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Home Tag: "houston foot doctor" (Page 3)

Tag: houston foot doctor

Illustration of gout affecting the big toe joint with inflammation and pain.
19Nov

gout2Gout is an inflammatory arthritis affecting one joint at a time. The condition is also known as hyperuricemia, characterized by too much uric acid present in the body. The body is responsible for uric acid production as waste when it is breaking down purines from foods we eat. Once there is extra uric acid in the body, the acidic crystals build up in joints, tissues, and fluids inside the body. Hyperuricemia does not always cause gout, however, if the condition is without gout symptoms, there is no need to treat it.

Foods that cause gout

Foods trigger an attack by raising uric acid levels. Foods that cause gout are high in purine, a natural substance in foods. People with gout cannot efficiently remove excess uric acid from their bodies, causing accumulation and an attack.

Foods that trigger gout attacks contain moderate to a high number of purines.

  • Organ meats include liver, brain, kidneys, and sweetbreads.
  • Game meats like veal, pheasant, and venison.
  • Seafood such as crab, shrimp, scallops, and roe.
  • Fish including tuna, herring, haddock, trout, sardines, and mackerel.
  • Sugar-sweetened beverages and fructose increase the risk of developing gout or cause gout attacks. These include sugary sodas and fruit juices.
  • Added sugars such as honey, high -fructose corn syrup, and agave nectar.
  • Yeasts including nutritional yeast, yeast supplements, and brewers’ yeast.
  • Refined carbs from cakes, white bread, and cookies.

Gout symptoms

Gout symptoms can be sudden but often happen at night. When the symptoms are worse, they are called flares and when they are less noticeable it is known as remission.

  • Joint pain, especially the large joint of your big toe, although it can happen on any joint on the ankles, elbows, fingers, and wrists. The pain is severe in the first 12 hours of happening.
  • The discomfort usually happens after the pain subsides. It can last up to a few weeks, but later flares cause prolonged discomfort to the affected joints.
  • Redness and inflammation of the affected joints.
  • Limited range of motion for the affected joints.

Gout treatment

Gout can be treated with medications and self-management strategies. Both methods have three roles to reduce inflammation, pain, and gout attacks. There are conventional treatments and traditional treatments.

Self-management strategies include adjusting your diet to reduce the number of acute gout attacks by lowering the level of uric acid in the blood. Some dietary adjustments include

  • Eliminate or reduce alcohol (beer).
  • Drink a lot of non-alcoholic drinks, mainly water.
  • Eat non-fat or low-fat dairy products.
  • Take soy products, low-fat dairy products, and vitamin C to prevent gout attacks.
  • The intake of high-fat dairy products or full-fat products does not affect uric acid levels.
  • Eating high purine vegetables does not trigger gout attacks.
  • Take plant-based proteins like legumes and beans.
  • Eat complex carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain bread.

Medications

Classes of gout treatment medications are

  • Xanthine oxidase inhibitors reduce uric acid produced by the body.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce inflammation and pain associated with a gout attack.
  • Probenecid improves the function of the kidney and its ability to remove uric acid.

At DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center located in Houston, Texas, Ejodamen Shobowale, DPM and her caring staff strive to provide the best comprehensive care for all podiatry and sport medicine related issues. If the foot and ankle issue, is foot-related like toenail fungus or heel pain, or involves foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes, the foot specialist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center can get you back on your feet as quickly as possible

Podiatrist examining patient's foot in a clinical setting.
22Oct

 Is it time to look for foot care near me? Proper foot care involves maintenance to keep your feet healthy and prevent problems. Your feet need   some tender loving care since they are responsible for taking more than a thousand steps daily in addition to bearing your weight with every  step. Foot and ankle care are essential to maintain optimum function and avoid problems.

 Basic foot care tipsproper footcare

  •  Maintain blood circulation by exercising or walking 30 minutes a day, five to seven times a week.
  • Give your feet a rest by lying back and elevate your feet to relax. With your fingers, gently massage the feet or roll them over a golf ball or a rolling pin.
  • Ensure that your feet are always dry and clean to prevent fungus infections; wear clean well-dried socks, and air out your shoes.
  • Inspect your feet regularly and if you notice redness, sores, or cracked skin, attend to them immediately. For diabetic patients, immediately visit a foot care clinic if you notice any of the above.
  • Cut across the toenails straight and leave them a little longer than the tips of the toes to avoid ingrown toenails.
  • Make it a habit to use a pumice stone to remove thickened skin on calluses and corns.
  • Always keep the feet moisturized to avoid excessive dryness and cracking. In case the cracking and drying cannot be contained by home interventions, contact a podiatrist for a prescribed treatment.

 

Ensuring proper foot care when buying shoes

Most of the time, we choose style over the comfort, we cram our feet into too tight or too high shoes that could cause more problems for the feet.

