April 2019

A large percentage of patients who have rheumatoid arthritis notice evidence of this condition in the feet. Some of the symptoms affecting these patients can include soreness, joint instability, and pain which often accompanies the foot as it changes shape. The smaller joints in the foot are typically affected more often than the ankle joint. Daily activities can be difficult to accomplish, and this is often a result of painful foot function. Additional conditions people with rheumatoid arthritis may experience can be poor circulation which causes the feet to have a tingling or numbing sensation. Vasculitis occurs if the blood vessels become inflamed, and may be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. If you have this painful condition, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat this ailment.

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

The heel of the foot is sometimes referred to as the “hindfoot", and consists of various types of tissues. If damage should occur to these group of tissues, the result may be heel pain. Research has indicated there are several kinds of heel pain, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and nerve disorders. The former will often cause pain that is typically worse as the first steps are taken in the morning and may improve if proper foot stretches are performed. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel. If this should become torn as a result of an injury, Achilles tendonitis will develop. This is often treated with physical therapy, or by wearing orthotics. It is common for many diabetic patients to experience nerve disorders, and heel pain can develop as a result of having peripheral neuropathy. If you have any type of heel pain, it is suggested to counsel with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis and begin correct treatment techniques.

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

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 our office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A blister is the body’s natural defense mechanism in protecting the top layer of the skin after it has been damaged. It is a small bubble of fluid that forms over the affected area of skin, and provides the necessary cushioning for the damaged tissue. The majority of blisters will drain once the healing process is completed, and this may take several days. There are different reasons why blisters may form, including medical conditions such as impetigo, allergic reactions to insect bites, sunburn, or frostbite. Blisters that occur on the feet are often caused by friction. This may come from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly, in addition to having feet that are sweaty for the majority of the day. If you have a blister that will not heal or has become infected, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment.

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

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 our office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Arthritis in the feet may cause pain and discomfort, and having surgery performed may be an option for relief. Broken bones may occur as a result of bones that are weak, and surgery may be necessary to reposition the bone so the healing process can take place. A procedure that is referred to as arthroscopic debridement may aid in removing inflamed tissue on the affected joints. Additionally, some patients may benefit from joint fusion. This consists of removing a portion of the bone where it connects to the joint, and replacing it with pins. This may alleviate pain and provide additional support for maintaining strong bones. If you are experiencing pain or arthritis in your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can recommend the type of foot surgery that is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM of Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor 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 office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you notice your middle toes are bent in a downward position, you may have what is referred to as hammertoe. The second toe is typically affected, and it may resemble a hammer as a result of the way it is bent. The most common reasons for hammertoes to develop may be from wearing footwear that does not fit correctly. These may include shoes which do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in. Additional reasons why this condition may develop may be genetic factors, or existing medical conditions which may include bunions or arthritis. Many people experience common symptoms when hammertoe has developed. These may include toe pain when the toes are stretched downward, toes that are curled, or thickened skin on the affected toe and surrounding areas. Hammertoes may be prevented by wearing shoes that fit correctly, and this often means choosing shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move about in. If you have this ailment, please consult with a podiatrist who can discuss proper treatment options with you.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.