May 2022

If you enjoy running, keeping your feet healthy will ensure that you can keep running and do so pain-free. Maintaining the strength of all the muscles in the foot is important in preventing pain while running. Do some simple exercises regularly to help build strong feet, which in turn will keep the foot and ankle in better alignment and reduce the risk of injury leading to foot pain. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and that have proper support. Running shoes should be replaced regularly. Rotate running shoes so that the same areas of the feet, ankles, and legs are not repeatedly stressed. Do not try to do too much, too fast. Listen to your body and slowly build up speed and distance. Have rest days. Practicing good foot health will not guarantee freedom from running injuries but may help prevent them and make healing easier. If you feel pain while running, it is important to visit a podiatrist and get an expert’s diagnosis of the discomfort and advice on how to properly treat the problem.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is when the immune system attacks the tissue of the joint lining, causing painful inflammation and stiffness. RA can hit many parts of the body, including the feet. Symptoms include stiff, painful joints and ligaments, aching in the feet during prolonged standing or activity, unusual warmth of the feet, and swelling in the toe joints or ankles. If untreated, more serious symptoms, such as bursitis, hammertoes, and skin and circulatory issues can develop. With increasing age, overall health, and time spent on one’s feet, flare-ups can become more severe and painful. RA cannot be cured, but when symptoms are present, one can use the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), soak feet in warm water, wear open toed shoes, get orthotics, follow an anti-inflammatory diet, take anti-inflammatory medication, or wear braces/boots to relieve joint pressure. Surgery may be called for if nothing else works. If you have RA, regular visits with a podiatrist are suggested to help you best handle foot problems that may arise from your condition.

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.

There are many people who have busy schedules which can make it difficult to practice adequate warm up and cool down stretches before running. It is important to make time to properly stretch before and after running, as this may help to prevent running injuries. Beneficial changes that can help to avoid injuries consist of improving form by maintaining good posture, and practicing correct training procedures. Research has shown it helps to gradually increase mileage and speed, and it is important to stay hydrated and to eat enough protein. Additionally, when one day per week is taken off from running, it can help to give the body adequate time to rest. If you have questions about how running injuries can affect the feet and how to avoid them, please consult with a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM of Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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 foot condition that is known as hammertoe is considered to be a physical deformity. It can develop as a result of wearing shoes that are too narrow or it may form due to genetic reasons. It is defined as the second toe bending at the middle joint, causing it to face downward. The toe may shift toward the other toes, which may force them to bend or overlap. Research has indicated this deformity is caused by shortened muscles that are inside the toes, and this can prompt limited extending. There are stretches that can help to relieve the discomfort from hammertoe and this can be instrumental in regaining structure and movement. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary for permanent straightening. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can choose the best treatment option for 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.

As one ages, it is important that foot care be maintained as their feet have worked for them for a long time and are apt to suffer from some wear and tear. At the least, an elderly person’s feet tend to flatten, widen, and have less padding that leaves bones and joints more unstable. Seemingly small problems like ingrown toenails or a minor cut can result in a barrage of health conditions that can impact an older adult’s health and well-being. Having healthy feet helps seniors to remain mobile, independent, and upright. Essential to good foot care are keeping one’s feet clean, proper drying and moisturizing of feet, wearing well-fitting socks and shoes that do not rub or cause friction, trimming toenails straight across, and monitoring any developing sores. An elderly person who cannot do these things for themselves, can enlist the services of a podiatrist and through regular visits, keep their feet in tip-top shape, and prevent burgeoning problems from worsening.

If you need your feet checked, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM of Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.