserts known as orthotics. In a few cases, surgery is required.

  1. Morton's neuroma:

This is a nerve problem between the third and fourth bones in the foot. Symptoms include pain, burning and a sensation that there is something inside the shoe. This neural problem is generally faced by runners, which is worsened if tight shoes are worn and over pronation occurs. A foot doctor in Houston Texas will give shots for relieving pain and inflammation and recommend orthotics (shoe inserts). Surgery may also be suggested for this condition.

When should you go see a podiatrist?

If you detect symptoms of any of the disorders mentioned above, you should go see a podiatrist. If you experience , notice unusual thickness or discoloration in the toenails, or cracks, warts on the skin of your feet, or see the sole of your feet scaling or peeling off, consult a podiatrist from Houston foot and ankle center as early as possible.

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.

8Apr

An is a nail that has curved downward and grown into the skin.  This typically occurs at either the nail borders or the sides of the nail.  As a result, pain, redness, swelling, and warmth may occur in the .  If a break in the skin forms due to the ingrown nail, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area; this is typically characterized by a foul odor and drainage.

have multiple reasons for developing.  In many instances, the condition is a result of genetics and is inherited.  The most common cause, however, is improper trimming; cutting the toenails too short forces the skin beside the nail to fold over.  An ingrown toenail can also develop due to trauma, such as stubbing the toe, having an object fall on the toe, or participating in activities that involve repeated kicking or running.  Wearing shoes that are too tight or too short can also cause ingrown toenails.

Treatment for an ingrown toenail varies between patients and the severity of the condition.  In most cases, it is best to see your for thorough and proper treatment.  After examining your toe, your podiatrist may prescribe oral antibiotics to clear the infection if one is present.  Surgical removal of either a portion of the nail or the entire nail may also be considered.  In some cases, complete removal or destruction of the nail root may be required.  Most patients who undergo nail surgery experience minimal pain afterward and can return to normal activity the following day.

Ingrown toenails can be prevented with proper nail trimming and by avoiding improper-fitting shoes.  When cutting the toenails, be sure that you are cutting in a straight line and avoid cutting them too short.  Shoes should not be too short or tight in the toe box.

15Oct

(onychocryptosis) are a common foot ailment and it is very unpleasant to experience. The condition is caused by an increase in pressure from the ingrowth of the nail edge into the skin of the . Ingrown toenails commonly cause pain in those who experience them. In some cases, the skin surrounding the may break which may lead bacteria to enter through and cause an infection. Common symptoms of this ailment include pain, redness, swelling, and warmth around the toe.

An imbalance between the size of the nail and the enlargement of the nail skin edge causes ingrown toenails. This condition is often caused by improperly trimming the toenails. If you are trying you cut your nails, you should always try to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. Ingrown toenails can also be an inherited condition and they may also be caused by improper shoe fitting.

Another common cause of the condition is wearing shoes that are either too small or too large. Other causes include poor foot hygiene, obesity, diabetes, , , and fungal infections. There are many risk factors that may make a person more likely to develop an ingrown toenail. Athletes who play “stop and start” sports such as tennis, soccer, and basketball are most likely to have ingrown toenails.

People who have diabetes, a compromised immune system, or poor circulation should immediately seek care from a if they have an ingrown toenail. It is also recommended to seek professional assistance if at-home remedies are not successful within a week or if there is persistent pain.

22Aug

An is a toenail that grows sideways into the nail bed, causing pain and swelling. can worsen and cause drainage, turning into a serious infection.

Several factors affect whether a person is at risk from an ingrown toenail. The many causes include being overweight, diabetes, participating in sports, having a fungal infection of the , and cutting your nails too short. Ingrown toenails also have a genetic predisposition, causing some people to be more prone to receive the condition than others. Other causes include improperly fitting shoes and shoes that keep the feet damp.

Ingrown toenails can be preventable with certain measures. For starters, allowing your toe nails to grow slightly longer in length will help prevent them from becoming ingrown. If you have already developed an ingrown toenail, soak the affected toe in warm water. This will alleviate the pain and help prevent an infection from forming. Antibiotic soap or Epsom salts may be added to further help the relieving process and avoid infection. Placing cotton beneath the affected area is also suggested, as this may help the toenail grow upwards and not into the nail bed. Swelling and redness can be reduced by resting with your feet elevated.

A should be seen if the pain becomes so serious that it prevents you from doing your everyday activities. If a red streak running up your leg appears or if you suspect your infection has spread, contact a podiatrist immediately. Fast treatments can be undertaken to lessen your pain and have you walking comfortably.

An ingrown toenail can be easily treated with a Band-Aid. Simply wrap the affected toe with a Band-Aid to prevent infection and keep the nail from growing out at a painful angle.

In more serious cases, your podiatrist may decide to make a small incision to remove a portion of your toenail. To prevent the nail from growing back, medication will be placed directly into the nail bed. This procedure would be performed under local anesthesia and is a faster method to alleviate discomfort from an ingrown toenail. Post-procedure directions will have you stay off the affected foot for a day. Afterwards, normal activities can be resumed.