May 2023

Toe pain is very uncomfortable and can happen for a variety of reasons, including the arthritic condition that is known as gout, or medical reasons such as bunions and hammertoes. Many people can experience toe pain from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or if the toe is stubbed against a piece of furniture. The latter reason may result in a broken toe, and it is often difficult to walk. Despite the reason for toe pain, mild relief may be found when the foot is elevated, and weight is kept off it. Treatment can vary, and this depends on the reason for the toe pain. If the toe is broken, the buddy taping method may be effective in keeping the injured toe stable by taping it to the toe next to it. The majority of people that have toe pain choose to wear shoes that may be a bit larger, and this may help to accommodate the injured toe. If you have toe pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer you correct treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Salt is a mineral that is familiar to the vast majority of Americans. Countless different people around the country choose to flavor their food by sprinkling salt on it almost every day. However, excessive salt intake can have potentially negative consequences for the feet. Specifically, when an individual eats too much salt, their ankles can effectively swell up because of increased water retention. Therefore, before eating too much salt, someone who is experiencing swollen feet might be more hesitant to increase their salt intake. If you are living with persistently swollen ankles, it is highly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today who can answer any questions you might have and provide treatment. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

A small, hard growth that develops on the underside of the heel may be a heel spur. It is defined as a calcium deposit and extends between the arch and the heel. Some heel spurs can be up to a half inch long, and may or may not be painful. Some of the symptoms that are associated with a heel spur are swelling surrounding the heel, the skin feeling warm when touched, and being inflamed. The cause of a heel spur is muscle and ligament strain, and can gradually develop as the aging process occurs. They may also happen from wearing shoes that are worn out, having excess body weight, or if there is an abnormal foot structure. An X-ray is often taken that can confirm a heel spur, and can be treated through adequate rest and lifestyle changes. It may be beneficial to perform gentle stretches that can help to strengthen the muscles. If you feel pain or mild discomfort in your heel, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

The nerve between the third and fourth toes is affected by the foot condition known as Morton’s neuroma. An injury can cause this nerve to become compressed, or the neuroma may happen as an effect of a separate medical condition, such as a bunion or hammertoe. Additionally, a common reason for Morton’s neuroma to develop is from wearing shoes that are especially tight in the toe area. High heels can fit into this category, and relief may be found when lower-heeled shoes are worn. This condition can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may help to take pressure off of the affected foot by wearing a boot or using crutches. Some people experience a burning sensation with Morton’s neuroma, in addition to having it feel tingly or numb. Patients may feel like there is a pebble or marble in their sock and may be surprised when there is nothing there. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM of Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

A broken ankle occurs when the ankle bone fractures. More precisely, three different bones in the ankle joint may become fractured. They are known as the tibia, fibula, and the talus. Some patients are eager to know whether or not swelling is a common symptom associated with broken ankles and how quickly swelling might occur. The answer is that a broken ankle certainly can be accompanied by swelling. Once the ankle swells, putting weight on the affected foot may be difficult and cause pain. The swelling from a broken ankle may take days or weeks to subside. If you suspect that you have broken your ankle, it is highly recommended that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment. This medical professional can address your concerns and offer treatment. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.