+
Home Tag: "foot pain" (Page 13)

Tag: foot pain

X-ray image of a foot showing inflammation in the ankle area.
12Jan

X-ray image of a foot showing inflammation in the ankle area.

The cuboid syndrome is also known as peroneal cuboid, locked cuboid, or dropped cuboid; occurs when the ligaments and joint surrounding the cuboid bone are injured due to rotation of the cuboid out of position, partial dislocation. The cuboid bone has seven tarsal bones in the foot and it is part of the midtarsal joint. The pain is around the middle of the foot and the base of the fifth and fourth toes, and the side where you have the little toe that is the lateral side of the foot. It makes it hard to diagnose cuboid syndrome because it is easily confused with other conditions such as a stress fracture. The cuboid bone may be injured suddenly due to overuse. Visit a podiatrist as soon as the symptoms start for early treatment to avoid cuboid syndrome surgery offered in severe cases.

Symptoms

  • Sudden pain or pain that develops over time in the lateral side of the foot (the side with the little toe).
  • Pain that gets worse with weight-bearing.
  • Difficulties in walking.
  • Acute or sharp pain.
  • Possible swelling.
  • Less motion of the ankle and foot.
  • Pain when pushing off the toe and lifting the heel.
  • Sensitive bottom of the foot.
  • Pain outside the ankle.

Causes

Overuse – Cuboid syndrome running is common among athletes because their feet are intensely active in high-stress situations and work through the pain. It can result in injuries or dislocation of the cuboid bone.

Sprained ankle – An inversion sprain of the ankle likely causes the cuboid syndrome. It happens when the ankle twists inward, but an outward twist can also cause the condition.

Pronated feet – People with pronated feet usually have the feet turn inward as they walk. Their calf muscles are tight, and they tug the cuboid bone to dislocated when the foot is pronated.

Other activities – Such as a lot of sports especially the ones that involve side to side movements like racquetball or tennis. Others include climbing stairs, poorly fitting shoes, training on uneven surfaces, and not resting to recover after strenuous activity.

Treatment

The best conservative treatment method involves resting, icing, compressing, elevation, and eliminating activities that put pressure on the foot. If pain persists or gets worse, book an appointment with a podiatrist.

In the first steps of treatment, a podiatrist makes sure the patient is not wearing a shoe or any gear that causes the foot to supinate. If the condition is due to biomechanical or limb length issues, the proper measures to correct and treat are administered.

Traditional treatment is administered by placing a square cuboid pad on the foot. The pad is adhesive and is applied directly to the skin. The success of the pad is achieved when the size of the patient’s foot is considered.

Direct manipulation is done by using plantar and dorsal motions. Sometimes a pop can be heard as the cuboid gets back in place. This can be painful but repeated manipulation once or twice a day alleviates the pain.

Close-up of a person receiving foot massage for plantar fasciitis relief.
17Feb

plantar fasciitis6

This is a common heel pain that is widespread in middle-aged adults, which one can wish away. The pain manifests itself when taking the first steps in the morning. The plantar fascia ligaments are the shock absorbers of your feet and when they are inflamed or damaged they can cause pain in one or both heels. Several treatment options are effective when tailored to the patient’s preferences and risk factors. Problems resulting in plantar fasciitis include hard walking/running surfaces, an increase of weight-bearing activity, worn shoes and increased intensity of activity. Early detection of the problem means a shorter course treatment with a high probability of success with conservative treatments.

Some treatment of plantar fasciitis includes

  1. Using lavender essential oil

According to a study in 2015, the lavender essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties used in treating pain caused by inflammation. Dilute a drop of the essential oil in a oil carrier such as coconut or olive oil and massage at the bottom of your feet. Adding a few drops of the oil in a warm foot bath is also recommended.

  1. Plenty of rest

This has been discovered to be an effective treatment that works best. For active adults who require walking and standing long, they might have a challenge complying with this requirement. You must have an outlined rest plan and find alternative activities to avoid aggravating the pain. If possible, avoid working on hard surfaces.

  1. Wear supportive shoes

Wear shoes with a low heel that provides good arch support, especially if you are on your feet most of the time. The appropriate shoes help support the plantar fascia and prevent inflammation. If you are in sports it is important to wear the right shoe to avoid experiencing foot pain from running.

  1. Use orthotics

Most medical practitioners recommend footpads or orthotic shoe inserts, especially if you have high arches, to distribute weight evenly. You can get ready-made orthotics available in pharmacies or request custom made orthotic inserts from your podiatrist.

