Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, is damage to the nerves that allow you to feel sensations such as pain. There are a number of ways that diabetes damages the nerves, but they all seem related to blood sugar being too high for a long period of time.

Diabetes-related nerve damage can be painful, but it isn't severe pain in most cases.

There are four types of diabetic neuropathy: peripheral, autonomic, proximal, and focal.

The areas of the body most commonly affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy are the feet and legs. Nerve damage in the feet can result in a loss of foot sensation, increasing your risk of foot problems. Injuries and sores on the feet may go unrecognized due to lack of sensation. Therefore, you should practice proper skin and foot care. Rarely, other areas of the body such as the arms, abdomen, and back may be affected.

Symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy may include:

• Tingling
• Numbness (severe or long-term numbness can become permanent)
• Burning (especially in the evening)
• Pain

In most cases, early symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy will become less when blood sugar is under control. Medications can be taken to help control the discomfort if needed.

To prevent peripheral neuropathy:

• Work with your doctor to keep your blood glucose under tight control

To help prevent the complications of peripheral neuropathy:

• Examine your feet and legs daily.
• Apply lotion if your feet are dry.
• Care for your nails regularly.  
• Wear properly fitting footwear and wear them all the time to prevent foot injury.

If you are suffering from peripheral neuropathy or feel symptoms, call 713-541-3199 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Maislos. 

What Is a Neuroma?
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton’s neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes. It is sometimes referred to as an intermetatarsal neuroma. “Intermetatarsal” describes its location in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones. Neuromas may also occur in other locations in the foot.

The thickening, or enlargement, of the nerve that defines a neuroma is the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. This compression creates enlargement of the nerve, eventually leading to permanent nerve damage.

Causes
Anything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common offenders is wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box.

People with certain foot deformities – bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet, or more flexible feet – are at higher risk for developing a neuroma. Other potential causes are activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or court sports. An injury or other type of trauma to the area may also lead to a neuroma.

Symptoms
If you have a Morton’s neuroma, you may have one or more of these symptoms where the nerve damage is occurring:

• Tingling, burning, or numbness
• Pain
• A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot
• A feeling that there’s something in the shoe or a sock is bunched up

The progression of a Morton’s neuroma often follows this pattern:

• The symptoms begin gradually. At first they occur only occasionally, when wearing narrow-toed shoes or performing certain aggravating activities.
• The symptoms may go away temporarily by removing the shoe, massaging the foot, or by avoiding aggravating shoes or activities.
• Over time the symptoms progressively worsen and may persist for several days or weeks.
• The symptoms become more intense as the neuroma enlarges and the temporary changes in the nerve become permanent.

Diagnosis
To arrive at a diagnosis, Dr. Maislos will obtain a thorough history of your symptoms and examine your foot. During the physical examination, he will attempt to reproduce your symptoms by manipulating your foot. Other tests or imaging studies may be performed.

The best time to see your Dr. Maislos is early in the development of symptoms. Early diagnosis of a Morton’s neuroma greatly lessens the need for more invasive treatments and may avoid surgery.

Non-surgical Treatment
In developing a treatment plan, Dr. Maislos will first determine how long you’ve had the neuroma and evaluate its stage of development. Treatment approaches vary according to the severity of the problem.

For mild to moderate neuromas, treatment options may include:

• Padding.Padding techniques provide support for the metatarsal arch, thereby lessening the pressure on the nerve and decreasing the compression when walking.
• Icing.Placing an icepack on the affected area helps reduce swelling.
• Orthotic devices.Custom orthotic devices provided by your foot and ankle surgeon provide the support needed to reduce pressure and compression on the nerve.
• Activity modifications.Activities that put repetitive pressure on the neuroma should be avoided until the condition improves.
• Shoe modifications.Wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid narrow-toed shoes or shoes with high heels.
• Medications.Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Injection therapy. Treatment may include injections of cortisone, local anesthetics or other agents.

When Is Surgery Needed?
Surgery may be considered in patients who have not responded adequately to non-surgical treatments. DR. Maislos will determine the approach that is best for your condition. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure performed.  But remember each patient is different, as well as their recovery period so it might be longer or shorter depending on each patient.

Regardless of whether you’ve undergone surgical or nonsurgical treatment, Dr. Maislos will recommend long-term measures to help keep your symptoms from returning. These include appropriate footwear and modification of activities to reduce the repetitive pressure on the foot.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Maislos today!

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Walking. Our feet average 115,000 miles of it in our lifetime. That's four-times around the globe. But, with overuse, our feet can develop heel pain often caused by plantar fasciitis -- an inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the feet.

That's what happened to Michelle Mehr. She ruptured her plantar fascia playing competitive Ultimate Frisbee and couldn't exercise for a year.

"It was challenging for me. I don't like to be inactive," Michelle told Ivanhoe.

"So, people will wake up first thing in the morning, and their first few steps, they'll have some discomfort in their heel, and usually for the first week or two, they write it off and say this is going to get a little bit better, and they'll stretch maybe, but usually the symptoms don't go away," Christine Panagos, PT, SCS, CSCS, a board-certified sports physical therapist at Providence Sports Care, told Ivanhoe.

Before spending money on pricey custom-made orthotics, experts recommend trying over-the-counter inserts first. Another tip? Have someone look at how you're running to make sure you're not overpronating and putting yourself at risk.

Early intervention includes a good balancing and stretching program.  

Athletes like Michelle and people who are either overweight or stand for long periods of time are most prone to plantar fasciitis. Wearing old, worn out shoes is another culprit. Make sure to replace yours every three to six months.

Come see Dr. Gabriel Maislos if you are suffering from heel pain.  We offer a variety of conservative treatments, if you are looking for other treatments besides surgery. Schedule your appointment today!

Information about heel pain (plantar fasciitis):

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fascitis which is commonly referred to as a heel spur. This pain normally runs along the heel of the foot. Plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel to the toes. Plantar fascitis is a condition which refers to the inflammation of the fibrous tissue.

It can be very painful and cause considerable amount of suffering. A dull ache is felt most of the time with episodes of a sharp pain in the centre of the heel or on the inside margin of the heel. Often the pain is worse on first rising in the morning and after rest. The primary cause of heel pain is over pronation. This can be controlled with the use of insoles.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/health&id=8376815

Stop suffering the pain and embarrassment of unsightly nail fungus. PinPointe FootLaser is the easy and convenient treatment that helps turn your discolored and disfigured nails into clearer, healthier looking nails.

Safe and effective, this in-​​office treatment is pain free, has no harmful side effects, and typically takes only about 30-​​minutes to complete.

The impact of unsightly nail fungus

Nail fungus is a chronic condition that impacts your quality of life and can even lead to serious health problems for patients with diabetes or immune disorders.

The treatment of nail infection is difficult because the infection is under and inside of the nail, which makes it hard for other treatments to reach and destroy the infection. Treatments such as medicated nail polish or oral medications may be associated with side effects or serious drug interactions. Home remedies such as using bleach, vinegar, mouthwash, or household cleaners to resolve the problem are often tried but, ultimately, fail to resolve it.

Talk to Dr. Gabriel Maislos

Give your feet something to smile about from toe to toe. Talk to your Dr. Gabriel Maislos about PinPointe FootLaser. Together you can determine if it’s the right treatment for you.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot.

Plantar fascia

The plantar fascia is a very thick band of tissue that covers the bones on the bottom of the foot. It extends from the heel to the bones of the ball of the foot and acts like a rubber band to create tension which maintains the arch of the foot. If the band is long it allows the arch of the foot to be low, which is most commonly known as having a flat foot. A short band of tissue causes a high arch. This fascia can become inflamed and painful in some people, making walking more difficult.

Plantar fasciitis

Inflammation (irritation and swelling with presence of extra immune cells) of the plantar fascia can cause heel pain and make walking difficult. Some risk factors for development of this problem include foot arch problems (both flat foot and high arches), obesity, sudden weight gain, running and a tight Achilles tendon.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused. This can be painful and make walking more difficult.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

• Foot arch problems (both flat feet and high arches)
• Obesity or sudden weight gain
• Long-distance running, especially running downhill or on uneven surfaces
• Sudden weight gain
• Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel)
• Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles

Plantar fasciitis most often affects active men ages 40 - 70. It is one of the most common orthopedic complaints relating to the foot.

Plantar fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. On x-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms

The most common complaint is pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. The heel pain may be dull or sharp. The bottom of the foot may also ache or burn.

The pain is usually worse:

• In the morning when you take your first steps
• After standing or sitting for a while
• When climbing stairs
• After intense activity

The pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.

Signs and tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam. This may show:

• Tenderness on the bottom of your foot
• Flat feet or high arches
• Mild foot swelling or redness
• Stiffness or tightness of the arch in the bottom of your foot.

X-rays may be taken to rule out other problems, but having a heel spur is not significant.

Treatment

Your doctor will usually first recommend:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce pain and inflammation
• Heel stretching exercises
• Resting as much as possible for at least a week
• Wearing shoes with good support and cushions.  We offer custom orthotics (shoe inserts) which are made to adjust specifically to your feet.

Other steps to relieve pain include:

• Apply ice to the painful area. Do this at least twice a day for 10 - 15 minutes, more often in the first couple of days.
• Try wearing a heel cup, felt pads in the heel area, or shoe inserts.
• Use night splints to stretch the injured fascia and allow it to heal.

If these treatments do not work, your doctor may recommend:

• Wearing a boot cast, which looks like a ski boot, for 3-6 weeks. It can be removed for bathing.
• Custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics)
• Steroid shots or injections into the heel

In a few patients, nonsurgical treatment does not work. Surgery to release the tight tissue becomes necessary.

Expectations (prognosis)

Nonsurgical treatments almost always improve the pain. Treatment can last from several months to 2 years before symptoms get better. Most patients feel better in 9 months. Some people need surgery to relieve the pain.

Complications

Pain may continue despite treatment. Some people may need surgery. Surgery has its own risks. Talk to your doctor about the risks of surgery.

Calling your health care provider

Contact our office 713-541-3199 and schedule your appointment with Dr. Gabriel Maislos.

    

E­verybody is familiar with this phenomenon. Most of us have a friend or relative who can clear out a room when they kick off their shoes. And even the sweetest smelling person can do a decent job stinking up a pair of shoes by running a few miles in them. So what's going on here? Why do your feethave a stronger odor than the rest of you does?

­            The main thing that feeds foot smell is sweat. With more than 250,000 sweat glands each, your feet are among the most perspiring parts of the body. In one day, each foot can produce more than a pint of sweat! Sweat is basically just salt and water, though, so it doesn't have a distinctive smell of its own. The smell is actually caused by bacteria on our skin that eats the sweat and excretes waste that has a strong odor. It's perfectly normal to have bacteria on your skin, and it doesn't ordinarily produce a noticeable smell, but sweat attracts bacteria and gives them a whole lot to feed on.

