August 2021

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can occur when the posterior tibial nerve that runs along the back of the ankle is pinched due to swelling or trauma. This can lead to symptoms that may include tingling, numbness, burning, or shooting pain in the affected leg. While anybody can get tarsal tunnel syndrome, it most frequently affects adults, and particularly those who have arthritis and other systemic diseases or previous injuries to the ankle area. To diagnose this condition, a podiatrist may take your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and perform a nerve conduction study or EMG. Imaging studies, like MRIs, may be used to rule out other causes for your symptoms. If you are experiencing any lower limb pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.

Gout, a condition which commonly affects the feet is often accompanied by intense pain and discomfort. The joints in the big toe are typically the most affected by gout. Common symptoms can include debilitating pain which can often make walking difficult or even impossible. Gout is caused by an excess of purines in the blood and can develop as a result of different factors like genetics and frequently eating foods that have high purine levels. These types of foods can include shellfish, alcohol, red meat, or drinks that have large amounts of sugar. Some patients have found mild relief from gout attacks by minimizing the pressure that is put on the affected foot. Additionally, it may be beneficial to elevate the foot as this may help to reduce a portion of the existing swelling. If you are affected by gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage 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.

Older adults often deal with swelling, or edema, in the feet and ankles. Edema occurs when fluids from blood vessels move into the spaces between cells near the surfaces of the feet and ankles. Common causes of lower limb edema include chronic venous insufficiency, congestive heart failure, certain medications, liver disease, kidney disease, or lymphedema. New or worsening swelling in the lower limbs should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if you also experience pain that limits your mobility or interferes with daily activities. If the cause of your swelling is chronic venous insufficiency, which is very common, it may help to elevate the legs, reduce salt intake, wear compression stockings, or exercise the calf muscles. To learn more about elderly foot care, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Despite its name, your child doesn’t have to be particularly athletic to incur athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot grows on warm, damp surfaces such as public swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms. It can also thrive on moist feet, or spread from person to person. Athlete’s foot causes symptoms such as cracked, peeling, red, and scaly skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet, itchiness, and an unpleasant odor. Fortunately, treatment for athlete’s foot is usually simple and straightforward. Your child’s doctor will most likely prescribe a topical antifungal medicine, such as a cream or powder, to apply to the infected feet. In more severe cases, oral antifungal medication may be needed. If your child has athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.   

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.