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Illustration of tarsal tunnel with nerve compression in the ankle.
27May

 

This is a condition brought about by compression, pressure, or squeezing, to the posterior tibial nerve causing harm. The tarsal tunnel is the narrow space inside of the ankle next to the ankle bones.

tarsal tunnel

Causes

  • People with flat feet are at a greater threat of developing the tarsal tunnel condition because the heel impact point tilts outwards with a fallen curve causing strain and pressure the nerve.
  • Abnormal or enlarged structures that occupy space can compress the tibial nerve. Forms of such structures are ganglion cyst, arthritic bone spur, benign bony growths, varicose vein, and swollen tendons.
  • An ankle sprain injury causes inflammation and swelling affecting the tibial nerve.
  • Systemic diseases like arthritis or diabetes cause the body to be vulnerable to tibial neuropathy.
  • Common with athletes who have suffered from tibial plateau fractures.

Symptoms

The symptoms vary for different individuals as some progress gradually while some people experience the symptoms almost immediately. Some symptoms aggravate with physical activity, but if the condition is long-standing, pain and tingling can be felt when sleeping.

These symptoms are evident along the tibial nerve, at the sole of the feet, or inside the ankle:

  • Numbness
  • Shooting pain
  • Burning sensation
  • Tingling sensation similar to an electric shock.

Diagnosis

If you are dealing with a tibial nerve injury or tibial nerve dysfunction, you may want to seek help from a foot specialist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

The podiatrist first examines if there is a loss of feeling by positioning the foot and tapping. If they are evident symptoms the area is pressed to determine if there is a mass present. Further imaging studies may be recommended to evaluate nerve problems. If non-surgical treatments do not work the doctor might need to conduct a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) or an electromyography (EMG) to determine the cause of the syndrome. The doctor determines if surgery is the best option to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Non-surgical interventions that may be recommended include

  1. Letting the foot have plenty of rest to prevent further injury and encourage healing.
  2. Applying an ice pack on the affected area for twenty minutes, then wait for 40 minutes before applying the ice again.
  3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be recommended to reduce inflammation and the pain.
  4. A cast might be applied to the foot to restrict movement in the nerve and surrounding tissue.
  5. Physiotherapy is recommended to reduce the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  6. Local anesthetic injections may be offered to provide pain relief and treat inflammation.
  7. Orthotic gadgets such as custom shoe additions may be prescribed to confine unnecessary motion.
  8. Supportive footwear may be advocated.
  9. Braces might be fitted especially for flat-footed people to relieve pressure off the foot.

If the condition is not treated, it results in irreversible nerve damage leading to difficulties in walking. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. Our Houston, TX 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you treat tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome typically includes rest, ice application, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. In more severe cases, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and custom orthotics may help. Surgical intervention is considered for persistent cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments.

What is the difference between tarsal tunnel and neuropathy?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a specific type of neuropathy that occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel in the ankle. Neuropathy, on the other hand, refers to general nerve damage or dysfunction, which can be caused by various factors, such as diabetes, and affects nerves throughout the body.

What is the best exercise for a tarsal tunnel?

Stretching exercises for the calf and foot muscles, along with strengthening exercises for the ankle, are often recommended. Calf stretches, toe curls, and ankle mobility exercises can help relieve pressure on the tibial nerve, improving flexibility and reducing discomfort.

Is heat good for tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Heat can provide temporary relief for tarsal tunnel syndrome by relaxing muscles and improving blood flow. However, it should be used with caution, as excessive heat could aggravate inflammation. Ice therapy is often preferred for reducing swelling and inflammation, especially during flare-ups.

X-ray of foot showing stress fracture in the ankle area.
17May

A stress fracture is common on foot and ankle; it is a small crack or severe bruising within a bone. Stress injuries can be within the shin bone, foot, lower back, heel, and hip. They are common in the third and second metatarsals. The stress arises from overuse or trauma to the foot and ankle, which if it goes untreated it can cause fractures.

X-ray of foot showing stress fracture in the ankle area.

