Items filtered by date: September 2024

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe pain in the joints often beginning in the big toe. An excess of uric acid in the blood leads to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area, which can occur suddenly, often at night. The joint may also feel tender and stiff. A podiatrist will typically review your medical history and perform a physical examination to diagnose gout. Diagnosis is confirmed through tests like joint fluid analysis, where a sample of fluid from the affected joint is examined for uric acid crystals or blood tests to measure uric acid levels. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat gout. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors 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 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.

A neuroma in the foot known as Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that occurs when the tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to your toes thickens. This happens between the third and fourth toes and can feel like you are standing on a pebble or have a fold in your sock. Symptoms include sharp, burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected area. Neuromas are often caused by repetitive stress or irritation, typically due to wearing tight shoes or high heels, which compress the nerve. Relief options vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include changing footwear or using orthotics to relieve pressure. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery to remove the affected nerve may be necessary. If you have foot pain that seems like a neuroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to prevent the condition from worsening.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Houston Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Ingrown toenails in babies occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes pain. This can happen due to improper nail trimming, wearing tight socks or shoes, or even a natural tendency for the nails to curve as they grow. To manage an ingrown toenail in your baby, soak the affected foot in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the nail and skin. After soaking, gently massage the skin away from the nail. Avoid tight footwear, and keep the nails trimmed straight across without cutting too short. If you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or discharge, or if the ingrown nail does not improve with mild care, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a more targeted treatment method.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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 and ankle needs.

Black toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the toenail, leading to discoloration and potential nail damage. This condition often begins as a yellow or white spot under the nail, eventually turning black as the infection progresses. Common symptoms include thickened nails, brittleness, and an unpleasant odor. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, making it more prevalent among diabetics, as they are more susceptible to infections due to poor circulation and a reduced immune response. Other causes include frequent exposure to damp conditions, wearing tight shoes, or sharing contaminated footwear. If you have developed this type of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment, which often includes prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.