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Tuesday, 14 February 2023 00:00

Heel Pain Has Many Causes

Heel pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel or behind it. While rarely indicative of anything serious, heel pain can severely impact normal functioning, especially walking and exercise. Heel pain can also become chronic if ignored. One of the most common causes of heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis, a condition caused by overstretching or tearing of the plantar fascia or the band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. With this affliction, pain, stiffness, and inflammation are typically worse in the morning, upon arising, and activity is resumed. Sometimes using an over-the-counter insole and stretching exercises will be enough to counteract heel pain. However, there are other things that could cause such pain and it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

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Tuesday, 07 February 2023 00:00

When Should I See a Foot Doctor?

It is common to take your feet for granted. They are involved in so many aspects of daily life that experiencing foot aches and pains are a common occurrence. In many cases, the cause is temporary and therefore easy to ignore. But somewhere along the line, a foot, toe, or ankle problem can become too painful or uncomfortable to heal on its own. Neglecting pain, swelling, and wounds can cause these problems to grow into far more serious conditions. That is when it might be a good idea to visit an expert for help. Podiatrists are foot doctors who specialize in the care of the feet, toes, and ankles. A number of conditions call for examination and intervention from a podiatrist. Among them are extreme pain, neuropathy, discoloration, deformities like bunions or hammertoes, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. A podiatrist can perform an examination of the area of the foot, ankle, or toe that is causing the problem. Then an appropriate course of treatment can be prescribed. If you are experiencing foot pain or other problems, please consult a podiatrist today.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

  • Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
  • Use innovative methods to treat conditions
  • Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
  • Correct walking patterns and balance
  • Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

 

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Sunday, 05 February 2023 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 00:00

Foot Injuries While Fishing Are Possible

Those passionate about fishing love the fresh air, exercise, and excitement it brings. However, there are dangers involved in fishing, including injuries to the ankles and feet. The most common fishing injuries that can impact the lower extremities are falls, sprains, and breaks. Those who fish from a boat can sustain injuries, such as spraining an ankle or breaking a foot, from getting in and out of the boat. Rocks, mud, and getting 'sea legs' from sitting on the boat too long can all contribute to entrance and exit spills. Tips for preventing these types of falls include wearing hard-soled shoes with closed toes and using the sides, tubes, or gunnels of the boat to properly balance while getting on and off the boat. One should not try to jump from the boat because the force of jumping can push the boat away, causing a loss of balance. If you fish for sport or fun and have sustained an injury to your feet or ankles, a podiatrist can help diagnose the problem and provide treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Plantar Fasciosis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

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Tuesday, 24 January 2023 00:00

Being Obese and Walking

It can be frustrating when trying to get in shape when morbidly obese. High-intensity exercises can cause injuries and joint pain when one is overweight. Therefore, low-intensity exercises, like walking or swimming, can pave the way to more high-intensity workouts. To get the most out of walking and avoiding injuries when obese, one can do some simple things like having a plan and setting goals. Determine how much weight you want to lose and how many steps you plan to walk each day. Make sure your clothing is comfortable and your shoes fit well, and are supportive and comfortable. Start small, such as walking 15 minutes a day, and warm up muscles before walking to avoid unnecessary injuries to the feet. If you would like more help in developing an exercise plan to safely get in shape and reduce weight, consult with a podiatrist..

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

  • When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
  • Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
  • Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

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Foot and ankle bones have some elasticity and bend. If there is not enough of this, and one continually performs activities causing repetitive stress like running or jumping, microscopic breaks in the bones can develop. These are known as stress fractures. A crack would not be seen with these types of fractures unless looking under a microscope and then tiny fracturing would be seen. If there is a high amount of stress or a sudden load sustained, a complete fracture would occur. With stress fractures that come on slowly over time, the best treatment is rest. With a complete fracture, the bone must be reset or held together with a cast or surgery. If you think you have a fracture in your foot or ankle, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for an evaluation of its severity and proper treatment options.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from McKinney Podiatric Associates, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 10 January 2023 00:00

Dos and Don’ts of Fractured Feet

If you have a fractured or broken bone in the feet or big toe, this ought to be taken seriously. A fractured foot can be potentially very painful and can significantly impair one’s ability to engage in physical activities. One important “don’t” associated with fractured feet is not to drive when you have a broken foot. Although it might seem obvious, it bears repeating that driving with a broken foot, especially the right foot, is extremely dangerous because a broken foot may not be able to properly reach and press the gas or brake pedals. On the other hand, an important “do” associated with broken feet is to remember to go to the doctor immediately if you notice any dangerous symptoms due to the fracture. For example, if you notice a dramatic drop in temperature or a feeling of numbness in the affected foot, immediate medical attention ought to be sought. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to learn more about fractured feet. 

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
Friday, 06 January 2023 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

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!

Tuesday, 03 January 2023 00:00

Cool Down Exercises for the Feet

Exercise is a necessary part of what it means to lead a healthy life. It is essential to staying fit and strong. It is important to remember that after you engage in an exercise routine for the day, performing cool-down exercises can help the body heal properly before concluding the exercise routine. The feet are certainly no exception to any other part of the body. After working out, consider making a point of performing cool-down exercises for the feet. Perhaps you might perform toe circles, slowly pointing the toes of the feet and moving them in a circular position. This stretch will relax the muscles and let them fully heal and cool down after an exercise. You might also consider performing a single-leg hamstring stretch where one leg is put in front of the other. You can then flex the foot in front, slowly leaning in and out of the stretch. When you take time to cool down after a workout, you essentially give the feet the chance to recuperate before returning to regular daily activities, which can reduce the chance of injury. If you want to learn more about exercises for the feet, contact a podiatrist today.


 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

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Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00

Wearing Tight Shoes May Cause Blisters

A common reason why blisters develop on the feet is friction. Wearing shoes that are too tight may result in excessive rubbing, causing blisters to develop on various parts of the feet. A blister is a small bubble that is filled with liquid, which protects the damaged skin. When new skin has formed underneath it, the blister will gradually drain. It is the body’s natural defense in protecting the skin, and it is important to refrain from prematurely popping it. An additional reason why blisters may form can include frostbite, causing tissue damage. There are various stages of frostbite, and blisters generally form in the second stage. Some people can develop blisters from an allergic reaction, or medical issues consisting of eczema, psoriasis, or shingles. If you have developed one or more blisters on your feet, please contact a podiatrist who can help you with treatment and discuss prevention methods with you.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

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