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Toenail fungus affects the nail and the skin beneath it. It begins when fungi enter through small cracks and slowly spread under the nail surface, leading to infection. Symptoms often include thickened, brittle, and yellow discolored nails that may become difficult to trim. Risk factors include older age, exposure to someone with the infection, and warm, moist environments that support fungal growth. Without treatment, the condition can worsen and affect multiple nails. Early recognition and care are important to maintain healthy, strong nails and prevent further spread. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

 Plantar fasciitis is a common foot-related condition defined as inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of connective tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. This condition often develops when the tissue becomes overstressed or irritated during daily activities. Symptoms frequently include sharp heel pain, arch discomfort, stiffness after periods of rest, and tenderness along the bottom of the foot. Causes may involve repetitive strain, prolonged standing, wearing poorly supported footwear, or changes in physical activity. Risk factors can include flat feet, high arches, excess body weight, and tight calf muscles. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, provide supportive treatment, and recommend orthotic support. If you have heel pain that is interfering with daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

As people age, natural changes in muscle strength, joint flexibility, and balance can affect how they walk. Walking, also called gait, should be smooth, even, and steady. After about age 70, walking speed often slows as steps become shorter, often the result of weaker calf muscles that help move the body forward. Older adults may also keep both feet on the ground a little longer with each step to feel more stable. While some changes in gait are expected, others are not. Uneven steps, shuffling, dragging the toes, leaning forward, or trouble starting to walk may signal problems. These may involve joints, nerves, or certain areas of the brain that control movement and coordination. Arthritis, poor sensation in the feet, and balance disorders can all affect gait. A podiatrist can carefully assess how you stand and walk to help to identify abnormal patterns. Solutions include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or other treatment to improve stability and comfort. If you experience problems walking normally, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to 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 injuries often develop when training demands exceed what the body can handle. Looking at injury risk through a cause-and-effect lens helps identify why problems occur and how to prevent them. Factors such as previous injuries, muscle weakness, limited flexibility, and foot mechanics all influence how stress moves through the body. Recent changes in mileage, speed, or terrain also play a major role, especially when increases happen too quickly. By understanding both personal risk factors and current training load, runners can adjust routines before pain develops. Gradual progression, appropriate recovery, and wearing supportive footwear help reduce strain on muscles, tendons, and joints. Early attention to discomfort allows small issues to be addressed before they become injuries. If foot or ankle pain continues despite training adjustments, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for evaluation and guidance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. 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

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.