Achilles tendonitis is a common injury that affects both athletes and non-athletes alike. It is often the result of repeated stress on the Achilles tendon, the long tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Achilles tendonitis primarily strikes the younger and middle-aged population engaged in sports like running, gymnastics, and basketball. But it can also affect those leading a more sedentary lifestyle. One of the leading causes stems from an abrupt surge in physical activity, leaving the body little time to acclimate to the increased strain. Failure to stretch adequately before engaging in activities such as running or jumping on hard surfaces can increase the risk, particularly for those with tight calf muscles. Footwear choices play a pivotal role in Achilles tendon health. Wearing high heels for extended periods without proper support can contribute to the onset of Achilles tendonitis. Factors like flat feet, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain antibiotics also can predispose individuals to this condition. Further, those with excessive pronation or flat arches face an elevated risk due to the heightened demands placed on the tendon during regular walking. Whether involved in regular labor-intensive work or sporadic intense physical activities, individuals must be mindful of the strain placed on their Achilles tendon. If you have pain in the back of the heel, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. 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
Rupture Symptoms
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:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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!
Foot stress fractures, though diminutive in size, can pack a punch when it comes to discomfort and disruption in daily activities. These fractures occur when the normal balance between bone formation and breakdown is disrupted, often due to repetitive stress or overuse. High-impact activities like running or jumping, sudden increases in physical activity, or wearing inadequate footwear can all contribute to the development of stress fractures. The bones in the foot, particularly the metatarsals, are vulnerable to micro-cracks when subjected to repetitive loading without sufficient time for recovery. Factors such as improper training techniques, changes in exercise surfaces, or underlying conditions that affect bone density can heighten the risk. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout, which is typically associated with men, can also affect women. Characterized by sudden, intense joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, this inflammatory condition primarily targets the feet and ankles in women. Symptoms of gout include redness, warmth, and limited mobility. Several factors contribute to gout in older women, including obesity, high blood pressure, and menopause, which heightens the risk. Menopausal hormonal changes disrupt uric acid balance, rendering women more susceptible to gout flares. Medication such as diuretics, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, also may elevate uric acid levels, further affecting women. Postmenopausal women face an increased risk due to hormonal shifts. As estrogen declines during menopause, the risk of gout rises. Recognizing this connection is important for monitoring signs of gout in older women. Effective gout management in women includes implementing dietary modifications to reduce purine rich foods, in addition to weight maintenance and proper hydration. A podiatrist may prescribe certain medications that can help control uric acid levels. Gout's impact on women, particularly those who are postmenopausal, calls for some level of proactive measures. For more information about how to manage gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Toenail fungal infections, medically known as onychomycosis, can lead to brittle, crumbly, or ragged nails, and even separation of the nail from the nail bed. While completely curing toenail fungus can be challenging, there are effective treatments available to manage the condition. Toenail tissue is harder and thicker, which prevents antifungal creams from penetrating effectively. Even antifungal drugs taken in pill form have limited success, because toenails grow slowly and have low metabolic activity. Prescription topical products, in the form of clear lacquers, applied directly to the toenails may take up to a year to produce noticeable results, even if applied daily. For more severe infections, oral medications taken daily in pill form for approximately three months may have a higher rate of success, potentially about 80 percent. However, they can cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, liver damage. Laser treatments, a relatively new approach to combating toenail fungus, penetrate the nail tissue to break down the fungus. Some studies have reported success rates ranging from 60 percent to 75 percent. For advice with toenail fungal infections, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. 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 one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
People who often twist their ankles may need a type of surgery called ankle lateral ligament reconstruction. This surgery is recommended for patients who experience recurrent ankle sprains, despite repeated conservative treatment. The aim of this surgery is to prevent the development of ankle arthritis and to reduce the risk of developing ankle joint damage, as each episode of ankle sprain may lead to ankle joint injury. In this surgery, a small cut is made near the fibula bone. The stretched out ligaments are made shorter and attached back to the fibula using two tiny bone hooks. These hooks stay in place unless they bother the patient. Following surgery, a bulky dressing is applied and should remain in place for two weeks as this provides cushioning against the pressure of the brace on the wound. During this time, it is important that the dressing is kept dry. The ankle stirrup brace needs to be worn whenever walking but may be taken off when the patient is sitting or in bed. If you have sustained repetitive ankle sprains, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to speak to discuss whether surgery is right for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors 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 Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Anterior ankle impingement, although not as widely recognized as some other foot and ankle conditions, is a common ailment that can cause discomfort and limit mobility. This condition primarily affects the front part of the ankle joint, where the bones come into contact and create friction during certain movements. It is characterized by ankle pain, tenderness, and swelling in the anterior, or front, of the ankle. While the exact cause can vary, it often stems from repetitive activities that involve excessive dorsiflexion, which is bending the ankle upwards. These activities, common in sports such as ballet or soccer, can lead to the gradual development of bony growths or bone spurs, which cause the impingement. Trauma or injuries to the ankle can also be a contributing factor. Understanding anterior ankle impingement is important for those experiencing persistent pain in the front of their ankles. Early recognition and proper care can help alleviate discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening. By comprehending this condition and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can regain their comfort and mobility, allowing them to return to their daily activities without the constant ache in their ankles. If you have ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat anterior ankle impingement.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors 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:
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 Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A condition known as turf toe is primarily the result of hyperextending the first joint of the big toe. It is a condition that is caused by jamming the big toe or repeatedly pushing off it forcefully, as in running and jumping. This injury is often seen in athletes or individuals who participate in activities with repetitive, forceful toe hyperextension. Among them are football players, dancers, and gymnasts. Direct trauma to the big toe, such as a sudden impact, collision, or another player falling onto the heel, can lead to turf toe. This places significant stress on the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint. On surfaces with high adhesion, like artificial turf, the shoe may stick while the body is in motion, forcing the toe into hyperextension. This is particularly common in sports like soccer. Wearing shoes that lack proper support and stiffness can contribute to turf toe, especially when participating in activities that require quick stops, starts, and changes in direction. Frequent running and jumping with overly flexible shoes can gradually weaken the structures that support the MTP joint, making it susceptible to injury. Understanding these causes and taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of turf toe. For help in treating a turf toe injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. 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:
When to See a Podiatrist
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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Osteoarthritis, or OA, which is often associated with aging and wear-and-tear, isn't limited to just the knees and hips. It can also affect the ankle joint, causing pain and mobility issues. Osteoarthritis in the ankle is a chronic condition that develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the bones begins to deteriorate. OA can occur at any time of life, but it is most common in older adults. Being overweight adds stress to your ankles and fat cells produce proteins that may make the condition worse. Any ankle injury, even one that happened years ago, can lead to osteoarthritis. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and a reduced range of motion, which can significantly affect your daily life. Even simple tasks like walking and climbing stairs can become challenging. Several factors can contribute to ankle osteoarthritis, including previous injuries, genetics, and obesity. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, orthotic devices, and in some cases, surgery. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, and for that reason managing it requires a comprehensive approach to reduce pain and maintain mobility. It's suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist if you suspect osteoarthritis is affecting your ankles.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Houston, and Pearland,TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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