Wednesday, 29 January 2025 00:00

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

A tailor's bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. Unlike a regular bunion, which affects the big toe joint, a tailor's bunion develops when the fifth metatarsal bone shifts outward. Common causes include genetics, wearing tight or narrow shoes, abnormal foot structure, or repetitive pressure on the foot. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the bump, especially when wearing shoes. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and X-rays to assess bone alignment. Treatment ranges from wearing wider shoes, using padding, or orthotics to reduce pressure, to anti-inflammatory medications and surgery. If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort from a tailor's bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for relief options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Bunions
Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden, severe pain, often in the joints of the feet, particularly the big toe. One of the primary triggers for gout attacks is the buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, which can form crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and intense discomfort. Beer, a popular alcoholic beverage, is known to increase uric acid levels in the body. This is because beer contains high levels of purines, substances that break down into uric acid. Consuming beer regularly or in excess can significantly raise the risk of developing gout or triggering a flare-up in individuals already suffering from the condition. Those with gout are often advised to limit alcohol consumption, particularly beer, to help manage their symptoms. Staying hydrated and making other dietary adjustments can also help reduce the likelihood of gout attacks. If you experience symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for pain relief remedies.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Gout
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00

Foot pain caused by bruises, such as contusions and hematomas, can be both uncomfortable and concerning. These injuries occur when blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged, typically from a direct impact or trauma, like dropping something heavy on your foot or stubbing your toe. Contusions result in pain, swelling, and discoloration, while a hematoma occurs when blood collects in a confined area, creating larger, more painful swelling. The primary symptoms of bruises on the foot include pain, swelling, and a visible darkening or redness of the skin. If the pain persists or if there is significant swelling, a podiatrist can assess the injury and ensure there are no underlying fractures. This type of doctor can also recommend appropriate treatments for faster healing. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble, The Woodlands, and Conroe, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

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Advanced Podiatric Procedures & Services in the Harris County, TX: Houston, Kingwood, Humble, Spring;  Atascosa County, TX: Atascocita; Montgomery County, TX: The Woodlands, Conroe, New Caney areas