Wearing shoes that are too tight can place pressure on the toes, nails, and sides of the feet. A narrow toe box may squeeze the toes together, while a short shoe can force them against the front. This pressure can cause soreness, blisters, and areas of thickened skin. Corns can form where the skin repeatedly rubs against a shoe. Tight shoes can irritate bunions and hammertoes, making standing or walking painful. An ingrown toenail may become worse when the shoe presses the nail edge into skin.

Poorly fitting shoes can affect more than the skin. Crowded toes may shift position, which can contribute to deformities or make existing ones more painful. Pressure on a nerve can cause burning, tingling, or numbness. Shoes that pinch the heel may lead to irritation at the back of the foot. Patients with diabetes need caution because nerve damage can reduce their ability to feel pressure or injury. A small blister or sore may go unnoticed and develop into an infection. Foot pain that continues after the shoes are removed deserves an evaluation.

A podiatrist can identify the source of pain and determine whether tight shoes have caused a skin problem, nail injury, or toe deformity. The examination includes checking tender areas, joint movement, and skin condition. The podiatrist can measure both feet and explain which shoe length, width, and toe-box shape provide a better fit. Treatment includes safely reducing corns or calluses and caring for an ingrown toenail. Padding, custom orthotics, or another device can reduce pressure and improve foot position. For a severe deformity that does not respond to other treatment, the podiatrist can discuss whether surgery is appropriate. Getting care early can relieve discomfort and help prevent a minor pressure spot from becoming a larger problem. If you have foot pain related to footwear choices, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 one our of podiatrists from The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 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.

Bone spurs are areas of extra bone that can form near a joint. In the foot, they often develop around the big-toe joint, heel, or ankle. A bone spur does not always cause symptoms. However, it can press against nearby tissue, restrict movement, and make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Pain, stiffness, or a hard bump can interfere with walking. Arthritis, injury, and repeated stress can contribute to their formation. A podiatrist can examine the foot and use X-rays to confirm the spur's location and size.

Bone spur surgery is usually considered when pain continues despite treatment or when joint movement is severely limited. The procedure depends on the spur's location and the condition of the joint. For a spur on the big-toe joint, the podiatrist may remove the extra bone through an incision. The podiatrist may also remove damaged tissue around the joint. In advanced cases, another procedure may be necessary to stabilize or realign the joint. Before recommending surgery, the podiatrist reviews circulation, nerve function, and overall health. These factors help determine whether the foot is likely to heal properly.

Recovery varies with the procedure. After bone spur removal, care includes resting the foot, using a special shoe, and keeping the incision clean. The podiatrist provides instructions about weight-bearing and a safe return to regular shoes. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing, remove stitches, and monitor joint movement. Possible problems include infection, delayed healing, and continued pain. Stiffness or another spur can develop later. Patients should report redness, drainage, or severe pain. Follow-up care can protect the incision and help the foot regain movement. The goal of surgery is to reduce pain and improve function, although results depend on the amount of joint damage. If you have symptoms of a bone spur on the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one our of podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain when the plantar fascia becomes irritated. The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and helps support the arch. It absorbs significant force as you stand and move throughout the day. Repeated strain can irritate this tissue and lead to pain near the heel. Long periods of standing can increase stress on the plantar fascia. Poor arch support can also place extra strain on this important structure. About one in 10 people experiences plantar fasciitis at some point in life.

Heel pain from plantar fasciitis can be especially noticeable when taking the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a while. The condition can affect active patients, but long periods of time of standing can also contribute to symptoms. Heel spurs are sometimes found in patients with plantar fasciitis. A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel bone. However, the presence of a heel spur does not necessarily mean it is the source of the pain.  Wearing supportive shoes can help reduce stress on the heel and arch by improving cushioning and limiting excessive heel movement.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, identify the source of heel pain, and create a treatment plan based on the patient's needs. Treatment can focus on reducing strain on the plantar fascia and improving support for the foot. A podiatrist can recommend supportive shoes, custom orthotics, or targeted stretching. Orthotics are inserts designed to support the feet and improve how pressure is distributed. Early evaluation is helpful because untreated heel pain can interfere with standing, exercise, and everyday activities. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. 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 one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

A medial ankle injury affects the inner side of the ankle, where bones, tendons, and supporting tissues work together to provide stability. These injuries can develop from sudden trauma, repeated stress, or an awkward landing. Common symptoms include inner ankle pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Pain may increase when walking, running, or pushing off the foot. Early evaluation can help prevent a manageable injury from becoming more limiting.

One cause is an ankle twist that forces the foot outward or places excessive stress on the structures along the inside of the joint. Direct impacts, sports-related movements, and overuse can also contribute. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, sudden increases in physical activity, and footwear that provides inadequate support. People participating in running, court sports, or activities requiring quick direction changes may experience greater stress on the medial ankle.

A podiatrist begins treatment by reviewing how the injury occurred and examining swelling, range of motion, and ankle stability. Imaging, including X-rays or other studies, may be recommended when a fracture or significant tissue injury is suspected. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include activity modification, supportive footwear, or bracing, 

Healing should progress gradually rather than through continued activity that increases pain. A podiatrist may recommend exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and ankle control as recovery advances. Follow-up visits allow the provider to monitor progress and adjust treatment when needed. Returning to sports too quickly can increase reinjury risk, so activity should increase according to professional guidance and milestones. Ankle injuries can cause difficulty in completing daily tasks. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Houston and Deer Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.