Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that develops when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated. Many people notice sharp discomfort with their first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while, with some improvement as they begin moving. It can develop from repetitive strain, foot structure, prolonged standing, or changes in activity level. The timeline for recovery varies. Some people improve within several weeks, while others may deal with symptoms for months, if the problem is not properly addressed. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of the pain and recommend treatment such as stretching programs, supportive inserts, footwear guidance, or activity changes. Early treatment may help shorten recovery and prevent ongoing discomfort. If you have persistent heel pain or pain with your first steps each morning, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one our of podiatrists  from The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Children can develop a range of foot conditions that affect how they walk and play. Flat feet occur when the arch does not form fully, causing the foot to roll inward and place stress on joints. In contrast, a rigid high-arch foot places excess pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, often leading to discomfort and poor shock absorption. These conditions may appear as uneven wear on shoes, frequent tripping, or complaints of foot pain after activity. They can develop due to genetics, growth patterns, or muscle imbalance. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure and movement, then design custom orthotics to support proper alignment and improve function. Early care can help prevent long-term issues with walking and posture. If your child has foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and discuss the benefits of custom-made orthotics with you.

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

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 our offices located in Houston and Deer Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the lining of the joints. It often affects the feet and ankles early in the condition. This ongoing inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and warmth in multiple joints at the same time. Many patients notice morning stiffness that improves slowly throughout the day, along with difficulty walking or standing for long periods. The feet may appear swollen or develop changes in shape as the joints become damaged over time. Common problems include bunion formation, hammertoes, and pain in the ball of the foot caused by joint instability. Rheumatoid arthritis can also weaken surrounding ligaments and tendons, making movement more uncomfortable. A podiatrist can evaluate how the disease is affecting foot structure and function and recommend treatment to improve comfort and mobility. Care may include wearing supportive footwear, targeted exercises, and coordination with other healthcare providers for long-term management. If   rheumatoid arthritis is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one our of podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Morton’s neuroma is a condition involving inflammation and thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Metatarsalgia is an overall term for pain in the ball of the foot and Morton’s neuroma may cause this type of pain. This pressure on the nerve can lead to sharp pain, burning sensations, or the feeling of standing on a pebble. Causes include repeated irritation from wearing high heels or pointed shoes that compress the forefoot. Risk factors include being female, increasing age, and foot abnormalities such as flat feet or high arches. Symptoms may worsen with walking or wearing tight footwear, and improve with rest. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend footwear changes, provide padding or orthotics, and offer treatment to reduce nerve irritation. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one our of podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 our offices located in Houston and Deer Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.