If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Blog
When to Consult With a Podiatrist
The foot is composed of 26 bones along with a variety of joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. A podiatrist is a doctor that specializes in conditions that impact these structures of the foot as well as the ankle. They can specialize in a variety of specific areas, such as surgery, wound care, sports injuries, and diabetic conditions. Podiatrists can treat a variety of conditions that include (but are not limited to) bunions, heel pain, flat feet, sprains, warts, nail conditions, and corns or calluses. Podiatrists should be consulted when there is severe foot pain, swelling, numbness, an open sore or a sign of infection that lasts multiple days. You should also consult with a podiatrist immediately if the foot or ankle cannot bear any weight.
If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.
What Do Podiatrists Do?
On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:
- Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
- Use innovative methods to treat conditions
- Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
- Correct walking patterns and balance
- Provide individual consultations to patients
It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Development of Potential Harmful Foot Conditions From Wearing Flip Flops
There are patients who have found their gait or walking style may have been altered if their lifestyle includes frequently wearing flip flops. The heel and ankles can negatively be affected, in addition to the skin on the feet when flip flops with no backs are worn often. Many people choose to wear this type of shoe for their ease and colorful designs, despite the potential damage they may cause. The toes can naturally scrunch in an effort to keep the shoe on the foot and performing this motion repeatedly can overstretch the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. If you enjoy wearing flip flops,please consult with a podiatrist who can recommend a more supportive sandal that can have less harmful side effects on the overall foot.
Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.
When Are They Okay to Wear?
Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.
Why Are They Bad for My Feet?
These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.
More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet
- They Slow You Down
- May Cause Blisters and Calluses
- Expose Your Feet to Bacteria
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
What Are the Reasons for Stress Fractures to Develop?
The most common reason for a stress fracture to develop is from overuse and participating in repetitive activities. Sporting events that require frequent running and jumping may cause stress fractures to gradually occur and this may cause pain and discomfort. Many patients may feel mild symptoms immediately following this type of injury and choose to ignore them. This can cause the stress fracture to worsen and the symptoms to intensify. People may also find if they increase the speed and duration of their training too quickly, a stress fracture may result from not gradually increasing speed and distance. Additionally, this type of ailment may occur from an abnormal foot structure or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. If you incur this type of injury, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist when signs and symptoms first arise as there are several treatment options available.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
- Runners
- People affected with Osteoporosis
- Tennis or basketball players
- Gymnasts
- High impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