Of course we sweat all over -- our hands have a comparable number of sweat glands, for example -- and most of the rest of our body doesn't particularly stink (the armpits being a notable exception.)  So what's different about our feet? The answer is our socks and shoes. The sweat our feet excrete can't easily escape into the air like the sweat our hands excretes -- it all collects on our skin and in our socks. The bacteria love this dark, damp feast and have a sort of feeding frenzy. When you take off your shoes, the smell that hits you is all the bacteria excretion that's collected on your feet and in your socks and shoes. Of course we sweat all over -- our hands have a comparable number of sweat glands, for example -- and most of the rest of our body doesn't particularly stink So what's different about our feet? The answer is our socks and shoes. The sweat our feet excrete can't easily escape into the air like the sweat our hands excretes -- it all collects on our skin and in our socks. The bacteria love this dark, damp feast and have a sort of feeding frenzy. When you take off your shoes, the smell that hits you is all the bacteria excretion that's collected on your feet and in your socks and shoes.  Fungal toenails can also develop from sweaty feet, because of the excess of moisture that is attracting bacteria.  Some of the things you can do to combat There are two ways to combat foot odor: one is to reduce bacteria on the feet, and the other is to reduce sweat that collect on the feet.

Washing the feet regularly with anti-bacterial soaps, wearing clean and well-ventilated socks, and allowing shoes to completely dry before wearing them again can all help decrease bacteria population.

To reduce sweating, patients are advised to only use shoes that let the feet breathe. Stay away from boots and other constrictive footwear. Cotton socks also help absorb sweat. Some even have moisture-wicking properties to keep the sweat away from the feet.

People with smelly feet should also invest in absorbent shoe inserts that ‘eat away’ odor. If the smell is persistent, doctors may prescribe strong anti-perspirant creams or powders, and sometimes even prescription drugs designed to combat bacteria and reduce sweat.

If you are experiencing sweaty feet and/or fungal toenails, please call to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Maislos.  He is one of the few podiatrists in Houston that has the PinPointe Laser Treatment that can effectively combat the fungus growing in the toenails. 

Corns

A corn is a small area of skin which has become thickened due to pressure on it. A corn is roughly round in shape. Corns press into the deeper layers of skin and can be painful.

• Hard cornscommonly occur on the top of the smaller toes or on the outer side of the little toe. These are the areas where poorly fitted shoes tend to rub most.
• Soft corns sometimes form in between the toes, most commonly between the fourth and fifth toes. These are softer because the sweat between the toes keeps them moist. Soft corns can sometimes become infected.

Calluses

A callus is larger, broader and has a less well defined edge than a corn. These tend to form on the underside of the foot (the sole). They commonly form over the bony area just underneath the toes. This area takes much of your weight when you walk. They are usually painless but can become painful.

What causes corns and calluses?

The small bones of the toes and feet are broader and more lumpy near to the small joints of the toes. If there is extra rubbing (friction) or pressure on the skin overlying a small rough area of bone, this will cause the skin to thicken. This may lead to corns or calluses forming.

The common causes of rubbing and pressure are tight or poor fitting shoes which tend to cause corns on the top of the toes and side of the little toe. Also, too much walking or running which tend to cause calluses on the sole of the feet. Corns and calluses are more likely to develop if you have very prominent bony toes, thin skin, or any deformities of the toes or feet which cause the skin to rub more easily inside shoes.

What are the treatments for corns and calluses?

If you develop a painful corn or callus it is best to get expert advice from a podiatrist (previously called chiropodist). You should not cut corns yourself, especially if you are elderly or have diabetes. Advice and treatments usually considered include the following:

Paring and trimming

The thickened skin of a corn or callus can be pared down (trimmed) by a podiatrist by using a scalpel blade. The pain is usually much reduced as the corn or callus is pared down and the pressure on the underlying tissues eased. Sometimes repeated or regular trimming sessions are needed. Once a corn or callus is trimmed down, it may not return if you use good footwear.

If the skin seems to be thickening up again, a recurrence may be prevented by rubbing down the thickening skin with a pumice stone or emery paper once a week. Some people can do this themselves. It is best to soak the foot in warm water for 20 minutes to soften the thick skin before using a pumice stone or emery paper. A moisturising cream used regularly on a trimmed corn or callus will keep the skin softened and easier to rub down.

Note: do not use a chemical (sometimes included in 'corn plasters') to 'burn' the thickened skin unless under the supervision of a podiatrist. Chemicals can harm the nearby skin and may cause a skin ulcer. In particular, chemicals should not be used if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

Shoes and footwear

Tight or poor fitting shoes are thought to be the main cause of most corns and calluses. Sometimes a rough seam or stitching in a shoe may rub enough to cause a corn. The aim is to wear shoes that reduce pressure and rubbing on the toes and forefeet. Shoes should have plenty of room for the toes, have soft uppers and low heels. In addition, extra width is needed if corns develop on the outer side of the little toe. Extra height is needed if corns develop on the top of abnormal toes such as 'hammer' or 'claw' toes.

Correcting poor footwear will reduce any rubbing or friction on your skin. In many cases, a corn or callus will go away if rubbing or pressure is stopped with improved footwear. If you have had a corn or callus pared away, a recurrence will usually be prevented by wearing good footwear. If you are able, going barefoot when not outdoors will also help.

Some people with abnormalities of their feet or toes will need specialist shoes to prevent rubbing. A podiatrist can advise about this.

Footpads and toe protection

Depending on the site of a corn or callus, a cushioning pad or shoe insole may be of benefit. For example, for a callus under the foot, a soft shoe inlay may cushion the skin and help the callus to heal. If there is a corn between the toes, a special sleeve worn around the toe may ease the pressure. A special toe splint may also help to keep toes apart to allow a corn between toes to heal. A podiatrist will be able to advise you on any appropriate padding, insoles or appliances you may need.

Surgery

If you have a foot or toe abnormality causing recurring problems, an operation may be advised if all else fails. For example, an operation may be needed to straighten a deformed toe, or to cut out a part of a bone that is sticking out from a toe and is causing problems. If you need an operation then you will be referred to a surgeon who will be able to discuss this with you in more detail.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Maislos today!

EPAT® : Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment

Breakthrough Technology | Non-Invasive Foot & Heel Pain Relief

EPAT - Heel Pain ReliefThis modern technology is providing a new, non-invasive treatment for foot and heel pain relief. EPAT - Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment - is applied via a wand through pressure waves that stimulate the area of application. This area benefits from hightened metabolism, enhanced circulation, and aids is excelerating the healing process.

Dr. Gabriel Maislos is one of few podiatrists in the Houston area with the proper training and certification to be able to offer his patients the new and innovative technology in foot pain relief.

For more informatino, call our office today and schedule an information appointment with Dr. Maislos.

Bunion surgery

Bunion surgery generally involves an incision in the top or side of the big toe joint and the removal or realignment of soft tissue and bone. This is done to relieve pain and restore normal alignment to the joint. If the joint is severely deformed, it may be stabilized with tiny wires, stitches, screws, or plates. There are no guarantees that a bunion surgery will fully relieve your pain.

• A regional anesthetic that affects only the foot is commonly used for bunion surgery. A sedative may also be used during the procedure.
• The procedure usually takes an hour or more, depending on the type of surgery.
• Bunion repairs are usually done on an outpatient basis.

There are over 100 surgeries for bunions. Research does not show which type of surgery is best-surgery needs to be specific to your condition. More than one procedure may be done at the same time.

The general types of bunion surgery are:

• Removal of part of the metatarsal head (the part of the foot that is bulging out). This procedure is called exostectomy or bunionectomy.
• Realignment of the soft tissues (ligaments) around the big toe joint.
• Removal of a small wedge of bone from the foot (metatarsal osteotomy) or from the toe (phalangeal osteotomy).
• Removal of bone from the end of the first metatarsal bone, which joins with the base of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint). At the metatarsophalangeal joint, both the big toe and metatarsal bones are reshaped (resection arthroplasty).
• Fusion (arthrodesis) of the big toe joint.
• Fusion of the joint where the metatarsal bone joins the mid-foot (Lapidus procedure).
•  Implant insertion of all or part of an artificial joint.

What To Expect After Surgery

The usual recovery period after bunion surgery is 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the amount of soft tissue and bone affected. Complete healing may take as long as 1 year.

• When you are showering or bathing, the foot must be kept covered to keep the stitches dry.
• Stitches are removed after 7 to 21 days.
• Pins that stick out of the foot are usually removed in 3 to 4 weeks. But in some cases they are left in place for up to 6 weeks.
• Walking casts, splints, special shoes, or wooden shoes are sometimes used. Regular shoes can sometimes be worn in about 4 to 5 weeks, but some procedures require wearing special shoes for about 8 weeks after surgery. Many activities can be resumed in about 6 to 8 weeks.
• After some procedures, no weight can be put on the foot for 6 to 8 weeks. Then there are a few more weeks of partial weight-bearing with the foot in a special shoe or boot to keep the bones and soft tissues steady as they heal.

Why It Is Done

You may want to consider surgery when:

• Nonsurgical treatment has not relieved your bunion pain.
•  You have difficulty walking or doing normal daily activities.

How Well It Works

After surgery, your ability to walk and do other activities is likely to improve. The big toe joint is generally less painful and, as a result, moves better. After the incision has healed and the swelling has gone down, the toe may look more normal than before.

Research does not show which type of surgery is best. A review of bunion surgeries shows that up to 33% of people who have surgery for bunions are disappointed in the result despite pain being reduced and the toe being straighter. The reasons are not clear. Some reasons for being disappointed in the surgery results could be that a person is not able to wear some types of shoes (such as high heels) after surgery, or that the joint has a little less motion compared to the other foot.¹

Risks

Risks of surgery include:

• Infection in the soft tissue or bone of the foot.
• Side effects from anesthetic medicines or other medicines used to control pain and swelling.
• Recurrence of the bunion.
• An outward or upward bend in the big toe.
• Decreased feeling or sensation, numbness or tingling, or burning in the toe from damage to nerves.
• Damage to the tendons that pull the big toe up or down.
• A shorter big toe, if bone is removed.
• Restricted movement or stiffness of the big toe joint (may be an expected outcome of some types of surgery).
• Persistent pain and swelling.
• Degenerative joint disease (arthritis) or avascular necrosis (disruption of the blood supply to the bone) after surgery.
• Development of a callus on the bottom of the foot.

