Podiatry Blog | Podiatrist, Foot Doctor The Woodlands and Woodville, TX

Foot Pain and Walking

Tuesday, 17 August 2021

Foot pain may become worse while walking. Many patients experience occasional aches and pains in their feet, and chronic pain may indicate serious or underlying foot conditions. Pain in the heel may represent plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and may feel worse upon arising in the morning. A condition that affects the nerves in the foot may indicate Morton’s neuroma, and the pain is often felt in the ball of the foot. In severe cases, it may gravitate to the toes, which can cause the entire foot to feel uncomfortable. There are several types of tendinitis that can cause severe pain. When the Achilles tendon is affected, the heel and calf are targeted. Extensor tendonitis can cause the top of the foot pain and discomfort, and the outside and back of the foot can be affected by peroneal tendonitis. Any type of foot pain warrants a visit to the podiatrist, who can properly diagnose and treat painful foot conditions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. 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 The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Signs of a Broken Foot

Tuesday, 10 August 2021

A foot fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the foot breaks. This is often due to either a sudden injury or small, repetitive stress injuries to the bones over time. Signs of a broken foot bone include pain that increases upon standing or walking, tenderness, swelling, bruising, numbness, a cracking sound when moving the foot, and an abnormal foot shape. In very severe, open fractures, bits of broken bone may break through the skin and require emergency care. If you suspect that you have broken a bone in your foot, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. The podiatrist will be able to diagnose the fracture, determine the extent of the injury, and offer treatments to help you fully recover.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

Bruising
Pain
Redness
Swelling
Blue in color
Numbness
Cold
Misshapen
Cuts
Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Am I More Likely to Develop Toenail Fungus?

Tuesday, 03 August 2021

A fungal toenail infection is a common problem caused by fungi growing in and around your toenails. This condition can change the appearance of toenails making them brittle, thickened, crumbly, or discolored. In more severe cases, the toenail may separate from the nail bed causing pain, a foul odor, and an increased risk of infection. Some people are more at risk for developing a toenail infection than others. People with other medical conditions like diabetes, peripheral artery disease, peripheral neuropathy, or a compromised immune system, are more likely to incur an infection. Previous injury or prior deformities of the toenails can also increase risk. Wearing shoes and socks that prevent air from reaching your feet, having skin that is moist for prolonged periods of time (often due to excessive sweating), and walking barefoot in warm, moist, or public places, like swimming pools and locker rooms, should be avoided. If you are suffering from any kind of toenail fungus please seek the care of a podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

Warped or oddly shaped nails
Yellowish nails
Loose/separated nail
Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.

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.

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Monday, 02 August 2021

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Ankle-Brachial Index and PAD

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

The ankle-brachial index test is a relatively quick, painless, and non-invasive screening measure used to test for the presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a condition in which circulation in the lower limbs is reduced, typically due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries that can cause them to narrow and harden, thereby impeding blood flow. Symptoms of PAD may include leg cramps, numbness, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking, but in its earlier stages, this condition is often asymptomatic. For this reason, it is important to get tested for PAD. People who are older and those who have a history of cardiovascular disease are especially at risk and can be tested by their podiatrist. During the ankle-brachial index test, the podiatrist measures the blood pressure at the upper arm and at the ankle, comparing the resulting numbers to form a ratio that predicts the likelihood of you having PAD. A high ankle-brachial index score can predict not only PAD, but also cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack or stroke. If you are at risk of PAD or are experiencing any symptoms, talk to your podiatrist about vascular testing today.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

The most common tests include:

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
Doppler examination
Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

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.

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