A type of arthritis that is referred to as gout is considered to be common among men over the age of forty. It generally occurs from an increased level of uric acid in the blood, which can happen for a variety of reasons. These can consist of genetic factors, underlying medical conditions, or from eating foods that have large amounts of purines. These specific types of foods often include red meat, shellfish, and drinks that have a high sugar content. The symptoms that are associated with gout are severe pain and discomfort in the joints of the big toe, swelling, and extreme tenderness. Some patients can experience pain that is so debilitating, it can hinder their ability to walk. When treating gout, it may be beneficial to implement healthy eating habits into your daily routine, and taking anti-inflammatory medication may relieve pain. If you have gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
There are several types of foot conditions that may require surgery for permanent relief. Bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails are a few examples. A bunion is a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, and can be quite painful. Surgery can be performed to remove this deformity and help relieve the pain. Hammertoe is a common foot condition that causes the toe to bend downward at the middle joint. Surgery can be performed to correct the joint and straighten out the toe. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the outer edge of the skin, and this can cause severe pain and discomfort. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the nail. If you are considering any type of foot surgery, it is strongly recommended that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you to determine if this is the correct choice for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If you are suffering from heel pain, it could be a result of plantar fasciitis, which is the leading cause of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band on the bottom of the foot that connects the toes to the heel, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. This commonly occurs in those who have problems with their arches, such as flat feet or overpronation. Common plantar fasciitis symptoms include pain in the bottom of the heel or the arch of the foot, pain that increases over time, pain that is worse when getting up in the morning, and swelling on the bottom of the heel. If you believe that you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, it is important to visit a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and treatment method that may include medicine, taping/strapping, orthotics, casts, therapy, or surgery.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
Hammertoe is a condition in which the smaller toes bend at the middle joint, even when they are at rest. Over time, the joint of the bent toes may become inflexible. There are several different treatments for hammertoe. In the early stages of this condition, a podiatrist may recommend getting fitted for shoes that are soft and roomy, especially in the toe area. These shoes should be half an inch longer than your longest toe. The podiatrist may also prescribe orthotic inserts to ease your pain and foot exercises to stretch and strengthen the toe muscles. If these treatments fail, surgery may be recommended. If you suspect that you have a hammertoe, it is suggested that you seek out the care of a podiatrist.
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Treatment
If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Ankle spr
ains are caused by a strain or tear in the ligaments that support the ankle, and they are one of the most common injuries that occur. Common signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain and swelling at the site of the injury, bruising, limited movement, and a popping sound or sensation. Common risk factors include poor conditioning, not warming up correctly, being overweight, inappropriate footwear, and prior sprains. If you believe that you are suffering from an ankle sprain, it is important to visit a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options include resting and icing the ankle, and in more severe cases, a cast and rehab may be necessary as well.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Diabetic foot ulcers can increase a patient’s risk of lower limb amputation. However, with proper care, amputation may be prevented. There are various approaches that may help decrease the risk of amputations and improve the quality of life for a patient with diabetic foot ulcers. These approaches include monitoring the feet for any breaks in the skin, screening the patient for neuropathy (a condition that causes a reduction or loss of sensation in the feet), following guidelines for treating foot ulcer infections, removing dead tissue and debris from the affected foot, and relieving pressure from the part of the foot that is ulcerated. For more information about decreasing the risk of amputation due to diabetic foot ulcers, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist today.
Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Limb Salvage?
Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.
However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Many patients who are afflicted with diabetes quickly realize that their feet require special care. Having frequent foot examinations may be helpful in noticing existing cuts, bruises, or wounds. A proper exam can include checking for adequate blood flow, inspecting the nails and skin for infection, performing specific tests to determine sensitivity in the feet, and in some cases X-rays are taken to show joint or bone problems. It is important to avoid walking barefoot, in addition to wearing shoes that fit properly and that can protect the feet. The toenails need to be trimmed frequently, and this may help to prevent unwanted conditions from developing, including ingrown toenails. If you have diabetes, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about How to Care for Diabetic Foot
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
We’ve all stubbed our toe, perhaps on a piece of furniture or a doorframe. Typically, the pain is severe at first but subsides after a few minutes. Sometimes, however, the injury is more serious. If a toe is broken, the pain will often become more severe over time. Symptoms of a broken toe can include swelling around the toe and foot, bruising or discoloration, a change in the shape of the toe, difficulty moving the toe, pain when walking or putting weight on the injured toe, a loss of sensation in the toe or foot, or a visible bone poking into the skin. If you suspect that you may have broken your toe, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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