Causes of a foot stress fracture

Stress fractures occur due to weight-bearing activities and extreme impact activities. The causes of stress can be internal or external factors. If you are dealing with any foot and ankle stress fracture, you may want to seek help from a foot specialist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle doctor, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale will provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.

Internal Factors

Age: Older people have low bone density and weakened bones that may develop stress reactions.

Weight: If you have a low BMI your bones might be weak and if you have a high BMI repetitive loading on your body weight puts you at risk of stress fractures.

Foot anatomy: Foot problems, such as tendonitis, blisters, bunions, and high or low arches, affect the way the foot strikes the ground leaving it susceptible to stress fractures.

Sex: Females are at risk of fractures, especially if they experience irregular menstrual periods.

Medical conditions: Some diseases such as osteoporosis weaken bone density and strength. Soft and weak bones might not adjust to activities, leaving them vulnerable to fractures.

External Factors

  • Practicing incorrect sport technique or training.
  • Having rapid training activities.
  • Changing training activity levels without breaks in between the change.
  • Changing exercising surfaces such as from an indoor track to concrete or gravel surfaces.
  • Running on a sloped surface.
  • The use of improper or poor equipment and footwear.
  • Repetitive, high-impact sports.
  • Low vitamin D level.
  • Poor calorie intake that does not complement the volume of sport one is engaging in.
  • Continuous sport without a break, especially for the youth.

Symptoms of a bone stress fracture

  • Pain and tenderness when the bone is touched.
  • Swelling and aches at the site of fracture.
  • Pain experienced only at the start of an activity.
  • Continues pain throughout an activity.
  • Pain in one leg and the inability of it to function normally.

Treatment

Treatment relives the fracture from pain and allows it to heal. A podiatrist’s treatment plan ensures that no further damage occurs in the bone and you get back to your activities faster. Treatment may vary considering the severity and location of the stress fracture. The efficacy and safety of Levitra were studied in randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving more than 2,000 men aged 20 to 83 years with erectile dysfunction. Patients received the drug at a dose of 5, 10 and 20 mg. In two of these studies, patients with erectile dysfunction had a comorbidity (diabetes mellitus or a condition after prostatectomy for prostate cancer). Read more at https://sdarcwellness.com/buy-levitra-online/. Types of fractures that the doctor might identify include ankle stress fracture, metatarsal stress fracture, stress fracture heel, stress fracture toe, and a hairline fracture in foot. The majority of the stress fractures are nonsurgical treated.

Nonsurgical treatment

The doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and the use of crutches to keep weight off the foot until the pain subsides.

  1. Modified activities:

The podiatrist will recommend you switch to modified activities that are less stressful to your leg and foot. Cycling and swimming are some of the activities recommended until the doctor recommends.

       b. Protective footwear

The doctor may recommend wearing protective footwear to reduce stress on your leg and foot. The protective footwear may include removable short-leg fracture brace shoe, stiff-soled shoe, or a wooden-soled sandal.

      c. Casting

Stress fractures in the fifth metatarsal bone take longer to heal. The doctor may apply a cast to keep the bones in a fixed position, relieving the leg from stress.

Surgical treatment

Some stress fractures require an insert of a fastener through surgery, to support the bones. This is an internal fixation which involves plates, pins, and screws to hold the ankle and foot small bones.

It takes 6 to 8 weeks for a foot stress fracture to heal, though some serious fractures can take longer. It is not advisable to immediately return to robust activity. Re-injury, sometimes leads to chronic problems which might cause the stress fracture not to heal properly. After the pain subsides the doctor can request for an X-ray to ensure the fracture is healed. 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 provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all foot-related stress fractures.

Close-up of ingrown toenail on big toe, foot care treatment image.
11May

Ingrown Toenail Removal & Treatment

Do you have a toenail breaking into the skin, causing you pain and discomfort? It is an ingrown toenail also known as onychocryptosis. When the top corner edge of the nail breaks through the skin causing inflammation, the pressure from the nail to the skin causes the condition. It is common with the big toes. You experience minor discomfort, and it might infect the adjacent skin, leading to a repeat of the problem.

ingrown

Common causes

  • Wearing tight shoes around your toes.
  • Cutting the nails with a curve.
  • Cutting the nails too short.
  • Toenail or toe injury through stubbing your toe.
  • Natural growth of curved toenails.

