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Home Tag: "foot doctor"

Tag: foot doctor

Podiatrist examining a patient's foot during a foot and ankle exam in Cypress, TX.
23Aug

Understanding the Role of a Foot and Ankle Specialist in Cypress, TX

Podiatrist examining a patient's foot during a foot and ankle exam in Cypress, TX.

Living in Cypress, TX, brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to foot and ankle health. With the active lifestyle many residents maintain, the need for a qualified foot and ankle specialist Cypress TX can be crucial. Understanding foot and ankle issues ensures timely interventions and effective treatments.
In this article, we will explore various aspects of foot and ankle health, including common conditions, symptoms, treatment options, and when to seek professional help. Whether you are experiencing discomfort or are curious about preventative care, knowing your options is the first step toward recovery.

Read More “Foot and Ankle Specialist Cypress TX | DeNiel Foot & Ankle”
20Mar

Did you know the feet might carry a hereditary trait you never thought about?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in chronic heel pain conditions like heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, offering relief without surgery or significant downtime​
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in chronic heel pain conditions like heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, offering relief without surgery or significant downtime​

Yep, that’s right! Some people inherit a tendency to develop heel spurs or plantar fasciitis from their parents. So, if your mom or dad has ever complained about heel pain, pay extra attention to your feet. But do not worry, even if you have drawn the short genetic straw, modern treatments like shockwave therapy are here to save the day. If you are in Houston and struggling with heel pain, we have your back. Let us dive into how this innovative treatment can help you get back on your feet!

Read More “Heel Pain: Shockwave Therapy Is Your Secret Weapon!”
Diagram showing normal foot and foot drop with nerve pathways highlighted.
30Dec

Foot drop which is also known as drop foot is a difficulty in which an individual is unable to drop the front part of the foot. While walking, the front part of the foot may drag on the ground. It is not a disease but a neurological problem or anatomical problem. It can be both permanent and temporary. Depending on the intensity of the problem, you may have to wear a brace on your foot and ankle that shall help to hold your foot in position. 

Diagram showing normal foot and foot drop with nerve pathways highlighted.

What are the causes of foot drop?

Foot drop is caused by paralysis of muscles that help in lifting the front part of the foot. There are several causes of foot drop, and some of them are mentioned below.

  • Nerve injury – Foot drop is caused by compression of a nerve in leg that controls the muscles that contribute to lifting the front part of the foot. In case, the nerve gets injured during knee replacement and the like, it also results in problems like foot drop. Other than this, nerve root injury, which is also known as the pinched nerve, can be considered as foot drop causes. The nerve disorder is more common in the one with diabetes. 
  • Brain and spinal cord disorders – Any disorder affecting the brain or spinal cord such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS multiple strokes or like may often result in foot drop problem.
  • Muscle or nerve disorders – Forms of muscular dystrophy is an inherited disease that causes muscle weakness, and it may also result in foot drop. Even order disorders like polio can also result in nerve disorders.

What are the symptoms of foot drop?

Due to foot drop, one cannot drop the front part of the foot. In such cases, he or she might have to drag the foot on the floor. For this, you have to raise your thigh when walking. Also, you may have to slap your foot down due to this neurological problem. In some cases, the top of your skin of the toe and foot may feel numb. So, depending on the cause, it will affect your foot.

How should foot drop be treated?

For foot drop treatment, you should not delay once you notice the symptoms. It is better to get the problem diagnosed at its initial stages. Also, the treatment will depend on the cause of the neurological problem. With successful and early diagnosis, it can improve or even disappear and never come back. In case, the cause of the disease can be treated, it may become a permanent problem. Some of the treatment methods include the following. 

  • Braces or splints 

The foot drop brace is useful when you wear them on your ankle or foot. It should fit into your shoe that shall help to hold your foot in a proper position. 

  • Physical therapy 

Some proper physical therapy can also help to get rid of the foot drop issue. You can practice exercises that help strengthen leg muscles and maintain the range of movement of the ankle and knee. This shall further help to improve gait issues that are related to foot drop.

  • Nerve stimulation 

The foot drop nerve stimulation is important as it helps lift your foot and improves the problem of foot drop. 

If you have any questions about foot drop, please feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX. DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center offers the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Close-up of a person's foot with healthy skin and toenails.
4Dec

 

With the onset of winter months, diabetes patients should take special care of their feet. It is known that diabetes patients are prone to poor blood circulation along with some nerve problems. They should take decision depending on the changes they notice. Without delay, it is better to consult a doctor to get a suitable treatment and maintaining your feet during the winter days. Read the following part to know better about how patients should maintain foot health during winter days.

coldfootcare

Keeping dry feet

Rain or snow can make your feet damp. The moisture collected from socks, toes and feet can result in bacteria that further leads to infection. Therefore, patients suffering from diabetes should frequently change their socks and rub feet with dry towel to prevent the infection problem. Also, they should pay attention to the place in between the toes. 

Maintaining moisturized feet

If you are keeping shoes dry to prevent bacteria formation, keeping your feet dry is also important. By moisturizing your feet, your feet will remain smooth. This shall reduce the risk of cracking that further results into wound. In this case, you can take suggestion from your doctor to get the right foot lotion that shall help to keep it moisturized. It is recommended to use it after bathing to prevent feet dryness.

Avoid direct heat contact to your feet

To reduce the problem of dryness of your feet and chance of feet burning, turn to keep it away from direct heat exposure. As diabetes can cause nerve damage in your feet, it may not be possible to keep your feet warm during winter months. Also, direct hot water on should not be used on diabetic feet. Instead, they should check the temperature of water before using it. Also, they should prevent use of warm items such as electric blankets, heating pads, heated shoe inserts and the like.

