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August 2025

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 26 August 2025 00:00

Metatarsal Bone Fractures

Metatarsal bone fractures occur when one of the long bones in the middle of the foot breaks, often from trauma, overuse, or a sudden twist. These fractures can be open, where the bone pierces the skin, or closed, where the skin remains intact. They may also be displaced, meaning the bone pieces are out of alignment, or nondisplaced, where the bone remains properly aligned. A podiatrist can assess the injury through examination and imaging, provide proper immobilization, and recommend treatment to promote healing and prevent long-term complications. Early diagnosis is vital to restoring foot function and mobility. If you have foot pain or feel you may have broken a bone, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what is going on.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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 Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
Published in Blog

The ability to sense joint position, known as proprioception, is essential for stability and movement control. In the ankle, this sense plays a critical role in maintaining balance, especially during quick changes in direction or uneven surfaces common in sports. When ankle proprioception is sharp, athletes can adjust their movements efficiently, reducing the likelihood of missteps or falls. However, injuries like sprains can impair this system, making future injuries more likely. Rehabilitation that includes balance training and targeted exercises helps restore ankle awareness and strengthen neuromuscular coordination. Improved proprioception not only aids recovery but also enhances overall athletic performance by supporting quicker reactions and more confident movements. If you are recovering from an ankle injury or notice ongoing instability, it is suggested you speak with a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be 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:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Ankle Pain
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 12 August 2025 00:00

Arches of the Foot

The three arches of the feet support body weight and help absorb shock during movement. They are the medial and lateral longitudinal arches, which run from heel to toes, and the transverse arch, which spans across the midfoot. The medial arch is higher and more flexible, while the lateral arch is flatter and more stable. These arches are formed by the arrangement of foot bones and are supported by ligaments, tendons, and muscles, including the plantar fascia. The arches of the feet act like springs, allowing them to adapt to different surfaces and conserve energy when walking or running. When the arches are too flat or too high, problems like arch pain, heel pain, or pressure in the ball of the foot can result. A podiatrist can evaluate arch structure and function and prescribe orthotics or provide other treatment to improve comfort and mobility. If you are experiencing pain in the arch of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Read more about The Importance of Biomechanics in Podiatry
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Gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis, is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It occurs when the body produces too much uric acid or fails to eliminate it properly, leading to sudden and severe joint pain. Symptoms include intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint. During a gout attack, even light touch or movement can be excruciating. The skin over the joint may appear shiny or peeling. Treatment focuses on managing pain and reducing uric acid levels through medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout with physical exams and lab tests, recommend effective treatments, and provide advice on preventing future flare-ups. Early intervention can reduce pain and help prevent joint damage. If you have gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful 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 Gout
Published in Blog
Friday, 01 August 2025 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Published in Blog
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