+
Home Tag: "foot problems"

Tag: foot problems

21Nov
Foot and ankle specialist examining winter boot for support and comfort.
Discover the best winter shoe support for feet

As winter approaches, the need for proper footwear becomes increasingly essential. The changing weather can lead to various foot problems, but by choosing the right winter shoe support for feet, you can prevent discomfort and injury. This article will guide you on what to look for in winter footwear, the importance of arch support, and how proper insulation and traction can profoundly impact your foot health.

Read More “Essential Winter Shoe Support for Your Feet | Houston Podiatrist”
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.

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.