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September 2020

Monday, 28 September 2020 00:00

Reflexology for Children and Babies

An effective type of therapy that many babies and children respond positively to is reflexology. Parents have found it can help the child to feel better, and may reduce feelings of irritability. The results are often experienced immediately, and this can happen due to undeveloped arches and soft bones in the feet. This type of therapy can be used as a natural healing tool for existing illnesses, in addition to maintaining optimum health. There are several techniques that are used on babies and children of different ages, and it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can inform you of the benefits of reflexology for your children.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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 How to Care for Your Child's Feet
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Monday, 21 September 2020 00:00

Gout Can Be Painful

Burning pain in the joints of the big toe is a common symptom that is often associated with gout. This condition can be caused by excess uric acid in the blood levels and crystals can form in the joints. This can lead to severe pain and discomfort, and walking may be difficult. Some of the reasons gout may develop can come from genetic factors, obesity, and eating foods that have high levels of purines. These can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Patients who are afflicted with gout may find relief when healthy eating habits are implemented, and it can be beneficial to follow a simple exercise program. People who have gout are strongly advised to be under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

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

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

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.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
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A symptom that is often associated with the medical condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is a numbing and tingling sensation between the third and fourth toes. It can develop as a result of stress and irritation of the surrounding nerves, and may cause swelling. Research has indicated that women are mostly affected by this condition, and it may come from wearing high heels that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Mild relief may be found when orthotics are worn inside the shoe, as this may help to protect the affected nerve. Additionally, larger shoes may have to be purchased which may bring mild relief. If you have pain in this part of your foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

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 McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. 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 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 What is Morton's Neuroma?
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 08 September 2020 00:00

Pain in the Ball of the Foot

The ball of the foot, also known as the forefoot, is a complex area of the foot that contains bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Because of this complexity, a variety of injuries can form in this area. One issue that can develop in the ball of the foot is Morton's Neuroma, which is the swelling of the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Sesamoiditis, an overuse injury of two bones that are beneath the big toe, is another common issue. Another frequently seen injury is bursitis, which is an irritation of the cushion-like sacs between the tendons and bones. Other common issues in the ball of the foot include capsulitis, arthritis, hammertoe, corns, or a plantar plate injury. Because of the variety of possible injuries in this area of the foot, it is important to visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment for the pain.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

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 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 Foot Pain
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