  • When trying shoes, walk around, lean, jog, and jump to see how comfortable the shoe is. If it feels uncomfortable, do not buy the shoes avoid damaging your feet and your body.
  • For men, wear the socks you plan to wear with the shoes when you try them.
  • Shop for the shoes when the feet are a bit swollen at the end of the day.
  • Check for good quality shoes and durable with finished edges and smooth stitching.
  • For your child, buy shoes that match their daily activity.
  • Avoid hand-me-downs for your child because the shoes might be uncomfortable for your child. Oversized shoes that they can grow into can cause blisters.
  • Most feet injuries happen at work meaning you must get proper protective footwear. Add special features to your shoes for protection to protect against specific hazards.

Everyone needs proper foot care but in case you notice a problem with your feet consult a podiatrist right away so that it does not get worse. However, there are groups of people who need extra care for their feet including the children, the elderly, athletes, and diabetic patients. save the toes and feet from disabling injuries by maintaining family foot care and visiting a foot care clinic for any concerns you might have.

Surgeons performing foot surgery in an operating room.
8Oct

Surgeons performing foot surgery in an operating room.

The doctor can understand developmental problems in babies and conditions that occur later in life. The first interventions to foot and ankle problems are conservative management and visiting a podiatrist for treatment. No matter the foot condition, if the podiatrist determines that the pain and deformity are persistent, then foot surgery may be the better option. It helps restore the function of the foot and ankle while alleviating discomfort.

Testing and care

Undergoing foot and ankle surgical procedure follows undertaking examinations and tests. A foot doctor takes time to examine the medical history and medical conditions. An evaluation of your health is given to ensure a fruitful and improve the success of the procedure.

Types of foot surgery

Bunion surgery: It is offered depending on the severity of joint involvement and severity of the bunion. Your foot surgeon explains the appropriate procedure for your bunion and the recovery time needed.

Fusions: It is done to treat painful arthritic conditions. This procedure involves removing the cartilages from the joints then join the bones together with pins, screws, plates, or a combination of either, so they do not move.

Hammertoe surgery: Involves removing a portion of the bones in the toe to realign or fusing the joints in the toe. It might involve temporary wiring to hold the toes straight permanent implant or realigning.

Heel spur surgery: Based on the foot condition, this is done to relieve pain and restore mobility. Surgical enhancements and modifications ensure you experience relief due to plantar fascia release.

Metatarsal surgery: This procedure is done on the long bones of the feet behind the second, third, fourth, and fifth toes. The surgery is to distribute the body weight-bearing ball. In severe cases, the metatarsal heads are removed.

Nail surgery: Usually performed on infected, deformed, or damaged toenails. It is done under local anesthetic. Depending on the assessment, the nail may be partially or totally. There are two types of nail surgeries; avulsion that allows a new nail to grow back or matrixectomy that is permanent and does not allow any nail growth.

Neuroma surgery: It is the removal of benign enlargement of the nerve between the metatarsal heads. The procedure is done if the condition is causing numbness, burning, or tingling sensations to the toes.

Reconstructive surgery: It is a surgical repair, that is done to regain the stability and function to prevent deformity, reduce pain. There are different types of reconstructive surgery that repair foot bones.

Tendon Surgery: Done for acute injuries and chronic conditions such as to lengthen or shorten the tendon, to improve the ankle and foot function the tendons may be re-routed.

After surgery care

The kind of surgery and the length of recovery is determined by the type of surgical procedure performed. The basics of post-surgery care include plenty of rest, compression, ice, and elevation. Your doctor will determine the right time to be up and running your daily activities. Ensure you discuss further post-surgical procedure care with the best foot doctor Houston.

Dr. Ejodamen B Shobowale, DPM, smiling in a white coat at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center.
19Apr

Modern medDr. Ejodamen B Shobowale, DPM, smiling in a white coat at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center. icine is attractive; there is a specialist for every part of the body. The feet are not an exception and you need a podiatrist to keep them fully functional.  If you are certain of what you want, seek a specialist for your foot issues. Podiatrists are masters who deal with problems affecting lower legs and the feet. Foot injuries and conditions vary; some podiatrists specialize in sports injury, biomechanical, surgery among other conditions while others specialize in more than one condition. Podiatric medical schools are responsible for training, followed by years of residency training. Podiatrists prescribe drugs, do surgeries, order lab tests, reset broken bones and order x-rays.

If you are looking for some expert advice on foot and ankle issues, you may want to seek help from the best podiatrist in Houston. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our Houston foot doctor. Our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet

What to consider when choosing a  podiatrist.

Experience

Find one who specializes in medical and surgical services if you need, both administrations in your foot issues. An experienced podiatry expert comes up with the best diagnosis and the right treatment choices for foot pains and conditions. It’s critical to check how long they have been in the industry. A few conditions are intricate you need a specialist who can treat complex issues of the feet and one who has the right treatment approach.

