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Detailed illustration of a foot showing Morton’s Neuroma and nerve pathways.
25Mar

Detailed illustration of a foot showing Morton’s Neuroma and nerve pathways.

A swollen nerve in the foot may be indicative of a condition that is referred to as Morton’s neuroma. It is described as a growth of nerve tissue that exists between the third and fourth toes.This ailment may cause adjoining tendons and ligaments to put pressure on the nerve, which may cause inflammation and pain. Additional symptoms may include numbness or tingling, and some patients may experience a burning sensation. Pain and discomfort are often felt in the bottom of the foot, near the base of the third and fourth toes. There may be effective exercises that can be performed, which which may aid in improving strength in the arch of the foot. These may include stretching the lower leg, and the plantar fascia, which is the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. If you feel you have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the proper treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr.Eji Shobowale of DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer any of your related questions.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Read more about Morton’s Neuroma

X-ray of foot showing inflamed cuboid bone with pain area highlighted.
18Mar

X-ray of foot showing inflamed cuboid bone with pain area highlighted.

There are bones located in the foot that are known as cuboid bones. Their function is to connect the ankle to the foot, in addition to providing stability. If the joints near the cuboid bones become torn or injured, a condition known as cuboid syndrome may develop. Common symptoms may include pain and discomfort on the side of the foot, swelling near the affected area, or weakness in the toes. Some patients notice their gait may be altered, and this may be a result of attempting to minimize the pain. This condition has several causes. These may include ankle injuries, repetitive strain caused by participating in sporting activities, or medical conditions such as flat feet. If you are afflicted with cuboid syndrome, it is advised to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can guide you toward obtaining proper treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr.Eji Shobowale from DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

 

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Blister on heel caused by ill-fitting shoes, requiring podiatric care.
11Mar

Blister on heel caused by ill-fitting shoes, requiring podiatric care.

A blister is typically caused by excessive friction that occurs on a portion of the foot. It is a result of torn skin that is covered by a bubble which is filled with liquid. It is the body’s natural defense mechanism that protects the raw skin as the healing process occurs. One of the reasons why a blister can develop may be from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. If there is a narrow toe area or if the heel area is too wide, blisters may begin to form. They can develop on different parts of the foot, including the side of the pinky toe, or on the bottom of the toes. If medical conditions exist such as hammer toes or bunions, blisters may form as the skin rubs against the shoe. If you have blisters that are uncomfortable and painful, it is suggested to counsel with a podiatrist who can discuss proper preventative measures.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr.Eji Shobowale of DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Read more about Blisters

Elderly woman with walker receiving assistance from healthcare professional.
4Mar

Research has shown that falling may lead to serious conditions, which may include enduring a debilitating injury or fracturing a bone. As the aging process occurs, it may be beneficial to have frequent vision tests performed, and this may help in noticing any tripping hazards that may be present. Additionally, it may be helpful to monitor blood pressure, and this may ensure it is in a normal range. Low blood pressure may lead to dizziness, which may cause difficulty in walking. Muscle strength and flexibility in the joints and tendons may be improved while maintaining an active lifestyle. If you would like additional information about the importance of falls prevention, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can properly assist you.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr.Eji Shobowale from DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.

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.

Read more about Falls Prevention

Group of children walking on grass, promoting foot health and activity.
25Feb

Group of children walking on grass, promoting foot health and activity.

Group of children walking outdoors on grass, healthy activity for kids. Sever’s disease is a condition that only affects children because their growth plate is still in the process of maturing. A majority of the children affected by Sever’s disease participate in sports and are between the ages of 10 and 15. This condition causes inflammation around the growth plate of the heel bone, which is still growing. The extra stress placed on the foot during sports activities is usually what triggers Sever’s disease. Pain becomes present in the back of the heel, which becomes more sensitive when pressure is applied during actions like running or jumping. Children might develop a minor limp, and they will usually complain of painful sensations in the heel area. If you think your child might have Sever’s disease, it is recommended you bring them to a podiatrist to learn more about the condition and how it can be treated.

Sever’s disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr.Eji Shobowale at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 and ankle injuries.

Read more about Sever’s Disease

18Feb

Cracked heels can make life very frustrating and embarrassing when displaying the bare feet. Aside from being unpleasing to the eye, they can also tear stockings and socks and wear out shoes at a faster rate. When severe, cracked heels may cause pain or infection.

Cracked heels are a problem for those who are athletic, those who may walk a lot, and those who have especially dry skin. Those who use medication that dry the skin, those who swim often, wearing certain types of shoes, and those who are diabetic may have trouble with cracked heels. Seniors whose skin produces less oil may also have trouble with cracked feet. There is no one way to develop cracked feet, and there is no cure.

Today, the market consists of numerous products that have a variety of ingredients to promote healing. Some of these are over-the-counter. Others are prescribed by a doctor, especially for those who have chronic dry feet and heels.

Some doctors recommend wearing socks at night for those with rough skin. This helps further healing, and helps creams stay on longer and better absorb into the skin.

One way to alleviate dryness that causes cracked heels is by using moisturizers both day and night. Another way is to make sure the skin is clean and dry at all times. Using a pumice stone to buff away dead skin before putting on moisturizer can also help. Cracked heels will not respond to the cream unless the outer layer of skin is first removed through exfoliation. After exfoliation, lotion or ointment will be absorbed by the skin more easily.

Foods that produce healing and balance can also help the skin from within. Everything that is put into the body can either help it or hurt it. Taking supplements of omega-3 fatty acids and zinc can also be very beneficial.

Nevertheless, not all products are guaranteed to help treat cracked feet. Seeing a professional is best if other treatments options were unsuccessful. A podiatrist should be able to give the best advice to help with this problem.