Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, often felt as a sharp, stabbing sensation, especially with the first steps in the morning. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed due to overuse, poor footwear, flat feet, or high arches. Patients may notice swelling, redness, or tightness in the arch or heel. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical exam and imaging if needed. Traditional treatments include rest, stretching exercises, or orthotics. Each case is unique, and the right treatment plan can greatly improve comfort and mobility. If you are experiencing heel pain or suspect plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for expert evaluation and care.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one our of podiatrists  from The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 offices located in Houston and Deer Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and ankle discomfort in children can arise from a variety of causes, including growth-related changes, overuse injuries, or structural concerns. A podiatrist evaluates the child’s medical history, activity level, and footwear to identify potential contributing factors. The examination may include checking joint flexibility, muscle strength, and walking patterns to detect abnormalities. Imaging tests are sometimes used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out more serious conditions. Early identification of the underlying issue is important to prevent the problem from interfering with daily activities or sports participation. Treatment may involve activity modification, stretching, wearing supportive footwear, or custom orthotics to address specific needs. Timely intervention can help relieve discomfort, promote healthy development, and reduce the risk of chronic problems. If your child experiences persistent foot or ankle pain, it is suggested you arrange for an evaluation with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one our of podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Houston and Deer Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sharp pain in the big toe can interfere with daily movement and may signal underlying conditions. Gout causes sudden, intense pain due to uric acid buildup in the joint. Sesamoiditis results from inflammation of the small bones under the toe. Turf toe is a sprain from forceful bending, often seen in athletes. Additionally, lumps such as cysts or bone growths can also cause discomfort and pressure. A podiatrist can perform a detailed evaluation, provide imaging if needed, and offer targeted treatments to reduce pain and restore function. If you are suffering from big toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to identify the cause and begin the path to healing and relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one our of podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in Houston and Deer Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A foot wound is any break in the skin of the foot that can result from injury, pressure, poor circulation, or underlying health conditions. Without proper care, these wounds may lead to infection or delayed healing. Debridement, the process of removing dead or damaged tissue, is a key step in promoting healthy tissue growth and preventing complications. A podiatrist is able to diagnose and treat foot wounds, perform debridement, monitor healing, and create individualized care plans to restore foot health. These foot doctors play a vital role in preventing infections and protecting overall mobility. If you have a foot wound or experience slow healing, it is strongly suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive expert care and avoid serious complications.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one our of podiatrists from The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Houston and Deer Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.