Choosing the right shoes

Though choosing the right winter shoe may seem to be a daunting task. But with diabetes choosing the perfect pair shall help keep your feet in good condition. The wrong shoe can make your feet even worse making it too dry during the cold weather. 

Opt for periodic foot checkup from surgeon

By going through periodic check from foot and ankle surgeon, it will be easy to prevent foot issues. A regular checkup from foot and ankle surgeon shall help to prevent the chances of foot issues. Therefore, with suitable foot care from a diabetic foot doctor, diabetes patients can reduce the chances of different foot problems. With regular visits, you can keep an eye on any changes that you notice in your feet. Thus, with the suitable treatment, the doctor can help to keep your feet in good condition even during cold weather.

Wrapping it up

Meeting a foot and ankle surgeon shall be of immense help for diabetes patients to keep your feet safe. Inside of remaining inside your home all winter, it is better to consult your doctor in advance for the right guidance.

Close-up of toenail fungus on big toe with thick, discolored nail.
21Oct

Nail fungus is a common disease. It starts with a white and yellow spot under the tip of a fingernail or toenail and gradually the fungal infection spreads. With the increasing rot of the nail due to fungus, it may discolor the nail; thicken it to crumble at the edges. It may spread to other nails as well. We often ignore such nail fungus and if it is not bothering, we do not opt for any treatment. But if it turns out to be painful and has developed thickened nails, self-care and domestic medications might help. But even though the treatment helps it recover, there is always a chance of nail fungus to come back. Toenail fungus is seen more often than in fingernails. The disease of nail fungus is also called Onychomycosis.

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

Causes of nail fungus:

As the name suggests, fungus infection develops due to infection by a fungal organism (fungus). The most common form of fungi that cause nail fungus is known as a dermatophyte. Yeast and molds are other variables that cause fungal infection in nails. It is most commonly seen in older adults but does not imply it won’t occur in younger people. As the nail gets old, it becomes brittle and dry which results in the formation of cracks in nails. These cracks allow room for fungi to enter. Other causes of developing nail fungus can be- Reduced blood circulation to feet and a weak immune system.

Sometimes, nail fungus can also develop from an athlete’s foot. It spreads from one nail to another. But it occurs very rarely to get the disease from an affected person.

The chances of developing nail fungus occur when:

  • Old age
  • Reduced blood flow
  • Sweating heavily
  • Unhealthy conditions that allow fungi to grow
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Walking barefoot in damp areas such as swimming pools, bathrooms, etc.
  • Having an unattended skin or nail injury or in case of a skin condition such as psoriasis.
  • Suffering from diabetes
  • A problem in proper blood circulation
  • The weakened immune system of the body

Symptoms of nail fungus:

You might have developed a nail fungus if you observe the following symptoms growing in your nails:

  • Thickened
  • White nails start changing to yellow-brown
  • Brittle, crumbled or ragged
  • Distorted shape
  • Develops a dark color due to debris building up under your nail.
  • Foul smell.

If the domestic nail fungus cures are not improving the situation, you may want to consult a nail fungus doctor at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center. When the nails become extremely discolored, thickened or darkened, it is advisable not to ignore it anymore and consult a foot doctor urgently to get the best treatment for a fungal toenail. If you are already suffering from diabetes, it is a must to get treated by a physician.

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.

Detailed illustration of ankle bones, tendons, and ligaments for foot health.
13Oct

Plantar fasciitis- symptoms and causes

Plantar fasciitis is basically a deformity of an inflamed thick band of tissues that connects the heel bone to the toes. It is commonly known as policeman’s heel. Our foot has a thick, fibrous band of tissues running from our heels to our toes. When these tissues are overly stretched, tiny tears occur in the tissue surface, which results in pain and inflammation. Traditionally foot doctors in Houston and Podiatrists Houston thought that heel spurs were the cause of plantar fasciitis. But modern treatment and research at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center proves that Heel spurs are the result and not the cause. They often prescribe heel spur pain relief in case of such a situation.

plantar

Causes of plantar fasciitis:

There are several reasons that contribute to the occurrence of plantar fasciitis. Generally, women are more prone to plantar fasciitis than men. The possibility of the occurrence of the disease increases with age. It also occurs when you are overweight or you stress your feet to the point of fatigue throughout the day.

 The risk of causing plantar fasciitis also increases if:

  • Your shoes are uncomfortable, worn out with thin soles.
  • You have flat feet or a very high arch.
  • You wear ill-fitting footwear such as high heeled sandals.
  • You have tight Achilles tendons pain or those known as ‘heel cords’.
  • You have an unusual posture and walk or foot position.
  • You are suffering from obesity.

If you bore such habits, then you should visit a foot and ankle specialist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center in Houston TX. Ignoring plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic heel pain which will cause obstruction to our regular pace in life activities.

plantar2

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis include the following:

  • Pain in heel and tenderness in your foot sole.
  • The affected heel would cause pain which will lead to difficulty in bearing weight or any activity involved with the foot.
  • It is difficult to walk, especially while taking the first few steps after waking up.
  • The heel pain is more like a burning pain and sharp, which can become severe.
  • Swelling of the bottom of the foot.
  • You will gradually realize while working out any athletic activities.
  • Swelling and tenderness at the insertion of the plantar fascia or the band of the tissue to the heel, on the bottom of the foot.

 You can start by preventing any stressful athletic activities. Visit for physical therapy from time to time. In severe cases, surgery is recommended. Treatment involves injections of cortisone in the foot which works as a pain reliever. Orthotic devices or shoe inserts are worn to take off the pressure from the plantar fascia. Heel lifts reduce pressure on Achilles tendon to relieve heel spur pain. Use sports running shoes with soft and cushioned insoles to reduce irritation.

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 injuries. Visit your nearest podiatrists in Houston or a foot doctor Houston, as soon as getting the symptoms.