When to contact an ingrown toenail Houston specialist?

If at-home remedies do not work or you experience recurring ingrown toenails, or if you have an underlying condition like diabetes, it is time to visit a podiatrist to fix ingrown toenails. Prevent infections by treating them as soon as they occur. Mild cases need minor treatments and simple home remedies, while serious cases may need surgical intervention.

If you are looking for expert advice on ingrown toenail treatment, you may want to seek help from a Houston podiatrist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment for your ingrown toenail problems. Our foot specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can offer you the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Home ingrown toenail treatment

For slightly sore and red toenail soak the foot in warm water and place a piece of dry cotton under the corner of the nail. If the inflammation becomes worse that if the pain and swelling increases an antibiotic ointment may help and the doctor may try oral antibiotics before exploring other interventions.

Toenail removal and treatment

Your podiatrist might recommend the following kind of treatment to deal with the ingrown toenail.

Lifting the nail

If the area where there is an ingrown toenail is showing redness with the absence of pus, the doctor may recommend lifting. The nail edge is carefully lifted, and a splint, cotton, or dental floss is placed under. This separates the nail from the skin, helping it grow above the skin edge. This is followed by home care treatment; soak the toe and replace the underlying material daily.

Surgery

The doctor might partially remove the nail or remove the nail and tissue.

Partially removing the nail

For a severe ingrown toenail with redness, pus, and pain, the doctor may opt to trim the ingrown part. During this procedure the doctor will temporarily numb your toe using an anesthetic.

Removing the nail and tissue

If the problem recurs continually, the ingrown toenail doctor might suggest removing a part of the nail and the underlying tissue. This may cause the nail not to grow back or part of it will not grow back. The doctor might use a chemical, laser, or any other surgical method.

After the toenail removal surgery, rest the foot raised for a few hours. Refrain from vigorous exercises such as long-distance walking, exercises, and running for two weeks.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. Our foot and ankle specialist can handle all your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all foot-related issues.

Podiatrist examining a patient's foot for diabetic foot issues.
3May

How do obesity and diabetes impact the feet? Foot health trends are demanding significant changes in foot health services globally and a lot of orthotic materials are designed for multifaceted foot conditions. The issues driving the demand of specific foot care are; the increase of people with diabetes and those who are obese. They have a characteristic of foot health issues that need pressure-relieving orthotic materials and wider-fit footwear. Diabetes and being overweight are amongst the main issues, leaving the population susceptible to diabetes. If you are looking for some expert advice on diabetic foot care, you may want to seek help from a Houston foot specialist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment for your diabetic foot problems. 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

Podiatrist examining a patient's foot for diabetic foot issues.

Obesity

The World Health Organization defines obesity and overweight as excessive fat that impairs health. Obesity is when the body mass index (BMI) is greater than or equal to 30 but when it is greater or equal to 25 you are overweight. This is caused by an energy imbalance between consumption of high energy food and low outflow due to decreased physical activity. Obesity is effectively addressed when you focus on physical activity and nutrition. One of the consequences of obesity is it leads to diabetes and different foot health issues.

The body increases in size, fat and mass distribution on the abdomen and truck. This limits balance and stability; the foot shape and size increase in width and depth. The feet motion changes when standing and walking. Overweight individuals walk slower as a result of reduced stride length and double support needed for the body. The posture is different at the trunk because joint angles in gait in ankle joint prolong the plantar flexion and increase abduction at the everted heel and the hip

Foot health proposed solutions increase foot stability to maintain physical activity that will raise the burning of energy to reduce weight. There is a great association between obesity and diabetes because of increased BMI and waist measurements.

