Items filtered by date: May 2022

Tuesday, 31 May 2022 00:00

Types of Arthritis

The common symptoms many people experience with arthritis can include stiffness, pain, and swelling, and it can be difficult to move the affected joint. The word arthritis means joint inflammation, and it generally causes severe pain and discomfort. The most common form of this ailment is known as osteoarthritis, and it affects millions of people in the United States. There are specific exercises that can be performed which may help to relieve some of the pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can be disabling, and it is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. Women are more prone to get this type of arthritis, and research has indicated it may be related to hormonal changes. Gout affects the joints in the big toe, and can cause debilitating pain. Some patients find it is impossible to have anything touch the toe, and relief is often needed immediately. It happens as a result of uric acid crystals that form in the joints of the toe, and can occur from genetic factors or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. If you have arthritis in your feet, it is suggested you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Arthritic Foot
Sunday, 29 May 2022 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

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

The tibial nerve is located in the ankle and runs through the tarsal tunnel. This is a passageway in the ankle that is made of bones and ligaments. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve becomes compressed and may happen from overusing the foot and ankle. Common symptoms include a tingling or numbing feeling on the bottom of the foot, and there may be a burning sensation. It may worsen with prolonged standing or walking and may lessen when the affected foot is elevated. Tarsal tunnel syndrome may occur from having a cyst in the foot, severe flat feet, or possibly from an ankle deformity following an injury. Non-surgical treatment includes wearing orthotics and stopping the activity that caused the syndrome. If surgery is an option, healing time takes approximately two weeks. If you have chronic pain in the sole of your foot, please consider seeing a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Treating Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the calf and connects the heel to the calf muscles. It is responsible for pointing and flexing the foot and is needed while walking or running. Many people can develop an Achilles tendon injury, and it generally causes severe pain and discomfort. It can happen as a result of not training properly or overtraining before a running practice is started. Some patients develop this type of injury if their speed or mileage is increased too quickly, and a small tear in the Achilles tendon may occur. This is a condition that typically takes several weeks to completely heal. Patients may find it helpful to wear a protective boot as the healing process takes place, in addition to limiting walking. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this type of injury include swelling and bruising in the calf area, and it may become difficult to walk. Research has indicated surgery may be necessary in finding permanent relief if not completely healed in six months. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Achilles Tendon Injuries
Tuesday, 03 May 2022 00:00

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures are bone breaks that happen more subtly than one would usually think of when imagining broken bones. They are caused by repetitive movement on or by a bone over time. These fractures can either be hairline fractures or total breaks. Common areas of the body for stress fractures to occur include the shin, thigh, pelvis, and feet. Anyone can be affected by stress fractures but they are most commonly seen in athletes, healthcare workers, and military personnel. Generally, this type of fracture is caused by overuse. While the body is constantly repairing itself, certain actions prevent the body from normal healing. Feet need ample time to rest and repair or one can be prone to fractures. Other possible causes of bone breaks include osteoporosis, wearing improper footwear (too tight, too high, or not supportive), misaligned bones or muscles, obesity, and using oral steroids. If you experience foot pain that is not going away in a reasonable time frame, visit a podiatrist to see if you have developed a stress fracture.



 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Inner Loop, Southwest, Greater Heights, and Pearland, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

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