If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site

August 2024

Tuesday, 27 August 2024 00:00

Causes and Prevention of Foot Cramps

Foot cramps occur when the muscles in your foot or toes suddenly contract, leading to discomfort or pain. These foot cramps can happen to anyone, often striking at night or during periods of rest. While many foot cramps are harmless and resolve on their own, frequent or severe cramps may signal underlying issues. Possible causes include dehydration, deficiencies in minerals like potassium or magnesium, or overuse of the foot muscles. In some cases, foot cramps may be related to more serious health conditions, such as peripheral artery disease, diabetes, or nerve compression. Wearing improper footwear, like high heels or shoes that lack support, can also contribute to the problem. Preventive strategies include staying hydrated, ensuring adequate mineral intake, and choosing supportive footwear. However, if foot cramps become frequent or painful, it’s important to seek medical help from a podiarist. If you frequently experience foot cramps, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of healcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 20 August 2024 00:00

How to Deal With an Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, where nails are cut too short or rounded, leading to the nail growing into the skin. Tight or ill-fitting shoes can also press the toenail into the skin, making the problem worse. Genetic factors and trauma to the toenail, such as stubbing or injury, may contribute to the condition as well. Preventing ingrown toenails involves several strategies. First, trim toenails straight across without rounding the edges, and avoid cutting them too short. Wearing well-fitting shoes with enough toe room can reduce pressure on the toenails. Maintaining good foot hygiene helps prevent infections if an ingrown toenail does occur. If symptoms persist or an infection develops, it's suggested you contact a podiatrist for appropriate treatment and to avoid complications.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Read more about Ingrown Toenail Care
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 13 August 2024 00:00

Assessing Muscle Ankle Strength

Ankle muscle strength is important for maintaining stability, balance, and overall mobility. Strong ankle muscles support daily activities such as walking, running, and jumping, and help prevent injuries by providing support and absorbing shock. Ankle muscle testing evaluates the strength and functionality of the muscles surrounding the ankle joint. This assessment helps to identify weaknesses or imbalances that may contribute to instability or increased injury risk. Testing typically involves exercises and movements that challenge the ankle's range of motion and strength, such as resistance tests and functional tasks. Poor ankle strength can result from injury, inactivity, or medical conditions like arthritis. If ankle strength is found to be poor, targeted exercises, and strength training can help improve muscle function. Addressing underlying causes, such as correcting biomechanical issues or treating injuries, is also essential to restoring optimal ankle strength and function. If you have ankle pain and feel weakness in your ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

 

Read more about Ankle Pain
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 06 August 2024 00:00

Understanding Heel Spurs

Heel spurs, medically termed calcaneal spurs, are bony outgrowths that develop on the underside of the heel bone. They often form in response to long-term inflammation and tension of the plantar fascia, which is the  fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. This condition, known as plantar fasciitis, is a common cause of heel spurs. Other factors contributing to heel spur formation include excessive strain on the feet from activities like running or standing for prolonged periods, obesity, and wearing poorly fitting shoes that lack adequate support. Diagnosing heel spurs typically involves a thorough physical examination by a podiatrist, focusing on symptoms like heel pain, especially upon waking or after long periods of rest. Imaging studies like X-rays may confirm the presence of a heel spur and help guide treatment options, which may include orthotics, stretching exercises, or in severe cases, surgery to alleviate symptoms. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about Heel Spurs
Published in Blog

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Published in Blog
Connect with us