Diabetes

Diabetes is commonly caused by the increase to decrease of blood sugar leading to changes in the body. This leads to long-term complications of macro-vascular problems which sometimes lead to amputations. Fifty percent of diabetic patients who have suffered for more than 20 years have an affected nerve function which stiffens the plantar soft tissue. There are specific changes in the lower limbs and feet leading to foot deformities. There is an increase in callous formation, diabetic blister, and diabetic foot ulceration due to increased pressure to the forefoot. There is reduced walking speed, tremor, and greater stance widths. The footpads lose elasticity and thicken causing the metatarsal head to be exposed to glucose, which can cause diabetic foot infection. This reduces the capability of shock absorption of the feet.

 It is estimated only 20% of diabetic patients wear correct fitting footwear. Suitable footwear distributes pressure from body weight evenly and prevents foot ulceration. Custom molded insoles reduce plantar pressure when walking and standing.

These specific user needs for diabetes foot, call for specialized foot care from a podiatrist and investment in proper footwear. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. Our diabetic foot care specialist can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all foot related issues

Close-up of toenail fungus on big toe with thick, discolored nail.
26Apr

Close-up of toenail fungus on big toe with thick, discolored nail.

Toenail fungus is caused by mold or yeast, which affects the fingernails and toenails. Yeast infections occur on fingernails and it affects 3 to 12% of the population, but more prevalent in older people. Fungal nail infection causes the nails to be brittle and change color. Mild conditions might need self-care steps and treatment. If the nail fungus is painful and the nails have thickened, you will need medical attention.

Symptoms of toenail fungus

  • Brownish or whitish-yellow nail discolorations.
  • Thick and brittle and crumbly nails.
  • Change in the shape of the nail.
  • The affected part of the nail detaches from the nail bed.
  • Dark colors due to debris build under the nail.
  • Slightly smells foul.

Risk factors which leave one susceptible to foot fungus infections include:

  1. Athlete’s foot
  2. Contact with infectious fungi surfaces in saunas or swimming pools.
  3. Tight shoes
  4. Various skin conditions
  5. Damaged nails
  6. Poor circulation in the legs for people with diabetes or peripheral artery disease.
  7. A weak immune system due to sickness or medications that suppresses the system.
  8. Genetic predisposition
  9. Moisture for people who sweat heavily.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Fungal nail infections are treated depending on the severity and the type of fungus causing the condition. A podiatrist determines this by scraping off some of the affected areas and sending it to the lab. The doctor may prescribe antifungal drugs for application or taking orally. Sometimes a combination of topical antifungal therapies and oral therapies works best.

Looking for toe fungus treatment Houston? To get expert advice on foot and ankle issues, you may want to seek help from the best doctor for nail fungus in Houston. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment for your toenail fungus treatment. 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.

  1. Oral antifungal drugs are usually the first choice because of their ability to clear infections quickly than topical drugs. The drugs help the nail to grow slowly replacing the infected nail. Usually administered for six to 12 weeks, though the results usually visible later, after the nail grows completely. Higher success rates are noticed in people less than 65 years of age.
    1. Side effects include skin rash and rare cases of liver damage. So multiple blood tests are administered to monitor how the drugs are working. These are not advisable for people with congestive heart failure or liver disease.
  2. A topical nail lacquer (Ciclopirox). It is a medicated nail polish which is prescribed by the doctor. The nails are painted once a day for seven days, then wipe the layers with alcohol and start afresh application. This is used for almost a year.
  3. Antifungal medicated cream rubbed into the nails after soaking. The creams are more effective on thin nails; the medication gets through the hard nail surface to the fungus. To thin the nails, apply a lotion containing urea or have a doctor thin the surface of the nail.
  4. Laser treatment which removes damaged areas of the skin or nail.
  5. In some cases, the doctor might recommend surgery for foot fungus removal.

Self-care

Use soap and water to wash the feet and dry using a clean towel, dry well between the toes. Keep the toenails shorter by trimming across and keep the ends shorter. Wash the tools you use on your feet and wipe them clean with rubbing alcohol. Avoid nail polish because it will cover the affected nails and avoid the fungus from going away.

Immediately you notice white markings, use over the counter antifungal creams. Thin and trim the nails to reduce pressure on the nails. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. Our foot fungus specialist can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all foot blister related issues.

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.