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Foot examination by podiatrist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center.
3Oct

What is a podiatrist?

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, arthritis, and so on. Podiatrists are informally known as foot and ankle doctor in Houston TX, “foot physicians” or also known as podiatric physicians.

Foot examination by podiatrist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center.

Medical training of podiatrists

Although podiatrist Cypress TX 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 Podiatry 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. Bunion refers to a condition in which the joint located at the base of the big toe 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 ingrown toenail is also a troublesome problem in which a corner of the toenail grows into the toe instead of growing outwards.

Comparison of healthy toe and ingrown toenail for foot health.

  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 callus 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, heel pain 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 foot pain, 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.

Person holding ankle with running shoes on outdoor path.
3Oct

If you continue to run in your old and worn-out shoes for a long time, it can eventually result in inconvenience and damage to your feet. After a while, old shoes tend to lose their properties like stability, shock absorption and cushioning. Thus, running in such shoes accentuates the strain and pressure on your joints and feet and can lead to common pains, discomforts, as well as wounds due to overuse,

According to Houston podiatrists at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center, replacing your old shoes at the right time is the best way to avoid the damage that results due to running in these shoes. The following are some of the indicators that will notify you about the ideal time to change your worn-out running shoes.

running shoes

  • Experiencing Pain While Running

This is one of the most important intimations, indicating that it is time for you to buy new running shoes. If you are experiencing shin splints, as well as discomfort in your knee joints, that is because your old shoes have lost their cushioning, and wearing such shoes any longer can lead to pain on both knees. In case you continue to experience pain even after switching to your new shoes, consult a foot specialist Houston as he can guide you in the best way possible.

  • Ineffective impact absorption

Old shoes also tend to lose their shock absorption after some time. If you are able to feel the strike of every step that you take, in your hips, feet, and knees, it implies that the shock absorption ability of your old shoes has degraded over time. Running is an activity which puts a lot of strain and impact on your feet, therefore running in shoes with excellent impact absorption can decrease the strain on bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles of your body.

  • Weary Treads

If the treads on the sole of your running shoes have worn-out to a great extent, then you should opt for a new pair. Soles of the running shoes tend to endure for a longer time as compared to its other properties like impact absorption and cushioning. Hence, if the soles of your running shoes are exhausted, make sure that you purchase the new ones.

  • Irregular Wear

If you notice that your running shoes are wearing in an irregular manner, or your step wear pattern suggests a potential gait problem, visit a foot doctor Houston at  DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center  to determine the method for rectifying the issue. Changing your running pattern may possibly help, but the doctor can also suggest you change your worn-out running shoes. Extreme wear on the front portion of your shoe is an indication of over pronation.

According to researchers, wearing convenient and comfortable shoes while running supports the movement of runners and assists them in maintaining the ideal form. Therefore, changing your worn-out running shoes at the right time will help you reduce the risk of injuries and joint pains.

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.

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.