March 2020

Gout, an inflammatory form of arthritis, can be recognized by observing extreme swelling and redness on the side of one’s big toe. Other common symptoms may include a tender sensation when the affected area is touched, as well as a sharp, burning, or hot pain on the side of the big toe. Gout can be caused by high levels of uric acid and poor blood circulation. This condition is often inherited, and is common among diabetic patients, people who have high blood pressure or who are obese. Gout can be managed and treated by drinking plenty of water, icing the affected area, changing your diet to reduce purine levels, and by wearing compression socks. For a proper diagnosis and recommended plan for treatment, it’s suggested thank you consult with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor 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 office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Patients who have experienced an ingrown toenail are often aware of the pain and discomfort that typically accompanies this condition. It happens when the nail grows into the outer edges of the surrounding skin, generally affecting the big toe. There are several reasons why this may occur. These can consist of trimming the toenails incorrectly, and wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, this ailment may occur if there has been a toe injury. Moderate relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water, as this may help to soften the affected area. If the toenail becomes infected, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist as soon as possible, so they can properly diagnose this condition and begin the correct treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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 sesamoid bones are located under the ball of the foot. They help to enable the big toe to press down, and pain and discomfort may develop if they should become inflamed. This may happen as a result of participating in running and jumping activities, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Common symptoms that can be associated with this ailment may include pain on the bottom of the foot, and it may be difficult to stand on your tiptoes. Patients who have this condition may find moderate relief when the affected foot is elevated, and it may help to use an insole that can support the arch. If you feel you may have sesamoiditis, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM of Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Patients who have a foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis often experience pain and discomfort in the heel and arch areas of the foot. The pain may increase in the morning after arising, and it may be evident in patients who stand for the majority of the day. The plantar fascia is located on the sole of the foot, and connects the heel to the toes. It can become inflamed as a result of an injury, or may become damaged from frequently standing on hard surfaces. Additionally, it can occur from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, and moderate relief may be found if orthotics are consistently worn. If you have heel pain which causes difficulty in walking, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can recommend effective treatment techniques.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

Stress fractures are defined as a small break in one or more bones in the feet. They can occur as a result of frequently running for extended periods of time, or from participating in jumping activities. Additionally, they may happen if there is a change in the style of jogging you’re used to, or a change in the running surface. A common symptom that is associated with stress fractures can include pain during physical activity. This pain may also return after resting. Typically, effective treatment generally means the activity must be ceased that caused the fracture, and a boot or cast may be recommended for the healing process. If you have pain in your foot and think you may have a stress fracture, it is strongly advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.