What To Think About

Think about the following when deciding about bunion surgery:

• Bunions may return after surgery, especially if you continue to wear narrow or high-heeled shoes.
• The type of surgery used depends on the severity of the bunion and the surgeon's experience. Look for a surgeon who does many different types of bunion surgery on a regular basis. Each bunion is different, and surgery needs to be tailored to each case.
• Your expectations may influence your satisfaction with the surgery. For example, although surgery may improve your foot's appearance, those who make appearance their primary reason for surgery are generally disappointed in the results. Discuss your expectations with your doctor.
• Surgery may reduce the flexibility of the big toe joint, which may be a concern for active people who need a full range of motion in the big toe.
•  You will have to stay off your foot for a while after surgery.

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common condition of heel pain. This condition occurs when the long fibrous plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot develops tears in the tissue resulting in pain and inflammation. The pain of plantar fasciitis is usually located close to where the fascia attaches to the calcaneous, also known as the heel bone. The conditions are often misspelled as: plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciatis, planters fasciitis, plantar faciatis, and plantar faciaitis. Correctly pronounced it is "plantar fash-eee-eye-tiss".

Plantar fasciitis causes the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament which runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia ligament is made of fibrous bands of tissue and runs between the heel bone and your toes and stretches with every step. Inflammation develops when tears occur in the tissue.

The most common complaint from plantar fasciitis is a burning, stabbing, or aching pain in the heel of the foot. Most sufferers will be able to feel it in the morning because the fascia ligament tightens up during the night while we sleep, causing pain to diminish. However, when we climb out of bed and place pressure on the ligament, it becomes taut and pain is particularly acute. Pain usually decreases as the tissue warms up, but may easily return again after long periods of standing or weight bearing, physical activity, or after getting up after long periods of lethargy or sitting down.

In most cases, plantar fasciitis does not require surgery or invasive procedures to stop pain and reverse damage. Conservative treatments are usually all that is required. However, every person's body responds to plantar fasciitis treatment differently and recovery times may vary.

There are a number of plantar fasciitis causes. The plantar fascia ligament is like a rubber band and loosens and contracts with movement. It also absorbs significant weight and pressure. Because of this function, plantar fasciitis can easily occur from a number of reasons. Among the most common is an overload of physical activity or exercise. Athletes are particularly prone to plantar fasciitis and commonly suffer from it. Excessive running, jumping, or other activities can easily place repetitive or excessive stress on the tissue and lead to tears and inflammation, resulting in moderate to severe pain. Athletes who change or increase the difficulty of their exercise routines are also prone to overdoing it and causing damage.

Another common cause of plantar fasciitis is arthritis. Certain types of arthritis can cause inflammation to develop in tendons, resulting in plantar fasciitis. This cause is particularly common among elderly patients. Diabetes is also a factor that can contribute to further heel pain and damage, particularly among the elderly.

Among the most popular factors that contribute to plantar fasciitis is wearing incorrect shoes. In many cases, shoes either do not fit properly, or provide inadequate support or cushioning. While walking or exercising in improper shoes, weight distribution becomes impaired, and significantly stress can be added to the plantar fascia ligament.

Plantar fasciitis is also influenced by the mechanics of the foot. Having conditions such as flat feet, high arches, pronation, or having an abnormal gait (the way in which the foot hits the ground), the fascia tissue can become overworked or stretched abnormally, resulting in tears and inflammation.

With so many causes of plantar fasciitis, there are many risk factors that suffers should be aware of. Needless to say, activity in sports and regular exercises can place significant stress on the heel and surrounding tissue. In addition, if you have high arches or flat feet, an orthotic shoe insert should be considered to counteract the stress caused by the abnormal mechanics of the foot. Age also plays a factor. As we age, tissue tends to become weaker and more prone to damage. In addition to these common risk factors, weight plays a huge role in damage to the heel. Since our heels absorb much of our body's pressure when we walk, being overweight can easily lead to damage and plantar fasciitis. Pregnancy can also add a few extra pounds. However, the hormonal changes in pregnant women can also cause ligaments and other tissue to relax and become more pliable, which could lead to plantar fasciitis if you are not careful. Those who are on their feet all day due to their occupation are also at risk. Finally, wearing high heeled show, boots, or other shoes that do not provide proper support around the heel and through the arch can easily lead to plantar fasciitis over time.

In many instances, plantar fasciitis can be treated with home care. Changing your physical activities, resting the foot, and applying ice to the area are common remedies. Taking over the counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation that may have developed. An orthotic device placed in your shoes can also significantly help to reduce pain. In addition, orthotics can also help promote healing to reverse plantar fasciitis.

If pain from plantar fasciitis continues despite conservative treatments, you may need to visit a doctor or podiatrist. It's important to seek medical advice before heel pain and damage becomes worse. If the condition is allowed to worsen, more serious or invasive forms of treatment may be required to stop pain. A visit to a doctor may reveal other conditions affecting the foot as well, such as Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, or other heel pain conditions. An x-ray may also be taken, which can reveal the presence of a heel spur. In rare cases surgery may be required to release tension on the plantar fascia, or to remove a portion of a heel spur. But again, most heel pain conditions can be resolved using conservative treatment.

Again, prolonging treatment for plantar fasciitis will cause the condition to become worse. In some cases, a mild aching can evolve into a chronic problem. Another common problem is a change in your gait in order to counteract pain during movement. As a result of these involuntary changes in the foot's mechanics, knee, hip, or back pain can also develop.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis should begin with rest, icing, and over the counter medications. As mentioned above, an orthotic is a device that can be slipped into any pair of shoes and can often relieve pain and help to reverse the damage and occurrence of plantar fasciitis. They do this by adding support to the heel and helping to distribute weight during movement. In addition to orthotics, many people consider night splints for treating this condition. These devices are worn during the night while you sleep, helping to keep the plantar fascia stretched to promote healing. Physical therapy has also become a common option. With this conservative treatment alternative, a physical therapist designs a set of exercises that are intended to address your specific needs in order to promote healing.

More invasive procedures to treat plantar fasciitis are usually sought only after other treatment has failed to produce favorable results. Corticosteroid injections deliver medicine into the injured fascia to reduce pain. However, this treatment may weaken the plantar fascia and result in further damage. In addition, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a treatment where sound waves are sent through the damaged tissue in order to stimulate the damaged tissue and encourage healing. This method is relatively new in treating plantar fasciitis and your doctor will be able to tell you if it is the right method for you. Lastly, surgery is the last option for those suffering from chronic or severe plantar fasciitis.

Preventing plantar fasciitis is crucial. There are many choices to help prevent the occurrence of this condition, and keep it from returning. One of the most important is maintaining a healthy weight in order to reduce tension on the plantar fascia. In addition, shoes are very important, and should fit well and provide ample cushioning and support throughout the heel, arch, and ball of the foot so that weight is distributed evenly throughout the foot. Try to avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces and replace old shoes before they wear out, especially shoes that you run or exercise in. When exercising, start off slow and ease into new routines to prevent sudden or excessive stress on tissue. Lastly, keep your calf muscles and the tissue of your feet stretched. Greater flexibility in the tissue makes them less susceptible to damage.

Heel Spurs

Heel Spurs is a pointed bony fragment that stems from the heel bone. It extends into the sensitive tissue and nerves, resulting in pain in the foot with every movement. Pain is usually more pronounced in the morning and subsides through the day, but can return again later on or with activity.

As already mentioned, a heel spur is a common condition that results when a bone growth extends from the heel bone (calcaneous) into the sensitive tissue in the heel. These pointed growths of bone develop when the plantar fascia is excessively and repetitively pulled away from the heel bone. In many cases, a heel spur can develop along with plantar fasciitis, but can also occur by itself.

X-ray scans can usually reveal heel spurs. They show up as hooked growths that point towards the toes. Heel spurs often develop in middle-aged patients, but can also occur in younger people as well. Athletes are especially prone to heel spur due to the regular stress on their heels.

Abnormal gait or pronation is also a factor in the development of heel spurs. If the foot regularly hits the ground in unusual ways, damage can occur since tissue becomes stretched or stress excessively. The stress, therefore, can easily promote the development of calcium where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone, causing the formation of a heel spur.

As with other types of heel pain, a heel spur can be treated with conservative treatment methods. Discomfort can be reduced through anti-inflammatory medications, as well as cortisone injections. However, these methods may have varying effects. Orthotics are among the most common types of heel pain treatments, and they are also highly effective in reducing the pain and discomfort of a heel spur. Stretching the tissue throughout the foot and calf can also help to reduce strain and promote healing the area. In most cases, heel spurs can be treated with simple methods. If more conservative methods fail to produce positive, lasting results, surgery may be considered to remove the spur or to release tension on the plantar fascia to stop further damage.

Heel Pain

Heel Pain is a very common complaint, experienced by millions of Americans each year. The most common form of heel pain is derived from plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament. A condition that commonly develops along with plantar fasciitis, but can form independently as well, is a spur that forms on the bottom of the heel bone. Click for additional reading on Heel Pain.

But with so much stress being place on our heels every day, not to mention poor habits, such as sedentary lifestyles, its no wonder why two thirds of the population have some type of foot condition. Most commonly, however, are conditions that generate heel pain. The most common heel pain condition, as already mentioned, is plantar fasciitis. In addition, many people also suffer from heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, or other ailments. Heel pain conditions can develop independently or in combination with other conditions. Although they may generate only slight discomfort, they can worsen and generate severe pain over time. In most cases, luckily, treatment only needs to be through conservative methods. Often, heel pain sufferers try to ignore initial pain and other signs of damage. But ignoring the problem only makes it worse, and it's important to seek help and treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

There are many heel pain causes. If you are experiencing heel pain there may be many conditions that are responsible for the discomfort. If you decide to visit a physician, let them know the exact type of heel pain you are experiencing. Your doctor will be looking for physical signs such as tenderness or swelling in order to determine the specific heel pain ailment. An x-ray may be ordered in order to determine the presence of a heel spur, or to rule out other possibilities such as a fracture.

Heel pain located directly below the heel or along the bottom of the foot is often due to either plantar fasciitis or a heel spur. Plantar fasciitis, as discussed above, occurs when tears and inflammation develop along the plantar fascia ligament. In addition, a heel spur is a bony growth that extends from the heel bone and causes pain as it digs into sensitive tissue in the heel.

If heel pain can be felt behind the heel, most likely the discomfort is a sign of Achilles tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis, like plantar fasciitis, results in tears and inflammation, but occurs in the Achilles tendon which runs vertically from the heel along the ankle. Swelling or redness may develop in this area over time and it may be warm on contact.