  1. Stretching

Stretching corrects various dysfunctional factors such as tightness of the foot muscles and improves the flexibility of the calf muscles. There are stretching techniques that help relieve plantar fasciitis. Calf stretches, toe stretches, and towel stretches are some stretches that should be done in the morning and several times a day. For towel stretches, roll the towel and pull both ends when placed under the ball of your foot.

  1. Wear night splint

Night splints relieve pain by stretching the calves and arches overnight. If you have had plantar fasciitis for more than six months, these are recommended for you. They are available in soft and hard models and can be used from one to three months.

  1. Massage

Simple massage techniques soothe pain in the heel. Use thumbs to massage the heels and arches starting from the balls of the feet towards the heel. A golf ball can be used to massage the arches. Put the foot on the golf ball and roll the golf ball under your arch. Hang on a stable support item while doing this.

  1. Use an ice pack

Ice reduces inflammation and acts as a good massage aid. With a thin towel and cloth cover your ice pack and hold over the painful area for 15 to 20minutes; repeat this for at least three-four times a day. You can also roll the foot under the ice pack like the golf ball example.

  1. Lose weight

Extra weight adds pressure on the plantar fascia and losing a few pounds relives off the pressure. Work with a doctor who can put in place a plan that focuses on regular exercise and a balanced diet.

  1. Use NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation such include ibuprofen; they relieve pain caused by the inflamed plantar fascia. Only use the recommended dosage and consult a doctor to understand the interactions with other medications.

  1. Apply TENS therapy

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), uses low voltage electrical stimulation to relieve pain. This treatment is non-invasive and can be done at home using a TENS unit or it can be done by a professional.

If the pain does not respond to home treatments seek medical assistance from foot specialists at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Additional testing and X-rays can be done to rule out other causes of foot pain such as a heel spur. A doctor can use steroid injections and physical therapy when dealing with plantar fasciitis.

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.

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.

Podiatrist examining a patient's foot for common foot problems.
6Oct

There are various kinds of foot problems that are caused due to diseases, injuries, and inflammation. These problems can be treated by visiting a Foot Doctor in Houston at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center. Some of them include:

1. Athlete’s foot

It is a fungal disease of the skin that generally occurs in the region between the toes. Athlete’s foot can result in serious pain, uneasiness, and itching. A person is prone to develop the infection while walking around in places like swimming pools, showers, and other damp areas where the causative fungus is known to thrive in. Athlete’s foot can rapidly spread to other regions of the skin such as groin, scalp, and hands.

athletesfoot

Treatment

According to foot specialists Houston, a person must make sure to keep their feet clean and dry. Various fungicidal treatments such as lotions, sprays, and powders, are easily available in the majority of pharmacies.

If the condition of the foot exacerbates even after the treatment, the person should immediately visit a doctor. 

2. Bunions

Bunions refer to the deformities of the feet which result in the growth of a bump on the big toe joint. This condition causes the large toe to turn little inward. Bunions are also known as ‘’hallux valgus’’. Women are more susceptible to develop bunions as compared to men due to their narrow footwear. A person suffering from conditions like polio and rheumatoid arthritis have increased chances of developing a bunion. The symptoms of Bunion include corns on the bone beneath the large toe, severe pain, and bump on the side of the toe.

Treatment

 A person suffering from bunions must wear appropriately fitting footwear and should avoid wearing high heels. Bunion pads are also available at pharmacies or shoe stores. These pads help in protecting the bunion from the excess pressure.

Inflammation can be reduced by applying an ice pack on the bunion for about 10-15 minutes. 

If the condition continues to persist then a doctor may even recommend surgery.

3. Diabetic neuropathy

Fluctuations in blood sugar are often seen in people who are diabetic. Diabetic neuropathy includes several conditions that result in causing damage to the feet. The major cause of this condition is the higher levels of blood sugar that may harm the nerves of the feet. Smoking and alcohol can also lead to diabetic neuropathy. Tingling, severe pain, itching, and numbness are some of the common symptoms of this condition.

Treatment

In order to avoid this condition, it is advisable to maintain ideal levels of blood sugar. A person suffering from diabetes must go for foot examinations on a regular basis.

4.  Ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail is a condition that occurs when the toenail begins to grow into the nail groove. It is known to cause considerable pain and uneasiness. It is caused because of wearing shoes that are improperly-fitting. A person whose nails are not trimmed sufficiently may also develop an ingrown toenail. Some common symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness, and inflammation.

ingrown

Treatment

It is important to trim the toenails properly to avoid an ingrown toenail. Using antibacterial soaps for washing the feet can also help to a great extent. The person must only wear well-fitting footwear.

If the condition does not improve, it is advisable to visit a podiatrist near Houston.   

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.