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Home Tag: "foot pain" (Page 14)

Tag: foot pain

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.