March 2023

Wearing golf shoes helps to keep the feet stable and gives the necessary support and balance needed during a swing of the golf club. Beginners to golf may find the task of choosing the right golf shoe daunting. Besides finding a shoe that fits properly, the next most important factor in choosing golf shoes is traction. Two types of shoes are commonly worn, spiked or cleated shoes, and spikeless shoes. In both cases, the job of the golf shoe is to keep the golfer’s feet stable throughout the swing. Shoes with cleats or spikes contain hard plastic rounds that screw into the sole of the shoe. These are replaceable, as they may wear out. Metal spikes are likely to be banned at most golf courses. Non-spiked shoes contain a pattern of ridges, termed traction lugs, that help provide gripping power. These shoes may be more comfortable, but may not be as effective as spiked shoes. To avoid foot and ankle issues that can result from learning to play golf, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance.   

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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 tarsal tunnel is a narrow space that runs behind and below the medial malleolus or the largest of the three bones that form the ankle. The tarsal tunnel contains important tendons, nerves, and blood vessels that help provide movement and flexibility in the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is also known as tibial nerve dysfunction or posterior tibial nerve neuralgia. It is a type of neuropathy that is associated with the compression of nerves in the tarsal tunnel. It is like the more well-known and common condition that affects the wrists called carpal tunnel syndrome. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can result from flat feet, a sprained ankle, or underlying conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes. It can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the foot. If you suffer from foot pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist at your earliest convenience to obtain a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.

Obese children are subject to high stress on their growing feet, which can lead to developing a structural foot deformity. In a study of obese children, flat feet, a limited range of motion in the ankle, and greater pain were more prevalent among them. It is beneficial that losing weight is a goal for obese children if they want to walk, run, and participate in activities pain free. A healthy diet geared towards weight loss and participating in exercise are the best ways to lose weight.  Subjecting feet to more pressure over time can lead to chronic foot problems. If your child is overweight or obese, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can help them choose the right footwear, in addition to recommending an exercise plan that will help them lose excess weight.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of 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.

Running is great for staying in shape, and many people enjoy this type of exercise on a regular basis. For that reason, keeping the feet healthy and free of injury is paramount to running pain free. People with flat feet or high arches, or people who overpronate, may be more at risk for typical foot injuries caused by running. Probably the most common foot injury in runners is plantar fasciitis. This inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs from the toes to the heels, can cause excruciating heel pain. It is likely to be caused by overtraining and is considered a repetitive stress type of injury. Resting the feet, performing suggested exercises, and taking anti-inflammatory medication can help. Metatarsalgia, or pain in the ball of the foot, is another common runner’s injury. It is caused by exerting too much pressure on the long bones of the foot. Also common to runners is a condition called Morton’s neuroma, where the nerves in the foot become entrapped by fibrous tissue. This can cause burning and tingling, numbness, or shooting pain. If you are an avid runner, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist if you experience these types of injuries. 

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.