Conservative treatment for heel pain is usually the most successful. Initial treatment may include rest, applying ice, taking over the counter anti-inflammatory medications, and stretching the area regularly. Orthotic shoe inserts and night splints are also very common conservative devices which help to promote healing and reverse damage. Surgery, in most cases, is not required to treat heel pain. However, if treatment is not sought early enough, damage can progress, requiring more serious forms of treatment.

Treatments & Product Reviews:

         The traditional remedies for plantar fasciitis include stretching the calf, massaging, decreasing one's training, losing weight, purchasing better-fitting shoes (with a raised heel and arch support), icing the sore heel, and taking ibuprofen.  Come visit us Houston Foot and Ankle Care!

When the young child starts to first walk at about the age of 9-15 months of age, the foot has a fat or chubby appearance where there is a less bony architecture apparent in the foot. At this point in the development of the foot, it is very difficult to evaluate whether the child will have future problems with a flatfoot deformity.

At the ages of two and three, the child's foot starts to show more of its characteristic shape since the foot is less fat and the bones are more prominent. If the child has a flatfoot deformity at the ages of two to three, then it is wise to have the foot examined by a foot specialist such as a podiatrist. The reason that it is important to have the feet examined at this age is because the young foot is still largely made of cartilage, with less bone than would be present in the adult foot. Since cartilage is relatively soft, the abnormal forces caused by a flatfoot deformity may cause permanent structural alterations to the bones and joints of the foot that will persist into adulthood.

The flatfoot deformity in children causes a number of changes to the structure of the foot which is easily recognizable by the trained podiatrist. Flatfoot deformity causes the inside arch to be flattened, causes the heel bone to be turned outward, and causes the inside aspect of the foot to appear more bowed outward than normal. Most cases of flatfoot deformity in children are also associated with excessive flexibility in the joints of the foot which is commonly caused by ligamentous laxity.

Since the flatfoot deformity causes some instability of the foot during gait, children with flatfoot deformity may have complaints in the foot such as arch, heel or ankle pain which is generally associated with increased standing, walking or running activities. However, since the excessive rolling inward of the arches of the foot also make the leg and knee more turned inwards, children with flatfeet may also complain of pain in the low back, hip, knee, or leg due to the abnormal mechanics of the foot which is created by the flatfoot deformity.

Diagnosis

As mentioned above, the pediatric flatfoot deformity can be diagnosed at a very early age, but is unlikely to be properly diagnosed unless the doctor is a foot specialist, like a podiatrist, and is familiar with the intricacies of the structure and biomechanics of the foot. After speaking with the parent and child, the podiatrist will examine the foot both while the child is not bearing weight but also while the child is standing, walking or running. Often, the family history is also taken since the foot should be examined closely if the child has a close relative who had a painful flatfoot deformity as a child or adult.

During the examination of the child, the podiatrist is looking for abnormal structure or function of the foot and lower extremity, which could lead to either problems during childhood or adulthood. X-rays may be taken of the foot if a significant pathology is noted or suspected. The more severe the flatfoot deformity and the more significant the complaints in the foot or lower extremity, then the more likely the podiatrist will recommend specific treatment for the flatfoot deformity.

Treatment

If the child has a mild flatfoot deformity and no symptoms, then generally no treatment is recommended other than possibly yearly check-ups by the podiatrist. If, however, the child has a moderate to severe flatfoot deformity and does have significant symptoms in the foot or lower extremity, then treatment is indicated.

Treatment generally starts with both supportive shoes, such as high tops, and some form of in-shoe insert such as arch padding for the milder cases of flatfoot deformity. More significant cases of flatfoot deformity may require more exacting control of the abnormal motion of the foot such as that offered by functional foot orthotics. Functional foot orthotics limit the abnormal flat arch shape and rolling in of the heel bone during standing, walking and running activities which helps not only improve the appearance and function of the foot, but also greatly reduces the symptoms in the foot or lower extremities. Calf muscle stretching exercises are also commonly prescribed for children with tight calf muscles since the tight calf muscles can worsen the flatfoot deformity with time and make the child's symptoms worse.

If the child has a severe flatfoot deformity and disabling symptoms which does not respond to foot orthotics, shoes and/or stretching, then foot surgery to correct the flatfoot deformity may be indicated. Flatfoot surgery is done only rarely for those children with the most severe deformities. Of course, the benefits of the surgery should be considered along with the risks associated with the surgery and a second surgical opinion is always recommended when considering flatfoot surgery on your child. 

The last thing you want is an ingrown toenail to prevent you from showing off your feet this spring and summer. The most common toenail disorder is ingrown toenails, in which the side of the toenail grows painfully into the adjacent soft tissue, leading to irritation, redness, swelling, and even infection. If you trim your toenails too short, particularly on the sides of your big toes, you may set the stage for an ingrown toenail. Your big toe is most susceptible to ingrown toenails, but other toenails may be affected as well.

What are Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails develop due to the penetration of the edges of the nail plate into the soft tissue of the toe. It begins as a painful irritation and often becomes infected. When a toenail is ingrown, it curves and grows into the skin, usually at the borders of the nail. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area. An infection is often marked by drainage and a foul odor. Even if the toe isn't painful, red, swollen, or warm, a nail that curves downward into the skin can progress to an infection as well.

Causes of ingrown toenails often include:

* Heredity.
* Trauma.
* Improper trimming.
* Improperly sized footwear.
* Nail conditions.

Symptoms

When you first develop an ingrown toenail, it may be hard, swollen and tender. As the condition progresses it may get red and infected, as well as feeling very sore. Ingrown toenails are a common and painful condition that is particularly evident among teenagers. Any of your toenails can become ingrown, but the big toe tends to develop an ingrown toenail more often than the others.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the skin on one or both sides of a nail grows over the edges of the nail, or when the nail itself grows into the skin. Redness, pain and swelling at the corner of the nail may result and an infection may follow after. Sometimes a small amount of pus can even be seen draining from the infected area.

Treat Toenail Fungus with PinPointe FootLaser

PinPointe FootLaser is a patented laser that is specially designed to penetrate through your toenail and eradicate the fungal spores in your nail bed that are causing the toenail infection. Your toenail will not become instantly clear because it may take 6 to 9 months for the nail to grow out and take the fungus with it, but it is the beginning to healthy, fungus free feet.

With no effect on your healthy tissue, PinPointe FootLaser treatment is not painful. There is minimal discomfort experienced during the procedure and no painful after effects. After your initial treatment, your nail plate should grow out normally within 6 to 12 months if there is a healthy nail bed. Treating nail fungus safely, PinPointe FootLaser does not require the use of medication and anesthesia.

Prevention

To remain on the right track with foot health, there are some simple precautions you may take to prevent painful ingrown toenails. Many cases of ingrown toenails may be prevented by proper trimming and wearing well-fitted shoes and socks. It is important to cut your toenails in a fairly straight line, and don't cut them too short. You should be able to get your fingernail under the sides and end of the nail. When it comes to shoes and socks, don't wear shoes that are short or tight in the toe area. Avoid shoes that are loose, because they, too, cause pressure on the toes, especially when running or walking briskly.

After examining your toe, your Houston podiatrist will select the treatment that is best suited for you. If an infection is present, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed. If you suspect that you might have an ingrown toenail, visit your podiatrist in Houston for further treatment. Prevention and treatment of ingrown toenails will allow you to show off your feet this spring and summer 

Common Soccer Injuries Include:

• Ankle Sprains
  The most common of all ankle injuries, an ankle sprain occurs when there is a stretching and tearing of ligaments surrounding the ankle joint.
• Achilles Tendonitis
  Achilles tendonitis is a chronic injury that occurs primarily from overuse and it felt as pain in back of the ankle. If this is ignored it may increase your risk of Achilles Tendon Rupture.
• Blisters
  Blisters are fluid-filled sacks on the surface of the skin that commonly occurs on the hands, or the feet.
• Plantar Fasciitis
  Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain on the bottom of the heel and usually defined by pain during the first steps of the morning
• Stress Fractures
  Stress fractures in the leg are often the result of overuse or repeated impacts on a hard surface
• Tendinitis and Ruptured Tendon
  Tendinitis is simply inflammation of a tendon. It generally occurs from overuse, but can also occur from a forceful contraction that causes microtears in the muscle fibers. These tears can lead to weakness and inflammation.

If you are experiencing any of these, please do not hesitate to give us a call and set up your appointment with Dr. Gabriel Maislos! 

Do you have embarrassing, irritating or painful toenail fungus? Is it preventing you from going to the beach or enjoying warm weather? If you suffer from fungal toenails, you’re not alone. And with summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to do something about your unpleasant toenail fungus. With the latest in technology, you can reclaim your toenail and eliminate uncomfortable toenail fungus without the use of anesthetics or oral medications. With PinPointe FootLaser, you can safely treat your nail fungus while significantly reducing nail infection. PinPointe FootLaser is said to be 81% effective. That being said, you can now treat your toenail infections more conveniently and comfortably with this laser treatment.

How Does PinPointe FootLaser Work?

PinPointe FootLaser is a patented laser technology used to kill the pathogens that cause toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis. The specially designed laser beam goes through the nail and safely reduces the infection in the nail bed that causes toenail fungus. It is FDA cleared to treat toenail fungus and has been through a significant amount of clinical research, as well.

Advantages of PinPointe FootLaser include:
• Safe
• No side effects
• Does not harm the nail or skin
• Painless, needing no anesthesia
• Shoes and nail polish can be worn immediately
• Highly effective

With no effect on your healthy tissue, PinPointe FootLaser treatment is not painful. There is minimal discomfort experienced during the procedure and no painful after effects. Treating nail fungus safely, PinPointe FootLaser does not require the use of medication and anesthesia. Your toenail will not become instantly clear because it may take six to nine months for the nail to grow out and take the fungus with it, but it is the beginning to healthy, fungus free feet.

Prevent Toenail Fungus from Developing

A toenail infection, or onychomycosis, is one of the most common infections of the foot. Toenail fungus is often characterized by the thickening of your toenail plate, debris under the toenail, a lifting of the leading edge of the nail, and a change in nail color. When it comes to protecting your feet and nails from harmful infections, prevention is key. The following tips are important to consider when avoiding toenail fungus:

• Practice good hygiene and inspect feet and toes regularly
• Try not to injure your nail by cutting it too short, as trauma to the nail may lead to infection
• Wear moisture wicking socks
• Wear dry, proper-fitting shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet
• Wear shower sandals when you are at a public pool or shower

If left untreated, a fungal infection can lead to your other toenails, the skin on your feet and even to your fingernails. In severe cases, the infection may even impair your ability to walk or it may lead to painful ingrown toenails. It is important to always seek care from your podiatrist when you notice any sign of an infection.

