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Fungal toenails, also referred to as ringworm of the nails or tinea pedis, often begin quietly, with a nail that looks a little dull or slightly yellow. Over time, the change becomes more obvious as the nail thickens, turns brittle, and sometimes gives off an unpleasant odor. The surface may appear rough or crumbly, and in advanced cases the nail can separate from the skin beneath it. These infections are stubborn because fungi thrive in warm, damp spaces such as inside shoes or socks worn for long hours. Age, reduced circulation, and frequent exposure to public showers or locker rooms can all increase risk. While many try home remedies, the condition rarely resolves without professional care. Ignoring it can lead to discomfort and difficulty wearing shoes. If you notice changes in your toenails that will not improve, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM of Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken pinky toe is a fracture of the smallest toe, often caused by stubbing it against furniture, dropping a heavy object, or sports injuries. Symptoms can include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or wearing shoes. Even though the pinky toe is small, a fracture can affect balance and gait, leading to additional foot strain. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis with an examination and imaging, provide proper immobilization, recommend supportive footwear, and guide recovery to prevent complications. They may also address any misalignment to ensure proper healing. If you have broken your pinky toe, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this type of toe fracture. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Strengthening and stretching the feet and ankles through regular exercise can help improve stability, reduce discomfort, and protect against injury. Simple foot exercise routines like toe raises, points, and curls work multiple muscle groups in the feet, while big toe stretches maintain flexibility and range of motion. Toe splays and curls build strength by engaging smaller foot muscles that support balance and movement. Picking up marbles with the toes is another effective way to strengthen the underside of the foot and improve coordination. Achilles stretches are also valuable, as they support the tendon that connects the calf to the heel, helping to prevent strain during activity. A podiatrist can assess the condition of the feet and ankles, recommend specific exercises, and address underlying issues that may limit movement. If you feel unstable while carrying out daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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 Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 our office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The biomechanics of the foot involve a complex interaction of bones, muscles, and ligaments that support movement and stability. The smaller toes, although often overlooked, play an important role in gait and balance by helping to push the body forward and maintain stability during walking and standing. They contribute to even weight distribution and overall foot mechanics, reducing strain on other parts of the foot and lower limb. When the smaller toes are injured or misaligned, balance and movement efficiency can be affected. A podiatrist can assess foot biomechanics, identify problems, and recommend treatments or therapies to restore proper function. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you seek expert care from this type of doctor who can treat various foot conditions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor 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 our office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.