Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden and severe pain, often affecting the joints, particularly the big toe joint. The condition occurs when excess uric acid builds up in the body, forming crystals in the joints. The most common sign of gout is intense pain, typically starting in the middle of the night, along with swelling and redness in the affected area. The joint may become warm to the touch and feel tender, making movement difficult. In some cases, gout attacks can recur, leading to joint damage over time. Elevated uric acid levels in the blood can result from factors such as diet, dehydration, obesity, or kidney problems. Excessive consumption of purine-rich foods like red meat, seafood, or alcohol can trigger or worsen gout attacks. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management tips.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
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.
Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and swelling. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, and foot injuries. Symptoms include throbbing pain and discomfort, especially when wearing shoes. Treatment typically begins with conservative measures like soaking the foot and using roomy shoes. However, for persistent cases, the Winograd procedure may be necessary. This surgical method involves removing the ingrown portion of the nail and the underlying tissue to prevent the nail from growing back incorrectly. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, minimizing discomfort and ensuring a quick recovery. A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating ingrown toenails, providing personalized care and expert guidance. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. They can offer effective treatments, including the Winograd procedure, to relieve your pain and restore your foot health.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
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.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is a common cause of foot pain and discomfort. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the joints to break down, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. In the feet, it can affect areas like the toes, ankles, and the arch. Common symptoms include joint tenderness, limited movement, swelling, and difficulty walking. The causes of osteoarthritis in the foot can range from age and genetics to previous injuries or repetitive stress. Over time, the wear and tear on the cartilage causes painful friction between bones. If you are experiencing foot pain or stiffness, a podiatrist can offer effective treatments. This type of doctor can recommend custom orthotics, pain management options, targeted exercises, or surgical procedures if needed. Seeking expert care early can help manage symptoms and improve mobility. If you are suffering from painful arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to get the relief you need.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
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.
Diabetic foot disease, or DFD, is a serious complication of diabetes that significantly impacts quality of life. Its prevalence has increased due to predisposing factors such as prolonged high blood sugar levels, poor circulation, and impaired immune function. These factors heighten the risk of infections, slow wound healing, and contribute to conditions like diabetic neuropathy, which reduces sensation in the feet. This loss of feeling can lead to unnoticed injuries that develop into diabetic foot ulcers, a common precursor to lower limb amputations. Without proper care, these ulcers can become severely infected, making amputation necessary to prevent life-threatening complications. Podiatrists play a critical role in managing diabetic foot wounds, utilizing advanced treatments such as debridement, specialized dressings, and offloading devices to promote healing and prevent recurrence. If you have diabetes,it is suggested that you schedule regular podiatric appointments to reduce the risks associated with diabetic foot disease.
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 Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor 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 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.
Podiatry plays an important role as the elderly population often faces unique foot health challenges. As people age, they experience changes in their feet such as decreased circulation, joint stiffness, and weakened muscles, which may lead to conditions like arthritis, diabetes-related foot issues, and balance problems. Podiatrists treating geriatric patients can provide tailored care to address these concerns, helping to prevent falls, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. Proper foot care is essential for seniors, as untreated foot problems can lead to more serious complications, including infections and disability. Podiatrists also play an important role in educating patients and caregivers on proper foot hygiene, suitable footwear, and exercises to maintain foot strength and flexibility. If you are elderly, or caring for an elderly patient, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist who can expertly manage foot care for seniors.
If you need your feet checked, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM of Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
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.
A bunionette, also known as a tailor’s bunion, is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot, near the little toe. It can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing certain shoes, often leading to irritation or redness. Symptoms include a noticeable bump, discomfort when walking, and soreness when pressure is applied. Bunionettes are caused by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, genetic factors, or abnormal foot mechanics, such as supination where the foot rolls toward the outside. Over time, these factors can lead to the misalignment of the fifth metatarsal bone. Treatment options range from conservative measures, such as wearing wider shoes and using padding, to more advanced interventions, including surgery. A podiatrist can help diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment plan, whether it includes non-invasive methods or surgical correction. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from a bunionette, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find relief and explore your treatment options.
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
Symptoms
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.
Podiatrists play a vital role in maintaining and improving foot health through comprehensive assessments and tailored care. During an exam, these doctors evaluate the structure, alignment, and function of the feet, looking for issues like abnormal gait, skin changes, or signs of underlying conditions. They assess footwear choices and advise on proper shoe fit to prevent problems like bunions or calluses. For those with specific conditions like diabetes, podiatrists focus on preventing complications by examining the skin and checking circulation and nerve function. If issues like nail infections, corns, or chronic pain are present, podiatrists provide targeted treatments, which may include orthotics, wound care, or recommendations for daily foot care routines. If you would like to make sure you are tending to proper foot care or if you have specific concerns about your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist who can monitor changes over time, address any emerging concerns, and promote long-term foot health.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. 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 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.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
As people age, natural changes in gait can affect mobility and stability. Reduced calf muscle strength often leads to taking shorter steps, while balance issues may increase the period in the walking cycle when both feet are on the ground simultaneously. In younger adults, this phase typically makes up about 18 percent of the cycle, but it may increase to 26 percent or higher as people age or experience balance challenges. This added time on both feet offers greater stability, helping to lower fall risk. Joint changes, like reduced ankle flexibility, may further impact stride length. To maintain balance, older adults might shift their weight or adopt postural changes, leading to a wider stance and a less fluid movement. Neurological changes can make coordinating each step more difficult, slowing pace and reducing synchrony in body movement. A podiatrist can assess specific gait challenges in seniors and suggest exercises or custom orthotics to restore stability and improve gait mechanics. If you have trouble walking while carrying out daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis, exam, and treatment options.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Barry P. Weinstein, DPM from Bellaire Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
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.
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