Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition affecting active children and adolescents, particularly those aged eight to 14. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive stress from running or jumping. Symptoms typically include heel pain, tenderness, and discomfort during physical activities, which can sometimes lead to limping. Treatment for Sever's disease focuses on alleviating pain and inflammation. Wearing supportive footwear and using orthotics can help reduce strain on the heel. A podiatrist can diagnose and manage Sever's disease, providing tailored advice on proper footwear, stretching exercises, and activity modifications. If your child is experiencing heel pain, it is important to seek professional help. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure effective treatment and support for your child's active lifestyle.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

Foot hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy feet and preventing various conditions. Daily care, including washing and thoroughly drying your feet, helps prevent infections like athlete's foot, which thrives in moist environments. Neglecting foot hygiene can lead to fungal or bacterial infections, unpleasant odors, and even skin breakdown, which can result in painful ulcers. Untrimmed nails can cause ingrown toenails, while a buildup of dead skin can lead to painful corns and calluses. For individuals with diabetes or poor circulation, poor foot hygiene may increase the risk of serious complications, including wounds that heal slowly or become infected. If you have existing foot problems or want additional guidance on following a good foot care routine, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat existing foot conditions and offer the advice you are seeking.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Foot problems in diabetic patients are a leading cause of lower extremity amputations, often resulting from poor circulation and nerve damage, or neuropathy. Diabetes can reduce sensation in the feet, making it difficult to notice injuries like cuts, blisters, or ulcers. These minor injuries can easily become infected, and due to poor healing capacity, infections may worsen and lead to more severe symptoms, if not treated promptly. Regular foot screenings are essential for diabetic patients and education plays a critical role in diabetic foot care. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you have your feet checked by a podiatrist regularly for early detection of potential complications.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that typically affects the skin between the toes, though it can spread to other areas of the foot. It often appears as red, itchy, and scaly patches, sometimes with blisters or cracks in the skin. The infection causes a burning or stinging sensation and can lead to peeling skin or thickened areas, particularly on the soles or edges of the foot. Athlete's foot spreads easily through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, such as locker room floors, showers, or towels, making it extremely contagious. If left untreated, the infection can worsen, leading to more widespread skin damage, secondary bacterial infections, or even spreading to the nails, causing onychomycosis. Treatment and prevention include keeping feet clean and dry and wearing breathable footwear. In persistent cases, prescription-strength antifungal medications may be needed to fully resolve the infection. If you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for care.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Bunions, or hallux valgus, vary in severity and presentation, each impacting foot health differently. Mild bunions appear as a slight deviation of the big toe, causing minimal discomfort and manageable skin irritation. Moderate bunions involve more noticeable toe misalignment, leading to increased pain and difficulty with footwear. Severe bunions show significant toe deformity, often resulting in chronic pain and restricted movement. Skin irritation is common, with calluses forming due to friction. Hallux limitus, a related condition, restricts the big toe's range of motion and can accompany bunions. Additionally, bunionettes, or tailor's bunions, appear on the little toe's side and present similar issues. Pediatric bunions, though less common, can occur in children and may require early intervention to prevent progression. If you have developed any type of bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.