With proper consultation, your Houston podiatrist can educate you about the available treatments for your toenail fungus. PinPointe FootLaser is a painless and safe treatment for your toenail fungus. Take a step in the right direction and visit your podiatrist today to eliminate your painful toenail infection.

Leading podiatrist in Houston, Dr. Gabriel Maislos, is board certified in addition to maintaining several foot and ankle related certifications in an effort to stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in technology. Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Gabriel Maislos brings quality podiatric care to a new level, providing care for heel pain, bunions, hammertoes and laser toenail fungus in Houston.

Summer weather has arrived in Houston! It is time to jump in the pool! Here are some precautions you can take while being in public pools or water parks where toenaill fungus is more likely to catch on:

1) Never walk barefoot! Make sure to wear sandals at all times when walking around the pool or water parks. This will protect your feet from toenail fungus which lives in humidity. Athletes foot, also known as tinea pedis, an infection of the feet caused by fungus can also be caused by walking bare foot outside in public places such as water parks and pool areas.

2) Always have handy deodorant or a powder every day. They will not only help remove the smell but can also protect against fungus.

3) Apply some antifungal remedy to your feet. It can be a gel or a cream. It would be wise to always have handy antifungal creams to everybody who has an active lifestyle and is a frequenter in shower cabins at such public places like gyms, swimming pools, or saunas.

If you see some discoloration or changes on your toenails, give us a call for a consultation to see if its toenail fungus. The best way to get rid of toenail fungus is to start treating it as soon as possible!

Remember that we have the PinPointe laser treatment that cures toenail fungus! Give us a call!

Also you can browse through our ourdoctorstore.com/Maislos and find many products that can help aid in the healing and prevention of foot problems associated with dry skin, calluses, and corns. Try them and you won't be disappointed.

We also offer a wide variety of conservative treatment such as custom-made orthotics for shoes, injections, and physical therapy that is done right here in the office so that you don't have to make several stops! Here at Houston Foot Ankle Care, you have options to every one of your foot needs.

So come right on down to see us!

As the winter weather arrives, the last thing many people consider is it's impact on the feet. Cold weather brings several issues that have a direct affect on one's feet, and a little bit of early fall preparation can go a long way in ensuring that the feet stay warm, dry, and comfortable during the upcoming winter season.

The most obvious place to start is with one's shoes. Unfortunately, shoes are not as durable as they once were, due to relaxed manufacturing standards that keep costs down. However, people still treat their shoes as if the durability was still there. Essentially, people wear shoes for far too long, well past the point most shoes should be replaced. From a technical standpoint, most of this structural wear is internal, and cannot be seen from the outside of the shoe itself. While this is important from a stability standpoint, the concern for winter use is strictly with wear on the outside of the shoe, as well as the internal lining. Shoes that are visibly cracked or thinned across the outer covering will not be effective at keeping snow and moisture out of the shoe, where the moist coldness can cause damage to the skin under the sock. Likewise, excessive wear on the sole of the shoe can allow the same moisture in, and can also make the shoe treacherous to walk on in slippery conditions. It also goes without saying that shoes with holes in them are not suitable for winter use. In short, shoes need to be in good shape to protect the foot during the winter, and should not have damage, wear, or instability (either through wear and tear or by design such as high heels) that may place the wearer at risk for injury. The fall is the perfect time to evaluate one's shoes, and purchase new shoes for winter use if needed.

Another mistake often made during the winter is the selection of socks that are not sufficient to keep the foot warm. Socks used for dress in the summer are often too thin or of poor moisture wicking capability to be helpful in the wintertime, where the sock needs to be warm and dry. Heavier socks are needed during the winter months, and many people do not alternate socks for the appropriate season. Synthetic materials are better than cotton for keeping moisture off the foot during the summer months when the foot sweats, but may not be thick enough for colder temperatures. A wool sock will provide greater warmth protection than thin nylon, and even cotton will be helpful for warmth retention. If one's socks become wet, it is very important that they be changed as soon as possible to prevent cold injury to the skin.

The foot and ankle are in constant danger of injury during slippery conditions, such as those found when snow and ice are present. Careful vigilance during walking on these surfaces is important, but the reality is that slips and falls can occur at any time, leading to sprains and even fractures. One way to lessen the injury of these accidents is to ensure that the foot and ankle are limber and flexible. This flexibility will allow for the ligaments of the foot and ankle to accommodate stretching and straining experienced in a slip and fall, and may lessen the likelihood of a serious sprain or fracture from occurring.

Finally, foot skin care is frequently neglected during the winter as a result of the feet staying enclosed in shoes. Unfortunately, the foot can severely suffer from this neglect. The skin of the foot will sweat less in the winter than in the summer, to preserve body heat. With less moisture and oil secretion, the skin can become dry and cracked. When there are already calluses built up on the heels from a summer of sandal use, the resulting winter time cracking can be severe enough to cause bleeding and a superficial skin wound in the crevasse of the cracking. Heel fissures are extremely painful, and difficult to treat once they develop without aggressive callus trimming and moisture.  If one were to smooth the heel and general foot skin during the fall season prior to winter, the resulting drying and cracking of the foot skin will not be as severe when the weather becomes cold. This care means the use of pumice stones or an emery board after bathing to remove the hard skin build-up, and daily moisturizers throughout the winter to maintain a soft skin surface.

As one can see, like homes and automobiles the foot needs to 'winterized' to keep it safe from the cold weather and the potential problems that go with it. Unlike the hands, the feet are often neglected during the winter when care is needed the most. By following the above advice, one can better protect these important parts of the human body and stay healthy and active through the spring.

Schedule your next appointment at Houston Foot And Ankle Care to make your feet feel better for the winter and holidays!

Here are three reasons why the Pinpointe laser treatment works and why our patients love it!

The first thing to know is that toenail and nail fungus is an annoying, embarrassing problem to have because it can affect you both emotionally and physically.  It may start as not a big deal but can eventually affect your clothing, where you go, and even your love life.

Even though it can be quite difficult to get rid of at times, the Pinpointe Laser toenail fungus treatments have proven to be effective.  Here are three quick reasons why the laser works to kill nail fungus.

1.  Ease of Use:  One of the main reasons why some people deal with toenail fungus for many years is the hassle of soaking your feet or applying some type of ointment for long periods of time.  Most of us are super busy and crunched for time so even something that is relatively simple is often avoided.  The Pinpointe Laser treatment normally takes one office visit.

2.  Painless:  Along the same lines of ease of use is the fact that laser therapy is virtually painless.  It does not require a stay in the hospital or a bunch of dangerous prescriptions to be effective.  The doctor uses a specific path of exposure to make sure the entire surface is covered and that the fungus is killed.

3.  Works Under the Nail:  Many of the treatments for nail fungus are not effective because they don’t kill the fungus where it lives and normally that’s in the nail bed.  The laser is able to penetrate the nail and kill living fungus inside the nail bed.  This is done without any long-term damage to the nail or your skin.

Get your feet ready for the spring!  Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gabriel Maislos. 

What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a rash on the skin of the foot. It is the most common fungal skin infection. There are three main types of athlete's foot. Each type affects different parts of the foot and may look different.

What causes athlete's foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that grows on or in the top layer of skin. Fungi (plural of fungus) grow best in warm, wet places, such as the area between the toes.

Athlete's foot spreads easily. You can get it by touching the toes or feet of a person who has it. But most often, people get it by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces near swimmingpools or in locker rooms. The fungi then grow in your shoes, especially if your shoes are so tight that air cannot move around your feet.

If you touch something that has fungi on it, you can spread athlete’s foot to other people-even if you don't get the infection yourself. Some people are more likely than others to get athlete's foot. After you have had athlete's foot, you are more likely to get it again.

What are the symptoms

Athlete’s foot can make your feet and the skin between your toes burn and itch. The skin may peel and crack. Your symptoms can depend on the type of athlete’s foot you have.

• Toe web infectionusually occurs between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin becomes scaly, peels, and cracks. Some people also may have an infection with bacteria. This can make the skin break down even more.
• Moccasin type infectionmay start with a little soreness on your foot. Then the skin on the bottom or heel of your foot can become thick and crack. In bad cases, the toenails get infected and can thicken, crumble, and even fall out. Fungal infection in toenails needs separate treatment.
• Vesicular type infectionusually begins with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters under the skin. The blisters are usually on the bottom of the foot. But they can appear anywhere on your foot. You also can get a bacterial infection with this type of athlete’s foot.

How is athlete's foot diagnosed?

Most of the time, a doctor can tell that you have athlete's foot by looking at your feet. He or she will also ask about your symptoms and any past fungal infections you may have had. If your athlete's foot looks unusual, or if treatment did not help you before, your doctor may take a skin or nail biopsy to test for fungi.

Steps to prevent athlete's foot include wearing shower sandals in public showering areas, wearing shoes that allow the feet to breathe, and daily washing of the feet with soap and water. Drying the feet thoroughly and we have a Fungoid cream that has anti-fungal elements to help prevent a fungal infection of the foot.  Call to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Gabriel Maislos!

Feet that are cracked and dry may be uncomfortable and even painful.  Cracks and dry skin on the feet may cause difficulty with walking if the condition becomes severe, and complications such as skin infections may result.
Cracked heels are a sign of lack of attention to foot care rather than just overexposure or lack of moisturizing. Medically, cracked heels are also known as heel fissures. Fissures are regular linear cut wounds and mostly affect the surface level which comprises of the epidermis. Sometimes it may get deep into the dermis and become painful. Excessive pressure on the feet pads make the feet want to expand sideways. As the skin, surrounding the sides of the feet are dry they crack and cause cracked heels

Here is a compilation of the most common causes that lead to cracked heels:

• Naturally dry skin or thick dry skin (callus) around the heel that is more likely to crack is often due to excessive feet activity.

• Prolonged standing at work or home .Hard floors may also cause cracks in the feet.

• Being overweight may increase the pressure on the normal fat pad under the heel, causing it to expand sideways and if the skin lacks flexibility the pressure on the feet lead to cracked heels.

• Back-open sandals or shoes allow the fat under the heel to expand sideways and increases the possibility of cracks on the heels.

• Disease and Disorders-Athlete’s foot, Psoriasis, Eczema, Thyroid disease, Diabetes and some other skin conditions may also cause cracked heels.

• Continuous exposure to water- Water, especially running water, can rob the skin of its natural oils and this can leave the skin dry and rough. Standing for prolonged periods in a damp area such as a bathroom can cause dry and cracked heels.

Here is a list of some other reasons that may lead to cracked heels:

• Age - Thick dry scaly skin lose elasticity with age and thus cracks have higher incidence with age.

• Ill fitting shoes, standing for a long time or change in walking posture.

