July 2019

Heel pain is a very common ailment that can be caused by a variety of factors. Heel pain can range from a bruise or a stress fracture, to plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. The heel bone sits at the back of the foot beneath the ankle. Along with surrounding tissue, the heel bone works to provide balance and side-to-side movement of the back of the foot. If you are unsure of the cause of the symptoms of heel pain, it is important to seek medical attention. The signs that you should look for include an inability to walk comfortably on the affected side, signs of an infection, swelling or discoloration on the back of the foot and heel pain that persists beyond a few days. The heel condition can be diagnosed through your medical history or through physical examinations such as blood work and X-rays. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is advised that you visit with a podiatrist to discuss the best course of action. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 our office located in Cypress, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The medical condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease affects the growth plate in the heel. It typically occurs during a growth spurt that happens during puberty. The people that may experience this are teenagers who participate in running and jumping activities, and the growth plate may become injured. The symptoms that are commonly associated with this condition include heel pain, limping, and the feet may feel stiff upon arising in the morning. Mild relief can be found when shoe inserts are worn which can help to protect the heel, and wearing an elastic bandage may aid in reducing existing pain and swelling. If you notice your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist, who can properly diagnosis and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Cypress, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Many people who enjoy running and hiking can experience unpleasant blisters forming on their feet. This is often a result of friction that happens from the shoes or socks rubbing against the skin. The first layer of skin will typically become damaged, and a small pocket of fluid will form over the raw area. This acts as a natural barrier for protection, and will gradually drain as the healing process occurs. A successful measure that can be implemented which can help to prevent painful blisters from developing can include wearing shoes and socks that fit correctly. This will help in making sure there is adequate room so the heel does not rub on the back of the shoe. If the blister should become injured and drain before the skin has healed, an infection may occur. If this occurs, it is important to cover the affected area with a bandage until the skin has completely healed. If you are frequently getting foot blisters, it is advised to speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper shoe fitting.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

A common ailment many pregnant women complain of is swollen feet. The growing fetus exerts pressure on the uterus, and this can cause excessive swelling in the feet and ankles. This can be uncomfortable, but research has shown there are measures that can be implemented, which can help to prevent this condition. It is important to avoid standing for extended periods of time, drink plenty of fresh water, and reduce salt intake. Additionally, performing a gentle exercise routine may also help, and staying as cool as possible in hot weather may aid in reducing unwanted swelling. There is generally no reason to be concerned if edema becomes part of pregnancy life. If it becomes difficult to perform daily activities, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with additional information.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

The feet are susceptible to cuts that may penetrate the skin. Minor wounds can be treated with bandages or skin glue, and the healing process will accelerate if the cuts are kept covered and dry. If you have stepped on glass or rocks, an X-ray may be necessary to ensure there is no debris left in the foot. For serious wounds, it is beneficial to keep weight off of the foot as much as possible, as this can help in giving the foot a chance to heal. If the wound is bleeding, it is helpful to apply direct pressure. If this fails to work, it is wise to seek medical attention. Additionally, an infection may be present which is often accompanied by a fever. For wounds on the feet, it is suggested to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you towards proper treatment.

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 of our podiatrists from CyFair Family Foot Care. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.