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heel
5Apr

heel – What You Need To Know

Is it hard for you to wear strappy heels or simple sandals to show off your good looking feet without getting worried because of dry cracked heels? A and are more common during summer because the feet are exposed most of the time. Foot care should be easily incorporated into one’s daily routine for the prevention of cracked heels. Care for your feet the same way you care for your face and your body and enjoy healthier, happier feet always.

Causes of cracked heels

There is more than one , but it is possible to have more than one cause to affect you.  If you are looking for some expert advice on cracked heels, 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 can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet

 

  1. Lack of moisture; the skin underneath the feet is usually dry, chapped and rough since fat cells are not present underneath the feet skin and have less elasticity.
  2. Deficiency or lack of zinc, minerals, and vitamins affects the health of the heel.
  • III. Your feet are under pressure to carry the weight of your body in shoes, walking and standing for long hours.
  1. Aging causes the skin to lose its thickness and elasticity, leaving it more susceptible to cracking.
  2. Being overweight can potentially cause cracked heels because of the pressure on the fat under the heel causes it to expand sideways.
  3. Exposing footwear with an open back allows the fat to expand and increase the possibility of cracking. If you have to wear the exposing footwear take extra care of your feet.
  • VII. Maintain hygiene to avoid fungal infections.
  • VIII. Spending long periods in the water or damp areas easily cause cracking because water drains the skin of natural oils leaving it dry and rough.
  1. Wearing poorly-fitting shoes will likely cause a change in walking posture and cause poor standing postures.
  2. It is believed that skin is sometimes genetically passed on.
  3. Medical causes such as diabetes and high blood sugar which results in poor circulation leading to dry skin.
  • XII. Pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

Simple treatments

Cracked heels happen because of the formation of callus, lack of proper exfoliation and hydration.

Cracked heel treatments include:

Exfoliation

happen due to daily wear and tear and exfoliation is the safest way to remove them.   Use a foot scrub; pumice stone and foot file to exfoliate every two weeks, but if the calluses are moderate increase exfoliation to once or twice a week. Do not completely get rid of them because they have a function to protect the feet, do not expose your feet to harm.

Moisturize

The feet do not have sebaceous glands, so they are less moisturized unlike other parts of the body. Look for moisturizer products with macadamia, urea, and Shea butter oils because they penetrate the skin. For already cracked feet products with Aloe Vera are suitable because it speeds up the healing process.

Inserts and socks

Wear custom shoe inserts because they distribute your weight evenly. Also, consider silicon heel cups which keep the heel moisturized and prevents it from expanding. Use clinically-tested padded socks.

Cracked heels take time to heal even after showing signs of improvement following initial treatment. Seek medical attention to prevent serious complications from underlying medical conditions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX. Our Cypress office can handle all of your cracked heel issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all foot-related issues.

wound
29Mar

woundA is considered non-healing if it is not cured within three months or it remains in the inflammatory stage for long. However, some factors determine the healing such as the condition of the wound or the health of an individual.  If a wound does not heal fast a specialist should look at it because sometimes it is a reflection of an underlying disease. An external wound is painful with visible redness around the skin due to the disintegration of the tissue; there could be loss of the epidermis, dermis and sometimes subcutaneous fat. Types of wounds include cuts, scrapes, lacerations, abrasions, gashes, scratches, tears, floor burns, and bruises.

Stages of wound healing

Stage I: Inflammatory stage, which is the first stage of the wound formation and it, attempts to restore normal state by forming blood vessels to control bleeding. At this stage, the wound appears red, swollen and is warm.

Stage II: The proliferative stage lasts about 3 weeks or longer depending on the severity of the wound. This is granulation where special cells known as fibroblasts make collagen fill the wound. New blood vessels start to form and a layer of skin gradually covers the wound.

Stage III: Remodeling and maturation stage can last up to two years. New collagen changes the skin around the wound forming a scar that is almost as strong as the original tissue.

Causes of nonhealing wounds

  1. Infections by bacteria colonization which slows down the healing process of the wound.
  2. Excess use of antibiotics has been cited as a problem leading to non-healing wounds.
  3. Microbiology such as arterial insufficiency, pressure and venous insufficiency that reduces the capacity of the skin to repair itself causing a non-healing wound.

Wound treatment is effective because it promotes wound healing and reduces the risk of infection.  If you are looking for some expert advice on wound care, 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 can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet

 

Debridement is the process of removing damaged or dead tissue and foreign objects from the wound.

Types of

Biological debridement uses sterile maggots that digest the dead tissue and pathogens of the wound, giving space to the formation of new cells.

Enzymatic debridement uses a topical agent to chemically liquefy necrotic tissues with enzymes, which devitalize the tissues within the wound. This method can be used together with .