• Unhygienic circumstances or conditions

• Unhealthy, dry scaly skin due to climate or diseases

• Deficiency of vitamins, minerals and zinc

Feet care is not a disorder one can be clueless about. This is also one of the reasons why people almost always neglect it. Primarily, feet care begins with some care. One may seek help to cure their dry cracked heels and feet by using relief measures that include home remedy treatment options which help treat fungus – one of the main causes of dry cracked heels.  At Houston Foot and Ankle Care, we offer the Pedinol Sleep-n-Heel heel rejuvenating kit which consists of night conditioning heel sleeves that contains urea cream, a powerful mosturizer that helps soften the skin on your heels.  This kit also contains the urea cream by itself which you can apply to other areas other than your feet and a softening bar of soap so that you can wash your feet and soften them at the same time.  This soap also helps by allowing the dead skin to wash away while you use it.

You can also Dr. Gabriel Maislos for further information on dry cracked heels causes, treatment, and prevention.  Call 713-541-3199 to schedule your next appointment.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/tiger-woods-mild-achilles-strain-linger-season-medical-expert-article-1.1038384?localLinksEnabled=false

    Plantar warts are warts that occurred on the bottom (or plantar surface) of the foot.  A common misconception is that plantar warts have seeds or roots that grow through the skin and can attach to the bone. The wart may appear to have a root or seeds, but these are in fact small clusters of the wart just beneath the top layer of the skin. The wart cannot live in any tissue except the skin. Moist, sweaty feet can predispose to infection by the wart virus. They can be picked up in showers and around swimming pools. They are not highly contagious, but being exposed in such environments will lead to the development of the wart.  Avoiding contact in the general environment is nearly impossible. If a member of the family has the infection, care should be taken to keep shower and tile floor clean.  The warts have the appearance of thick, scaly skin. They can occur as small, single warts or can cluster into large areas.  We remove plantar warts through laser treatment and biweekly debridements of the warts. And for your convenience, we carry the salicylic acid that is to be applied directly to the wart daily after treatment. The effectiveness of this treatment is completely dependent on patient compliance and proper debridement of lesions. We recommend weekly debridement by a specialist. It is very important to debride off all of the dead skin in order for acid applications to continue to be effective.  Schedule your appointment with Houston podiatrist Dr. Gabriel Maislos for a consultation today!

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Toronto’s Blue Jay pitcher, Dustin McGowan, started feeling pain on his right foot during the first inning of the game.  It turned out to be plantar fasciitis, which is a common, but not serious condition.  Although it kept McGowan from a scheduled minor-league game, with the proper care and attention, it will not be too long before he is out there playing again.  Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which connects the heel bone to the toes, and creates the arch on the bottom of the foot.  Plantar Fasciitis is often successfully treated with conservative treatments such as ultrasound guided injections, orthotics, and night splints and physical therapy that is done here in our office for your convenience.  If you feel heel pain when you take that first step in the morning, do not hesitate to call our office to schedule an appointment with Houston podiatrist Dr. Gabriel Maislos.

Don’t forget to like our facebook.com/houstonfootandanklecare for special promotions on our products!

 http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/03/26/blue-jays-dustin-mcgowan-expects-quick-recovery-from-foot-injury/

FC Dallas midfielder David Ferreira is expected to miss about six to eight weeks due to a broken foot during a preseason exhibition.  With the right care and precautions, his broken foot can be healed so that he plays soccer again.  A broken foot is a common injury among athletes.  The seriousness of a broken foot depends on the type and severity of the fracture that you might have.  A severely broken foot may require surgery and a not so severe fracture might require casting, pain medications, and weight bearing exercises to bring back the bone to its fullest strength and potential.  Come visit your Houston podiatrist at Houston Foot and Ankle Care if you have suffered from a broken foot.  We have all the required treatment to properly heal your foot.  From x-rays to physical therapy that are done conveniently in our office, we have it all!  Schedule your appointment today! 

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http://aol.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2012-04-03/fc-dallas-david-ferreira-out-6-8-weeks-with-broken-foot 

http://www.zimbio.com/Maria+Menounos/articles/Jce_LPnBp_o/Maria+Menounos+Dancing+Stars+Week+4+Pictures 

 “Just wanted to let you know that I injured my right ankle pretty bad during rehearsal. MRI tomorrow (April 16). I’ll let u all know … Love u all,” he wrote.

Ankle sprains are important to treat as soon as possible because they can soon develop into tendonitis, which can involve inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which is located on the posterior side of an ankle.  This can be causes by trauma as a result from sports or doing the ‘pasa doble’ in the dance floor.  Tendonitis causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in the tendon area.  Treatment involves NSAIDS to decrease inflammation and even orthopedic casting.  The first step to recuperation would be to have your podiatrist order an MRI to see if there are any rupture of ligaments or tendons.  If tendonitis goes untreated, it can result in rupture or even tearing of the tendon.  If you have experienced ankle pain, do not play it off as a simple issue.  Call your Houston podiatrist at Houston Foot And Ankle Care and schedule your appointment with Dr. Gabriel Maislos.  

High heel shoes have been known to cause many foot ailments for women who wear them but that does not keep them from buying them.  But what many women do not realize is that wearing high heels can have an impact on the entire structure of the foot and even on the relationship of the knee to the ankle.  Common foot problems caused by the use of high heels include bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, corns, and calluses.  Some women are even having plastic surgery done to their feet just so that they can be able to walk in their cute pair of four-inch high heels.  Most common are corns and calluses which are thickened layers of skin that usually occurs on top or sides of the foot and bunions which are not necessarily caused by high heels but can sure be aggravated by daily use of them.  Check out our selection of high heels for all occasions that are going to make your feet feel as if you are walking on a cloud.  All of our shoes have a special insert that is thick and custom molded to help alleviate the pressure points of your feet.  Every pair of high heels come with a built-in shaped foot bed for superior arch and for your optimal support, they contain also contain memory foam cushion.  Come see our great selection at Houston Podiatrist Dr. Gabriel Maislos’s office.

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"I wasn't trying to have ultimate swag when I walked out -- I hurt my foot," Stewart told Leno. "I wasn't trying to get out of wearing heels either. Puncture wound, promise!" 

Puncture wounds are most common during the summer days when people opt to go barefoot while out on the beach or around the pool.  A puncture wound can be caused by small pointed objects, such as a really think splinter or nail that one might have accidentally stepped on.  If left untreated or not treated properly, it can easily turn into an infection.  If you have a punctured wound on the bottom of the foot, then you should immediately call your podiatrist, or foot and ankle surgeon, to make sure that it gets properly cleaned and also to remove any other foreign objects that could possibly get stuck on the wound.  Failure to do so might lead to an infection and foot pain.  The long summer days are on their way and feeling the hot sand underneath your feet is the best.  So make sure to prevent a possible foot infection, please call your Houston Foot And Ankle Podiatrist Dr. Gabriel Maislos to schedule your next appointment.  Let us take care of your feet and get them ready for sandal season! 

"It was hard," Watson said of playing through the condition. "I couldn't do all the things that I'm usually capable of doing. But I knew with Derrick (Rose) out, I had to give the team what I could."

Plantar fasciitis is a common issue, especially among professional athletes and people who enjoy playing sports on a regular basis.  But it is nothing to be afraid of!  There are many conservative treatments that people can try to alleviate the painful sensation in their heels that keeps them from enjoying a nice walk through the neighborhood park.  (Although the 90 degree weather could probably also have a say in that)  Conservative treatment for heel pain include customized orthotics which helps relieve pressure and improve over biomechanical function of the feet.  Other treatments involve physical therapy, steroid injections, and daily use of a nightsplint.  At Houston Foot and Ankle Care, we have everything you need to help your feet feel like new again!  From physical therapy done conveniently in our office to having the right fit for custom orthotics, we have the proper treatment to help your feet start the day being painless!  Schedule your next appointment with Dr. Gabriel Maislos.

Also don’t forget to like us on Facebook for future discounts and promotions! 

Granger presumably received treatment at the half and returned in the third. He drew a foul on the Pacers' first possession and hit one of two free throws, but on the Pacers next trip down the floor, he ran into James again and came up hobbling on that bad ankle.

“Indiana Pacers Danny Granger came down on LeBron's sneaker just before halftime and suffered a sprained left ankle that soon took him out of the game, it was an accident.”

Ankle sprains are common sports injuries but also happen during everyday activities. An unnatural twisting motion of the ankle joint can happen when the foot is planted awkwardly, when the ground is uneven, or when an unusual amount of force is applied to the joint.  Ankle sprain will result when the ligaments of the ankle have been stretched beyond their limits or excessive force has been applied to the tendons and bones of the ankle.  If you have suffered a sprained ankle, immediately call your Houston podiatrist and schedule an appointment.  X-rays and/or MRI’s need to be done in order to make sure that there are no fractured bones or other more serious damages done to ligaments or tendons to the ankle.  Here at Houston Foot and Ankle Care, we offer same-day relief to your ankle sprains.  X-rays are conveniently done in our office so that we can find the right type of treatment to help get you walking pain free.  We also offer same-day appointments so don’t wait, call and schedule your appointment today. 

New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks had surgery on his right foot to repair the fifth metatarsal in his right foot.  He is recovering well and is now on a walking boot.  He said that he was “walking around pretty good.”  He is expected to be out for three months.  Fractures are common in the fifth metatarsal, which is the long bone of the outside of the foot that connects to the little toe.  Examples of fracture in the fifth metatarsal include mid-shaft fractures, which usually result from trauma or twisting, and fractures of the metatarsal head and neck.  It is important to have x-rays or other imaging studies that would show what type of fracture there is.  Depending on the severity of the injury, the foot is kept immobile with a cast, cam walker (boot), or stiff-soled shoe.  If you think there might be a fracture, do not wait.  Please call Houston Foot and Ankle Care and schedule your appointment as soon as possible. 

Kristen Stewart strutted her stuff on the red carpet pairing her edgy Guishem dress with black Christian Louboutin pumps at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards. However, the next time we saw her she was on stage presenting, but this time wearing worn-in Converse sneakers!

Houston Foot and Ankle Care is now offering their new Aetrex line of shoes for everyday use and for all of life's occassions. From walking to exercise to your best friend's wedding, we have the necessary shoes to help you put your best foot forward. Select styles come with memory foam footbed for superior arch support, while others come with removable footbed with patented Mozaic Customization Technology that is personalized for your own personable foot needs. Check out our new line of everyday, comfortable shoes at Houston Foot And Ankle Care.

Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon second place finisher Ryan Hall has been battling plantar fasciitis for some time now.  “I’ve been battling plantar fasciitis, and I’ve got rid of that.”  He has been using sandals with a metatarsal lift for foot relief.   Plantar fasciitis is a common problem that affects runners as well as other athletes everywhere.  Although painful, it can be cured by using inserts and some exercises (physical therapy).  We have the newest technology to create the most beneficial fit for your inserts to help relieve heel pain that is keeping you from performing your best.  We also offer therapeutic exercises, nightsplints, custom and prefabricated inserts (orthotics), and other conservative treatment types, without the need to even consider surgery.  And the best thing is that it is all conveniently done in our office.  Schedule your next appointment with Houston podiatrist Dr. Gabriel Maislos.  Do not wait for the pain to get worse.  Let us help you perform your best while exercising.     

The summer has arrived and schools are out for the summer.  This means that children have those extra eight hours left to jump and run around in the backyard or at the park.  Do not let foot pain slow down your kids from enjoying their vacation.  Foot pain in children is caused by many different factors.  If you noticed that your child’s foot rolls inward while walking or running, it means that they are going to need orthotics.  If you noticed that your child has flat feet (pes planus), which is a condition in which the foot does not have a normal arch when standing, do not panic.  Flat feet can be effectively treated with orthotics that give biomechanical support and will help your child’s feet function more efficiently.  At Houston Foot And Ankle Care, we have the latest technology to help customized your child’s orthotics down to the perfect fit.  If necessary, Dr. Gabriel Maislos will take x-rays to insure that there are no other serious issues with the bone structure of the foot.  Schedule an appointment with your Houston Podiatrist Dr. Gabriel Maislos for an evaluation of your child’s feet to get them ready for the summer and coming school year.  

Celtics  shooting guard Ray Allen said that his number one priority is undergoing surgery to remove a painful bone spur in his right ankle that hindered his performance during the postseason. 

“That’s my first priority, just going into surgery sometime.  If I can do it tomorrow, I would do it tomorrow.  That’s probably my main concern right now, is taking care of that.  My body feels good.  That’s been my only issue.  After that, it’s hard to say.”

Ankle bone spur is a small outgrow, smooth or pointed, that occurs on the ankle joint.  It can develop along the bottom of the edge of the tibia or on the upper surface of the talus.  They are caused by a lot of wear and tear at the ankle joint.  Although it kept Ray Allen from playing six games, it does not have to stop you from missing any important games in your life.  Schedule your appointment with Houston podiatrist Dr. Gabriel Maislos if you are experiencing pain that us caused by heel spurs or any other foot ailment.   

It is important that when exercising, you have the right shoes on!  Proper fitting shoes are important and make all the difference whether you walk or rung.  Choosing the wrong athletic shoes could possible take you on a painful walk around the neighborhood.  Check our latest styles in athletic shoes for all types of exercise.  Whether you are walking, jogging, running, or even jumping, these shoes will have your feet feeling as if they are floating on pillows by the end of the day.  And the best part, is that they have customized Mozaic technology insoles so that it is made for your feet to perfection! 

Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw has been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, but the good news is that it has not affected his pitching.  The bad news is that the plantar fasciitis that he has developed on his left foot is not going away anytime soon.  Plantar fasciitisis inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantarfascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot.  According to Dodger’s manager Don Mattingly, Kershaw has modified his workout exercises to not worsen the pain.  “It’s not going to stop me from pitching, it’s just annoying...Throwing’s fine, it’s just the running,”  Kershaw said.  Plantar fasciitis affects athletes everywhere, whether professional or amateur.  But not to worry, it is treatable by conservative treatment and does not have to result to surgery.  Do not wait for the pain to get worse. 

Schedule your appointment with Houston Foot And Ankle Care if you are experiencing heel pain.   

Paula Radcliffe has suffered from a reoccurring foot injury, and although it has not stopped her from participating in the Olympic Games.  “The joint in my foot that can give me trouble has been giving me a bit of a problem,” Radcliff says in regards to her foot pain.  While she said her foot has been causing her pain, she did not believe it would affect her participation at the Games, where she will again aim for the elusive Olympic medal.  Sometimes foot pain can be easily dismissed as being a simple issue that might not require medicine and will go away by tomorrow.  There are other times that the pain can be persistent and you will need to visit your local podiatrist (foot doctor) in order to find the root to the pain.  It is important to keep your feet in tiptop shape because they are the foundation to our well-being.  If you are experiencing foot pain or any other type of sensation in your feet, schedule an appointment with your local Houston podiatrist Dr. Gabriel Maislos, so that we can properly diagnosed your pain and help you get faster to the finish line.  

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/04/paula-radcliffe-injury-london-2012?newsfeed=true 

Artistic gymnast Jonathan Horton is not letting a foot injury (which he suffered last October) stops him from competing in the summer Olympics.  Although he considers the injury a minor setback, he still calls it a “blessing.”  He says that he will “not only be able to do the harder routines, but that he will be doing them better.”  As soon as you experience a foot injury caused by any type of exercise, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist.  Leaving a foot injury unattended will cause it to swell, with further unnecessary complications.  It might swell and become painful.  Dr. Gabriel Maislos will relieve your feet with professional care and attention.  We have the latest technology to help you get back in your feet.  Schedule your appointment today! 

"It's not torn, which is good," Ortiz said. "I didn't feel a pop, which is the first thing the doctor asked me last night."

 Signs of an injured or sprained ankle include swelling, pain, and some redness around the ankle.  Treating an injured ankle is important to prevent further complications to surrounding tendons, bones, and other joint ligaments.  As soon as you injured your ankle, make sure to no weight-bearing on it, make sure to apply ice to reduce swelling, and keep it elevated it to reduce swelling and maintain blood flow away from the injury.  If you have an injured ankle, please call your Houston podiatrist Dr. Gabriel Maislos.  Do not wait for the pain to go away on its own.  From x-rays to physical therapy, we have everything conveniently in your office to heal your ankle and get you out there playing baseball or going to the beach in no time. 

Same day appointments available. 

Tweeting about the mishap on July 23, she wrote, "Bartending last night, dropped a bottle, broke it, my foot is still bleeding!!

The singer's assistant, Jennifer Rosales, has since revealed the injury is a little more serious than just a cut, and she has posted a photo of Rihanna's two bandaged toes on social media website Instagram alongside the caption, "It is not a vacation until someone breaks a toe!".

A fractured toe can be very painful and if not treated properly, can take a long time to fully heal.  Consequences of improper treatment for toe fractures include deformity in the bone which can limit the ability to move the foot, or cause difficulty in fitting shoes and chronic pain and deformity.  Rihanna (picture above) used the “buddy tapping” on her fractured toe, which includes taping the fractured toe to another toe which helps the toe to heal straight and lowering the chances of it healing in an awkward position.  If you have experienced a fractured toe, do not wait for it to heal on its own. This would only cause more problems that are serious in the end.  Call your Houston podiatrist Dr. Gabriel Maislos to schedule your appointment today!  We also offer same-day appointments!

Read more: http://www.abc15.com/dpp/entertainment/celebrity/Rihanna-nursing-broken-toe_59896731#ixzz22Q1Srjso

Robert Downey Jr. hurt his foot while filming “Iron Man 3” while performing a stunt.  There will be a short delay in production while he recuperates, Marvel Studios stated on Thursday.  Foot injuries are common among athletes and superheroes.  The first step to prevent a foot injury from getting worse is to see a podiatrist as soon as possible.  They are going to be do x-rays to see if there are any fractures and if there are, what type of fracture.  They might also require having an MRI done to see if the surround ligaments are damaged in any way.  Depending on the severity of the fracture, your podiatrist is going to determine the type of treatment you need to get you on your way.  Call Houston Foot and Ankle Care to schedule your next appointment. 

“Iron Man 3” is set for release next summer. Downey plays billionaire playboy Tony Stark and Gwyneth Paltrow is his love, Pepper Potts. Guy Pearce and Ben Kingsley also star.

Downey also appeared as his Stark/Iron Man character earlier this summer in “The Avengers.” The actor also unveiled a clip of the forthcoming “Iron Man’ flick at Comic-Con last month.

“Iron Man 3” is set for release next summer. Downey plays billionaire playboy Tony Stark and Gwyneth Paltrow is his love, Pepper Potts. Guy Pearce and Ben Kingsley also star.

Downey also appeared as his Stark/Iron Man character earlier this summer in “The Avengers.” The actor also unveiled a clip of the forthcoming “Iron Man’ flick at Comic-Con last month.

http://www.the-leader.com/newsnow/x2038877646/Downey-hurt-on-Iron-Man-3-set-filming-on-hold

http://morningjournal.com/articles/2012/08/17/entertainment/doc502dc19804470716245036.txt

Comfortable shoes are a must, whether you are walking the red carpet, or at a friends’ birthday party.  It is always important to have comfortable shoes so that your feet don’t have to suffer later or in the long run.  Some complications of wearing uncomfortable shoes include foot pain, bunions, swelling, plantar fasciitis (heel pain), and even Achilles tendonitis.  Kelly Osbourne advises on the importance of wearing comfortable shoes.

Pamper your feet: "Always pack a pair of ballet flats in your handbag because by the end of the night your feet are killing you. You want to keep going but you can't. I can't tell you how many times I've had to go home early because my feet hurt and I haven't had a pair of shoes to change into. Don't let your footwear ruin your good time," she said.

As Kelly Osbourne stated, “Do not let your footwear ruin your good time.”  Wear comfortable shoes that have enough cushion and padding for your feet.  Also for the more fashion conscious, come check out our shoe store which is located right inside our clinic.  All of our shoes come with the memory foam like Lynco insert that provides better body alignment, balance distribution of weight, increased stability, shock absorption, reduced joint stress, and comfort and protection that all of our Aetrex shoes provide.  No appointment necessary to see our shoes and catalog available upon request.  If you have been experiencing foot pain, do not hesitate to call Houston Podiatrist Dr. Gabriel Maislos. 

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/08/28/2313679/kelly-osbourne-gives-fashion-tips.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/fashion/kelly-osbourne-comfy-shoes-spanx-spray-tans-article-1.1146399?localLinksEnabled=false

‘The Tour’ came to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio last night and before Kiss or Motley Crue could take the stage, the trouble began. Vince Neil fractured two bones in his left foot and was seen limping around the stage from the very first song. After the show, he confirmed his foot was hurting.

“Cleveland tonight. Paramedic’s think I broke my foot. I hope not. Getting X-ray tomorrow in Toronto. Thanks Cleveland for understanding,” Neil typed on Twitter immediately after his set. He included a picture of his swollen left foot, before updating fans as to his condition today.

“To my fans- Thnxs 4 ur support. I have 2 fractured bones. The show must go on!! I’m sorry I won’t be able to give you the show you deserve!”

