Items filtered by date: December 2023

Hammertoe surgery is a procedure designed to address the deformities associated with hammertoe, a condition in which one or more toe joints become bent. Before the surgery, your podiatrist will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, and possibly perform an X-ray that can assess the extent of the deformity and determine the best course of action. They will also have a discussion with you about the procedure, its potential risks, benefits, and alternative treatments. Depending on the complexity of your case and your preferences, hammertoe surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation, or under general anesthesia. During the surgery, your surgeon will make incisions, reposition the affected toe joint, and may remove a small piece of bone or tendon. The toe will then be straightened and secured in its corrected position, often using pins, wires, or screws. Following the surgery, you will likely wear a special shoe or cast to protect the toe. Initially, you may experience swelling and discomfort, but these symptoms can gradually improve over time. If you have a hammertoe that is causing you pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine whether surgery can help improve your comfort and foot function.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one our of podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Houston, Deer Park, and Mont Belvieu, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, a form of arthritis, is characterized by the accumulation of urate crystals in joints, leading to inflammation and intense pain. The onset of gout is marked by sudden and severe joint pain, commonly affecting the big toe. As the condition progresses, these painful episodes may recur, spreading to other joints such as ankles, knees, and wrists. Gout evolves through distinct stages. In the asymptomatic hyperuricemia stage, elevated uric acid levels exist without noticeable symptoms. The acute gouty arthritis stage follows, presenting with sudden and excruciating joint pain. Without proper management, the inter-critical gout stage ensues, marked by symptom-free intervals between painful episodes. In advanced cases, chronic tophaceous gout manifests, characterized by the formation of tophi, which are visible lumps of urate crystals that form in joints and surrounding tissues. Understanding the stages of gout is essential for effective management, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes and medical interventions to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with pain management strategies.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one our of podiatrists from The Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 our offices located in Houston, Deer Park, and Mont Belvieu, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendon injuries can cast a shadow over the start of the day, with many individuals experiencing heightened discomfort in the morning. This specific pain is often a result of the tendon's response to a period of inactivity during sleep. As the body rests, the tendon may tighten, and upon resuming activity, the sudden stretching can induce pain and stiffness. This morning agony is a common symptom in conditions such as Achilles tendonitis or tendinosis, where the tendon undergoes repetitive stress or degeneration. It is essential to recognize the significance of a gradual warm-up routine before stepping out of bed, incorporating gentle stretches to prepare the Achilles tendon for the day ahead. Additionally, wearing supportive footwear and avoiding sudden, high-impact activities in the morning can contribute to managing and minimizing the discomfort associated with Achilles tendon injuries during those initial awakening moments. If you have endured this type of injury, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment and relief techniques.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one our of podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Houston, Deer Park, and Mont Belvieu, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the top of the foot can be a perplexing and uncomfortable experience, often arising from various underlying factors. One common culprit is overuse or repetitive strain, especially in activities that involve extensive flexing of the foot. Wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear may compress the nerves and tendons on the top of the foot, leading to discomfort. Traumatic injuries, such as fractures or contusions, also can cause localized pain on the top of the foot. Inflammation of tendons or ligaments due to conditions like tendonitis or arthritis may also contribute to this discomfort. Additionally, stress fractures, particularly in the metatarsal bones, can manifest as persistent top-of-foot pain. Nerve compression or entrapment, such as with conditions like Morton's neuroma, can be another source of discomfort. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, highlighting the importance of consulting with a podiatrist who can identify and address the specific cause of top-of-foot pain. If you have pain in the top of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with this type of doctor who can offer you the correct treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one our of podiatrists from The Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 our offices located in Houston, Deer Park, and Mont Belvieu, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.