Look for references

Get your friends, family members, and relatives to seek reviews of an experienced podiatrist in Houston. The best individual to tell would be one who has endured foot pain or foot injury. The numerous opinions you seek the better for you to compare and decide on the best.

Should emphasize the significance of orthotics

The best podiatrists understand the importance of orthotics. This is because they correct various foot conditions before they become complex. Proper utilization of proper shoe inserts can deal with plantar fasciitis.

Convenience

There are a few interesting points when searching for a podiatrist who will work with you. Part of getting the right treatment depends on if the doctors working hours fit your schedule and do they accept your health insurance. You need to spare each penny in your pocket and getting specialist who acknowledges your medical coverage is vital. Where is the doctor located? Is it accessible by you?

Existing medical condition

Some ailments most likely cause foot conditions. Settle for a foot doctor who is familiar with foot complications that come from pre-existing conditions such as diabetes.

Why do you need to see a podiatrist?

  1. If you start running regularly, have your feet assessed to get recommendations for the right athletic shoe.
  2. If you notice peeling or scaling of the feet.
  3. III. When you experience joint pain in the ankles, heels, and feet, especially if they are red, delicate, swollen or tender and they limit daily activities.
  4. If you are diabetic, you are susceptible to foot problems. Make a podiatrist visits part of your health care routine to avoid complications which can result in amputation.
  5. If you have discolored or thick, or stubborn ingrown toenails.
  6. If you suspect you might have suffered a broken bone, sprain or strain.
  7. VII. If you have wart-like growths
  8. VIII. If you have a callus or corns that are bothersome.
  9. If you notice cuts or cracks on the skin.
  10. If you have athlete’s foot that doesn’t improve after some.

What to expect on your visit to the Houston foot doctor?

The principal visit resembles other specialist’s visit, the podiatrist will ask questions about medical history; mention medications you are on and medical procedures you have undergone.

Assessment of your walk, stand, range of motion and your shoe fit. A podiatrist treats ingrown toenails, bunions, lower back pain, heel pain, foot deformities and blood circulation to your feet for diabetic patients. The podiatrist can recommend physical therapy, orthotics or padding.

Most importantly, choose a podiatrist you are comfortable with. The feet are a very important part of your body. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Houston, TX. Our Houston foot specialist can handle all of your foot and ankle issues. We offer the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all foot and ankle related issues.

Foot examination by podiatrist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center.
5Jan

Modern-day medicine field has advanced greatly and it is possible to get a doctor or specialists from head to toe problems. Never make the mistake of overlooking your feet. Instead, it is necessary to keep it healthy and well nurtured. It shall contribute it having fully functional feet. Foot pain and related problems are common to occur. This is when you want to see a podiatrist. With plenty of options of foot doctor available, choosing the right one for the right care may be confusing. Below are mentioned some of the things to look that shall guide you to choose the best podiatrist.

Foot examination by podiatrist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center.

Experience of the podiatrist

Instead of visiting a random clinic for your foot pain, it is better to consult an experienced one. If you are suffering from the problem for the first time, run a background check of the podiatrist’s experience before seeking medical assistance. In this regard, there are several options for choosing a foot doctor. The doctors are the experienced ones that offer quality service. Soon after the symptoms show up, consult the Houston foot doctor to get immediate care and nurturing for your feet.

Look for the referred doctors

Check with one of the referred foot doctors in Houston Texas to get a suitable service for your foot pain. Instead of choosing a random service, try to go by reference ensuring quality medical service. Go by references from your friends or family and make comparisons before you choose the right one.

Consider your medical condition

A houston foot specialist will examine your medical condition before you apply any medicine or medical treatment. But there are some medical conditions that can have a negative impact on your foot pain problem. Even if you are under any prior medication, discuss it in detail with your doctor before he or she prescribes a new one. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that you settle down for an experienced doctor who can address your complications correctly one go. Slight delay in treatment can often make the foot pain issue the worst one.

Specialization of the podiatrist

If you wish to choose any podiatrists in Houston, make sure that the person is specialized in offering your suitable solution for foot pain problems. Some podiatrists are known to have specialization in sports injury, bio-mechanical and the like. When consulting with the doctor for the first time, try to know about his or her specialization for better results. Your inquisitiveness shall help you choose the right podiatrist to help you get rid of foot pain.

Convenience of getting the right treatment

Even if the doctor is an experienced one, you have to check whether it will be convenient for you to visit the doctor considering your foot condition. In this regard, you have to consider how quickly and easily you can get medical help. For choosing the doctor near you, never make the mistake of seeking help from an inexperienced one. This will result in a negative impact. 

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.