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Tuesday, 02 June 2026 00:00

Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that often makes the first steps in the morning feel sharp and uncomfortable. This condition occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed or torn. The heel may feel tender, tight, or even slightly swollen, and pain can return after long periods of standing or walking. Contributing factors include overuse, wearing unsupportive shoes, or having flat feet or high arches that place added stress on the tissue. A podiatrist begins with a careful evaluation of symptoms and foot structure and orders imaging if needed. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving support through custom orthotics, footwear changes, and targeted exercises to improve flexibility and strength. Early care can help prevent the condition from becoming long-lasting. If you are dealing with painful plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Sunday, 31 May 2026 00:00

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Tuesday, 26 May 2026 00:00

Bunions and bunionettes are both bony bumps that form at the base of a toe, but they develop in different places. A bunion forms at the joint of the big toe as the top of the toe leans toward the smaller toes. This can create pain, swelling, and trouble wearing shoes comfortably. A bunionette forms at the base of the little toe on the outer side of the foot. It is usually smaller, but can still cause rubbing, redness, and discomfort. Bunions are more common and are often linked to foot structure, family history, and shoe pressure. Bunionettes are also often related to inherited foot shape. A podiatrist can examine the foot, take X-rays, and provide treatment. Options include orthotics, padding, shoe guidance, or surgery when the deformity is severe. If you have pain from a bunion or bunionette, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief solutions. 

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • 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.

Read more about Bunions
Tuesday, 19 May 2026 00:00

Down syndrome can affect the feet in several ways, often leading to pain and difficulty with walking. Many people with this condition have flat feet, which means the arch is low or absent, causing the foot to roll inward and affect balance. The front of the foot may also be wider than average, increasing the risk of a bunion, a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Skin problems like calluses and dry or cracked skin are also common and can become painful. Toenail issues, including fungal or ingrown nails, may develop as well. Many of these changes can make it harder to find properly fitting shoes and may lead to ongoing foot pain. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, manage skin and nail conditions, and provide custom orthotic devices to improve alignment and support. If you or a loved one have foot pain resulting from Down syndrome, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please 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.

Read more about Systemic Diseases of the Foot
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