 The band has a show in Toronto, Ontario tonight before dates in New York and Massachusetts over the weekend. Afterward he’ll have to grit through six more shows. It’s not yet clear how Neil hurt himself.

Foot fractures are very common, since we walk on them 24 hours/7 days a week.  The treatment for foot fractures depend on the severity of the fracture.  Common temporary treatments can include the use of crutches, a walker boot, keeping the foot elevated, and cold packs.  (Unfortunately, rocking out on stage is not one of them)  Although these treatments can help you from further injuring the fractured foot, it is important to find out the severity of the fracture through a visit to your local Houston podiatrist.  Types of foot fractures can include a calcaneal or heel fracture, metatarsal fracture (fracture of the long bones of the foot), phalanges foot fractures (toe fracture), and talus fracture (talus is the bone at the base of the ankle.)  Through the use of x-rays, conveniently done in our office, Dr. Gabriel Maislos will be able to diagnose and treat the specific type of foot fracture that meets your special needs.  Do not wait on your fracture to heal on its own.  The best treatment is to get the proper and adequate treatment as soon as possible.  For such emergencies, Houston Foot And Ankle Care offer same day appointments.  There are no excuses for getting the specialized treatment that you deserve!  Call Houston Foot And Ankle Care to schedule your next appointment today! 

The Jets coach said results of an MRI on Holmes' foot are still being evaluated. Ryan said team physicians are deciphering whether Holmes suffered muscle damage or ligament damage to his foot. If Holmes damaged ligaments in his foot, the recovery period would increase by a handful of weeks.

After catching a short pass near the 49ers sideline, he buckled and fell toward the turf, completing a full roll on the ground before losing possession of the ball. Carlos Rogers returned the fumble for a touchdown but Holmes remained writhing in pain.

He was carried off the field a few minutes later by the training staff and carted to the X-Ray room shortly after that.

Holmes' injury was initially believed to be to his knee before the team clarified that it was a foot.

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2012/10/santonio_holmes_foot_injury_st.html

Foot injuries can be very painful and sometimes take a while to heal. For example lisfranc injuries can be very painful and sometimes cause a football player to be out for part of the season, like was the case for Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans during last years season.

During a lisfranc injury, the foot cannot be allowed to bear weight for a minimum of 6 weeks. Partial weight-bearing may then begin, with full weight-bearing after an additional several weeks, depending on the specific injury. Let’s hope that is not the case for the NY Jets’ star wide receiver.

If you are suffering from foot pain as severe as a lisfranc injury or if it is something less serious, never leave foot pain unattended. Call Dr. Gabriel Maislos of Houston Foot and Ankle Care today to schedule your next appointment.

People have been fascinated with lasers going all the way back to the iconic image of James Bond being nearly split in two in the movie Goldfinger. No doubt this brought the idea of lasers as being cutting edge into the American psyche. Lasers have been used in medicine for everything from zapping off warts to whitening teeth and now for treatment of those ugly thick fungal toenails.  Lasers are part of a program that can help with the thick fungal nails and are an alternative to oral medication. They should not be thought of as effective as the oral but there are no potential side effects unlike oral agents. Sports like running skiing and soccer increase your risk of getting toenail fungus because you sweat inside a closed shoe or boot and you are subjecting your toenails to repetitive micro trauma

The laser helps eliminate the fungal spores that lie within and underneath the nail. Just as in fading with laser teeth whitening, the nail fungus can come back. It should be used as an adjunct treatment either with an oral or topical treatment. It is also important to disinfect the areas where the fungal spores reside, so the nail does not get reinfected.

http://docforjocks.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-skinny-on-lasers-and-toenail-fungus.html

At Houston Foot and Ankle Care, we provide our patients with the latest in toe nail fungus treatment and offer a painless solution.  The staff at Houston Foot and Ankle Care is one of the few in the Houston area who have access and training with the PinPointe FootLaser. If you notice your nails thicken, or become yellow, schedule an appointment today.

Placed on the injured reserve last week following a gruesome ankle injury, Denver Broncos center J.D. Walton is scheduled for surgery on Monday according to his representatives at ProLink Sports.

A 6'3, 305-pound offensive lineman, Walton was carted off the field in the second quarter against theOakland Raiders in Week 4 after opposing player Jack Crawford rolled on his ankle while attempting to make a tackle. Walton, a third-year pro out of Baylor, suffered both a fractured and dislocated left ankle on the play and forced the Broncos to scramble to fill out their offensive line.

Unable to make what would have been his 39th consecutive start for the Broncos in Week 5, Walton's full timetable may become a bit more clearer after his surgery. And though a proven veteran like Dan Koppen was brought in to take Walton's role for the remainder of the year, Walton's unfortunate injury still should go down as one of the most frustrating occurrences of Denver's 2012 campaign.

http://denver.sbnation.com/broncos/2012/10/8/3474782/jd-walton-injury-ankle-surgery-denver-broncos

Over a million people visit emergency rooms every year due to ankle injuries. If you practice a sport like football or soccer there is a higher risk of ankle injury. At Houston Foot and Ankle Care, Dr. Gabriel Maislos is specially trained to perform surgical procedures that pertain to the ankle. If you have rolled your ankle or feel any form of pain or discomfort while walking, call us today to schedule your appointment. If an injury is treated with time, it may lessen the chances of needing surgery. 

According to French site LeJournal.com, Denmon has broken his fifth metatarsal in his right foot. He will be out for six weeks and nosurgery will be needed.

San Antonio Spurs 2012 NBA draftee guard Marcus Denmon, has injured his foot in the season opener for French team Chalon-Elan against Tony Parker's team ASVEL (via Basket News.net). Denmon injured his foot in the third quarter after scoring nine points in 22 minutes for Chalon.

Chalon head coach Gregor Beugnot spoke on Denmon's injury and fears it is worse than expected.

"It is on the side of the foot on a metatarsal. I hope he has not broken his foot. He may have moved a metatarsal, or there is something. I hope there will be examinations fast."

This might be a big setback for Demon if he indeed [broke] his foot. This is the same injury former Spur James Anderson suffered and Anderson never looked the same after.

Hopefully Denmon's injury isn't as bad and the examinations will show good news.

http://www.projectspurs.com/2012-articles/october/report-marcus-denmon-injures-foot-in-season-opener-for-chalon.html

Metatarsal injuries are among the more common types of feet injuries. When this injury occurs, it is best to consult with your podiatrist for an x-ray. Often times, applying an ice pack for several minutes every few hours will help with the pain and help reduce swelling. At Houston Foot and Ankle Care, we provide our patients with in house x-rays, and physical therapy. If you have suffered from a metatarsal injury don’t think twice about scheduling an appointment today.

New York Yankees shortstop and captain Derek Jeter reportedly will visit a foot and ankle specialist in Charlotte, N.C., in the coming days to determine whether he will need surgery to repair the broken ankle he sustained in Saturday’s ALCS Game 1. Jeter, according to multiple media reports, underwent more tests Sunday in New York on the broken left ankle

"It's possible,'' Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of surgery, according to the New York Post."That's why they are having more tests.'' In the wee hours Sunday morning, after Jeter sustained the injury, the indication was that he wouldn't need surgery, but that changed later in the day, the Post reported.

"When I went back there, the doctor said, 'I am not saying you are going to need (surgery), but the next tests will determine if you need it,'' Girardi said. A CT Scan and MRI exam Sunday confirmed that the ankle was broken on the play in the 12th inning of Saturday’s Game 1 loss to the Detroit Tigers. He is in a splint and on crutches; whether he has surgery or not, Jeter, 38, is expected to need up to three months to recover from the injury.

The Yankees manager said that a conversation with Jeter on Sunday morning revealed him to be "in good spirits.'

http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2012-10-15/derek-jeter-injury-update-new-york-yankees-shortstop-broken-fractured-ankle-surg

Ankle injuries can be extremely painful. At times the only way to repair this kind of damage is through surgery. At Houston Foot and Ankle Care, Dr. Gabriel Maislos, Houston’s best podiatrist, cares about each of his patients. When undergoing surgery, he makes sure all of his patients get all of their questions answered and get the best treatment available. If ankle pain is keeping you from doing your daily activities, call our office to make an appointment today.

She has a broken second toe on her right foot. And her left ankle is swollen to twice its size. But General Hospital star Kelly Monaco wasn't going to let anything stand in the way of performing a contemporary routine on Dancing WithThe Stars: All-Stars with her pro partner, Val Chmerkovskiy.

Monaco broke her toe earlier in the day during camera blocking. "We had three takes in rehearsals and she broke it on the first take," says Chmerkovskiy. "But she didn't tell me. And the second take, I said, 'Come on, we need more.' And she's quiet. And just did her thing. Then we had a break and she said, 'Oh, by the way, I broke my toe.'"

"I couldn't walk, so I knew something was wrong," says Monaco, 36. "And then it went black and blue all over and puffed up. I had someone look at it. But there's nothing you can do with a broken toe. You just tape it up and call it a day."

http://www.seattlepi.com/entertainment/tv/tvguide/article/Dancing-With-the-Stars-A-Broken-Toe-and-3952689.php

Broken toes can limit your daily activities and set you back in your life style. Always make sure you get the best treatment available and spring right back in to your daily activities.Dr. Gabriel Maislos from Houston Foot and Ankle Care provides all of his patients with the best care available. Make an appointment and come see Houston’s best podiatrist today.

A Steve Nash injury took place Sunday night (October 21) as the Los Angeles Lakers played the Sacramento Kings in an NBA preseason game. According to a report from ESPN on Monday (October 22), Nash "turned his right ankle following a collision with the Kings' Isaiah Thomas."

Following the injury, Nash left the game for a short time, but ended up returning to action after getting his ankle re-taped by the Lakers' trainer. It's a good sign that he was able to take the court and finish up the game, but ankle injuries can be pretty tricky to deal with, especially for an older NBA player.

After the game, Nash noted that his ankle was just sore, so this could possibly be good news moving forward. While it's still too early to predict, it doesn't appear like Nash will miss any time as he recovers from this minor injury.

While it doesn't seem too serious on the surface, fantasy basketball owners will want to keep an eye on this Steve Nash injury. The last thing a point guard that thrives on playing an up-tempo style wants to deal with his an ankle injury.

http://www.examiner.com/article/steve-nash-injury-cause-for-concern-for-los-angeles-lakers

Although not all ankle injuries can be serious, it is still important to get them assessed by your podiatrist. Luckily, Houston has the best podiatrist in the area.  Dr. Gabriel Maislos has the skills needed to diagnose and treat all of your ankle and feet ailments.  Call Houston Foot and Ankle Care today and schedule your appointment.