Items filtered by date: July 2025

Splay foot is a condition where the metatarsal bones spread out, causing the front of the foot to widen and flatten. This often results from weakened foot muscles, wearing unsupportive footwear, excess weight, or prolonged standing. Symptoms may include foot pain, pressure under the ball of the foot, calluses, and difficulty fitting into shoes. Over time, it can affect balance and lead to other foot issues. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and guide you through strengthening exercises. If you notice widening of your forefoot or discomfort while walking, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips. 

Foot Pain

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

Causes

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

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

Diagnosis

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

Treatment

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

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

Good balance depends on the feet’s ability to detect movement and respond quickly to uneven surfaces or shifts in body weight. This awareness, known as proprioception, plays a key role in preventing falls.  When proprioception declines due to aging, injury, or medical conditions, balance can become less reliable, increasing the risk of falls. This is particularly noticeable when the feet struggle to detect subtle surface changes, such as stepping from pavement onto grass. Training that improves proprioception can help restore this awareness and reduce fall risk by enhancing coordination and reaction time. Exercises that challenge balance on one foot or require controlled foot movements in multiple directions can strengthen these sensory pathways. A podiatrist can assess balance problems and recommend supportive exercises, custom orthotics, or, in some cases, surgery for structural foot problems. If you are experiencing balance problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment plan

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Bunions are more than just a cosmetic issue, they can cause severe pain that limits daily activities. This foot deformity often results from genetic factors, arthritis, or wearing tight, narrow shoes. Symptoms include chronic inflammation, stiffness, and a noticeable bump at the base of the big toe. Beyond the typical pain and swelling, bunions can lead to difficulty walking, finding comfortable footwear, and even changes in foot structure that affect balance. When pain becomes severe and conservative treatments no longer provide relief, bunion surgery may be necessary. A podiatrist will assess the structural irregularity and recommend the best surgical approach to realign the toe and reduce pain. Surgery is often medically necessary due to chronic inflammation, stiffness, and impaired function. Postoperative care and rehabilitation from your podiatrist help ensure a successful recovery. If you have a bunion that has become painful, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and treatment solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Chronic foot wounds that do not heal often result from underlying conditions, such as diabetes, which affects circulation and nerve function in the feet. Poor blood flow limits oxygen and nutrients essential for healing, while neuropathy reduces pain awareness, leading to unnoticed injuries. Infections can develop easily in these cases and complicate the healing process. A podiatrist plays a key role in identifying the cause of non-healing wounds, managing infections, offloading pressure, and improving wound care. Regular foot checks and early intervention are critical in preventing complications like ulcers or limb loss. If you notice a wound on your foot that does not improve, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for expert care and treatment guidance.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please 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.

Toe pain can stem from a variety of everyday causes. Stubbing the toe may lead to bruising or even fractures, while wearing tight or narrow shoes can cause pressure, irritation, and alignment problems. As people age, joints in the toes may stiffen or develop arthritis, leading to chronic discomfort. Persistent toe pain should not be ignored, especially if it interferes with walking or daily activities. A podiatrist can diagnose the source of the pain, offer treatments to relieve discomfort, and suggest footwear or custom supports to prevent future issues. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to restore comfort and maintain your foot health.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please 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.