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Wednesday, 08 March 2023 00:00

A Bunionette Is Known as a Tailor’s Bunion

A small bunion that forms on the side of the pinky toe is called a bunionette. Many people refer to this as a tailor’s bunion, and it occurs when the bottom bone on the pinky toe shifts or becomes larger. This name originated hundreds of years ago when tailors would work with their legs crossed, causing the pinky toes to touch the ground. This would cause a small bump to form on the base of the little toe. It often rubs against the shoe, causing pain and discomfort. A common reason for a tailor’s bunion to develop is from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, loose ligaments, tight calf muscles, or a foot that leans to the outside may be causes for a tailor’s bunion to form. Temporary relief may come from choosing shoes with adequate room in the toe area and wearing a protective pad over the bunion. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with permanent relief, which may include minor surgery for removal.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What Are Bunions?
Tuesday, 07 March 2023 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 28 February 2023 00:00

Stiffness in the Ankle After Running

Many runners experience stiffness in their ankles after running. This is a common side effect of the amount of force that passes through the ankle during a run. It can affect the range of motion and mobility of the ankle. In some cases, it may become difficult to bear weight and lead to limping. Studies have indicated that the faster you run, the more likely you are to develop ankle stiffness. Further, the way you run may affect the ankle as well. For example, a heel-first footstrike is more likely to contribute to ankle stiffness than a toe-first style of running. Other possible causes of ankle stiffness include a sprain, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis. Lastly, check the wear and tear on your running shoes. It may be time to replace them, which is recommended by running experts between 350 and 500 miles. Shoes that lack ample support may contribute to ankle stiffness after running. For an examination and diagnosis to determine the cause of your ankle stiffness, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist before it gets worse. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor 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 tendinitis
  • 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 one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Various Causes of Ankle Pain

Many elderly people who fall go to emergency departments as a result of serious injuries. These may include a broken foot, ankle, toe, or other types of foot condition. It is beneficial for older patients to have routine physical and eye examinations performed. This is helpful in monitoring existing medications and eyeglasses that may cause dizziness and imbalance, which can possibly lead to falling. Many elderly have family members or caregivers who can help to improve lighting in the living environment and remove worn rugs from the steps. Additionally, the elderly person may feel more secure when there are grab bars installed in the shower and toilet area. Wearing shoes that fit correctly is an effective fall prevention technique, and using a walker or can improve mobility. If you would like more information about how to protect elderly people from falling, a podiatrist can give you efficient procedures.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Read more about Falls Prevention

Swelling is defined as specific areas of the body becoming larger, and this pertains to the feet and ankles. There are various reasons for the feet to swell, including enduring a foot or ankle injury, pregnancy, and medical conditions such as lymphedema. Additionally, taking specific medications may cause the feet to swell. These can consist of hormones, antidepressants, or medicine for diabetes. Research has shown that eating certain foods may be linked to having swollen feet. Foods that are regularly eaten such as processed, refined, and salted may increase the chances of developing swollen feet. Foods that are made with a large amount of sugar and fats such as vegetable oil may also be linked to having swollen feet. If your feet and ankles are swollen and become uncomfortable, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward determining the reason for this condition and offer correct treatment methods.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.


 

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Tuesday, 07 February 2023 00:00

Down at the Heels

Heel pain can happen for a variety of reasons. While it can be caused by a systemic illness, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis, it often develops from overuse. Common causes of heel pain include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes on the sole of the foot. This can happen when the plantar fascia is overloaded or overstretched and small tears may develop. A heel spur is an abnormal bony growth at the junction of the plantar fascia and heel bone. A spur can come from strain on the plantar fascia and muscles of the foot. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. It is triggered by overuse, particularly excessive jumping in sports. With all these conditions, ill fitting or worn out shoes can aggravate the problem. If you have heel pain that does not respond to rest, shoes that fit well, and are appropriate for your activity, please see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the problem and provide treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Read more about Heel Pain
Sunday, 05 February 2023 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 00:00

Is Having Flat Feet Bad?

Flat feet happen when the feet are flush with the ground. Sometimes flat feet can contribute to foot, ankle, or knee problems because they can alter leg alignment. Flat feet can be a result of overuse injuries, excess weight, a bone deformity, or a tendon tear or rupture. Sometimes flat feet are genetic. There are no gender differences for risk of flat feet. A person with flat feet may not be allowed in the military because spinal damage can happen to such a person when marching. Having flat feet can also cause overpronation in runners. Flat feet can also interfere with proper balance as body weight is unevenly distributed and present more of a risk for falling. Orthotics, braces, or insoles might help flat feet. If there is no pain, treatment for flat feet is not needed. If you have flat feet and they are causing discomfort, see a podiatrist who can examine your feet and provide options to address your symptoms.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Read more about Flatfoot
Tuesday, 24 January 2023 00:00

Signs and Solutions for Sesamoiditis

Two tiny bones in the feet located just below the big toe are called the sesamoid bones. The sesamoid bones are at work each time you walk or run, providing leverage to the big toe. When these bones, which are held in place by tendons or embedded in muscle, become irritated, the result is an inflammatory condition known as sesamoiditis. It is considered an overuse injury. People who spend a lot of time on their feet for work, sports, or high-impact activities often incur sesamoiditis. In addition, people with flat feet or high arches may experience this inflammation. Symptoms generally do not emerge suddenly, but instead, develop over a period of time. You may feel intermittent pain in the big toe, notice swelling or bruising in the area, or experience a decrease in the normal functioning of the big toe. Resting the foot often is a good idea, and wearing orthotics in the shoes is another. For more information on how to deal with sesamoiditis, including being fitted for custom orthotics, please consult a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Read more about Sesamoiditis
Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:00

Taking Care of Your Baby’s Feet

After your baby is born, taking care of their feet is of major importance. Experts agree that giving babies the freedom to move their legs and feet is how they develop muscle strength. Until the baby is ready to stand or walk, it is beneficial to let them go barefoot as often as possible. Any shoes or other foot coverings should be fitted properly and checked often as the baby's feet grow quickly. This includes onesies that may be too tight as the baby’s length increases. Keep your baby’s feet clean and dry. As your baby starts to stand or walk, be aware of any abnormalities that may be apparent, such as in-toeing or out-toeing. Once the baby starts walking outside the home, choosing the right shoes is important. It’s suggested that you measure your baby’s feet periodically to make sure their shoes are not too tight in the toes, too loose in the heel, or too narrow. For more guidance on proper foot care for your baby, please consult 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 Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Bellaire and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
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