Autolytic debridement is long-term and works by maintaining moisture beneath a wound’s dressing using the body’s enzymes. Dressing absorbency is important in the maintenance of moisture.

Mechanical debridement by hydrotherapy technique and wet-to-dry dressing is cost-effective though it can cause damage to healthy tissues. The wet-to-dry dressing is changed every 4 to 6 hours.

Conservative sharp and surgical debridement is performed by a skilled practitioner who removes the biofilm and devitalized tissue. The level of debridement is determined by the level of tissue removal.

  1. Nutritional supplements

Vitamin C and Aloe Vera through research have been found to play an active role in wound healing. Most diets are deficient in nutrients that enhance healing in the body. Vitamin C stimulates the immune system by increasing amino acid arginine, which activates metabolic functions to stimulate the cells to protect against bacteria. Aloe Vera can be applied or taken for internal wounds, it provides micronutrients that reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent infections. Turmeric has antioxidant properties that decrease inflammation and encourage healing by transforming the growth factor. Pineapples have a proteolytic enzyme that dissolves proteins and works best for wounds with too much scar tissue.

Seek wound care specialist services if the wound is split open and may need stitches when pain is severe and does not get better after taking painkillers and in case the wound is deep or it covers a large area. Seek immediate attention if the area around the wound looks infected. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX. Our Cypress office can handle all of your wound care issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all wound-related issues.

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 podiatrist. 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

BUNION CORRECTOR 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 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.

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.

orthotics
12Mar

Foot pain is common among the adults and when the feet hurt, daily activities become a nightmare to accomplish. It is important to make good shoe choices from the beginning to prevent foot pain problems and to correct structural issues while easing foot pain.

orthotics

Prefabricated

These are less expensive than and used for less advanced cases of foot pain. They are readily available off the shelves and though they operate similarly to customize orthotics, they are not made by a specialist. They are made of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate is a special kind of plastic, softer than rubber which easily molds to the shape of the foot before it cools down. This hopefully corrects the foot problems and ease foot pain.

Custom orthotics

Used in advanced foot problems such as and other foot pain conditions. After several randomized-control trials conclusions, silver and gold custom orthotics were found to be very effective in reducing pain in people suffering from

  • Bunions 
  • Poor circulation
  • Rheumatoid arthritis 
  • Low arches
  • Painful high arches 
  • Plantar fasciitis, or heel pain 
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

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

Types of prescription orthotics include

  1. Functional orthotics

They are used in the correction of supination or pronation which is considered abnormal motion.  Pronation is when the foot rolls excessively inwards when it comes in contact with the ground and supination the foot rolls excessively outwards when in contact with the ground. Besides deformation, this can cause pain up the legs and changes in posture.

  1. Accommodative orthotics

The heel pads for shoes are soft and provide extra support and cushioning to the feet. They are used in the treatment of painful calluses, ulcers and uncomfortable foot conditions.

  • III. Heel pads for plantar fasciitis

are the first line of relief for plantar fasciitis because they provide shock absorption while walking or running. Heel pads can be made of leather, silicone, and chloride or polyethylene foams.

If your feet are not properly supported pain in the feet, back, hips and knees can be felt because the whole body is misaligned. Arch support keeps the feet in their proper position, relieving , joint pressure, and pain. With the help of a podiatrist pick the best arch support for flat feet.

Orthotics help relieve strain off some areas of the foot by applying pressure on other areas of the foot to encourage appropriate gait. Orthotics are made from different materials such as various density foams, crepe, composite or laminate. They made in three-quarter length or full length. The use of custom orthotics leads to lasting changes in biomechanics and prevents any further development of arthritis.

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 orthotics related issues.

stress fracture
2Mar

stress fracture, also known as a hairline fracture, is defined as a small crack or bruise in the bone. The fracture occurs as a result of repeated movement in a specific area leading to imbalance and fatigue. Also, a stress fracture can occur when a particular region of the body is used the wrong way even without a repeat of an action. The overloading of intensity is lower than the maximum bone strength. Stress fractures were first described by Breithaupt in Prussian soldiers in 1855, and thanks to technology the theory was proved.

Common stress fracture includes the second and third metatarsal fracture, , , the lower leg on the outer bone, the bone at the top of the foot (navicular) and . Victims of stress fractures include athletes making 2% of the sports injuries, dancers and soldiers. If you are dealing with any broken foot pain, 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 can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet

Common causes of stress fractures

Extrinsic factors

These include movement, nutritional habits, type of ground, and equipment used. The sudden increase of intensive movements, such as in training and the wearing of footwear with poor impact absorption may cause injuries. The training track or ground should be of good quality, even, less rigid and regular. If an athlete’s fitness level is insufficient for functional technique the injury can happen even without repetitive actions.

Intrinsic factors

These include age, anatomical variations, ethnicity, muscle conditions, gender, and hormonal states. Stress fractures are more common in females because of nutrition, biochemical alterations nutrition, and anatomical alterations. A study conducted among athletes showed that stress fractures were high in white athletes compared to black athletes that were attributed to biomechanics and bone density

Other causes of the stress fracture

  • Insufficient low bone mineral density.
  • Error in training technique
  • Problems that affect the striking of the foot on the ground such as blisters, , and bunions.
  • Osteoporosis and other diseases that weaken the bones.
  • Low vitamin D levels.
  • Mechanical reasons.
  • Fatigue resulting in micro-fractures forming and accumulating in the bone trabeculae.

 Early detection, symptoms 

  1. Deep pain within the , ankle or foot.
  2. Swelling in the ankle or the top of the foot.
  • III. Pain during an activity or after normal activity.
  1. Pain when performing a particular activity, the pain is relieved by rest.
  2. Weakness and minor pain can be felt where the break is located.

With the introduction of new activity and non-gradual increase in the intensity of the activity, stress fractures occur within 6-8 weeks. It is important that after repetitive physiological overloading, allow the bone tissue sufficient time to rest, remodel and adapt to the new conditions. fractures occur when there are overloading, repetitive movements, and inadequate resting time. If left untreated, it can lead to a full fracture. Bone repair in a stress fracture happens through bone remodeling, which is the re-absorption of injured cells and their replacement with new bone tissue.

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 treating all foot related stress fractures.

foot arthritis
23Feb

foot arthritisThe inflammation of one or more joints causes pain and stiffness common in arthritis in foot. Many forms of that affect the foot, making it difficult to enjoy activities such as walking. The foot has more than 30 joints and 28 bones which allow movement. The joints are covered with articulate cartilage, which helps the bones to glide over each other, a thin lining surrounding the joints that produce a lubricant fluid to reduce friction. Studies have shown great connections between foot alignment, hip, and knee. Hip osteoarthritis is common among high arched feet people while knee osteoarthritis is common with flat-footed people. With proper treatment, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and active life.

Psoriatic arthritis

This is the inflammation of the tendons and ligaments attached to the bones, causing especially the toes. They cause sausage-like swelling. The irritation happens in the tissue that connects the heel bone and toes, which cause pain when rubbed or pressed on other bones.

Symptoms

  • that is easily confused with the .
  • Swelling of the toes.
  • Stiff ankles and feet.
  • Overextended big
  • Painful calluses and sore joints.
  • Bending toes looking shorter like claws.
  • The skin around the affected joints turns purplish.
  • Flattening arch which leads to rolling of the foot inward while walking or standing.
  • The tendency of joints to lock and limit the range of motion.
  • Foot swelling.
  • Difficulty and pain while walking after a long period of rest or in the morning.

Maintain mobility by taking physiotherapy or wearing shoes that do not pinch and bind areas of inflammation. Take foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, fiber such as oatmeal, beans, and brown rice, and take green tea to reduce inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis feet

Joint inflammation in multiple joints of the feet and hands is a sign of . It is considered symmetrical because it affects the same joints on both sides of the body and it is autoimmune. This means that the immune system attacks its tissues such as the thin lining covering the joints causing them to swell. The lining, in turn, attacks cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones leading to disability and deformity.

Over 85% of patients report painful ankles and feet, causing instability in hindfoot causing deformation of the forefoot. Correcting the plantar stabilizes the ankle and foot, reducing foot deformities and walking disabilities.

The function of footwear in

Footwear is an effective strategy to improve the function of the feet and reduce pain in arthritis. Women are at greater risk of knee and hip osteoarthritis while the use of high heels shoes has been implicated. Contrary to belief, high heeled shoes do not promote joint degeneration, though they have been associated with the development of . Arthritis in the foot is prevalent in older people and it increases with age. High heels, slippers, and sandals are poor shoes that cause foot pain in later years, it is advisable to wear average shoes. Poor shoes contribute to poor foot alignment and development.

The foot pain has a modifiable factor, especially if it affects the extremity joint alignment, though little focus is made on foot interventions. Footwear and interventions are important in . Biomechanical evidence indicates that footwear plays a significant role in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the foot, knee, and hip and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A running shoe-shaped toe rocker sole reduces foot joint pain by decreasing forefoot loading by promoting a normal heel-toe rolling. Custom made foot orthotics reduce pain, increase stride length and steps. Specialized footwear reduces is an effective non-surgical intervention for the feet affected by arthritis.

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 care needs.