November 2020

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space located on the side of the ankle, near the ankle bones. Inside of the tarsal tunnel are arteries, veins, tendons, and nerves, including the posterior tibial nerve. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed or squeezed. The symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensations, numbness, and pain along the inside of the ankle and the bottom of the foot. Symptoms can appear suddenly, and are often brought on or worsened by overuse of the foot. Left untreated, tarsal tunnel syndrome can progress and lead to permanent nerve damage. If you are experiencing any symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.

Foot pain, on its own, is a fairly nonspecific symptom. There are many conditions that may lead to foot pain. Plantar fasciitis, in which the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, is a frequent cause of foot pain. Morton’s neuroma, a condition in which a nerve in the foot starts to thicken and place pressure on the toes, is also a fairly common problem. Other foot problems that can cause pain include metatarsalgia, tendinitis, turf toe, hallux valgus, heel pad atrophy, arthritis, and heel spurs. To figure out what is causing your foot pain, and how to treat it, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) refers to poor circulation in your limbs. This is usually caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which causes them to narrow and restrict blood flow. There are two different types of PAD. Occlusive PAD stems from blocked blood vessels and is usually the result of other health conditions, such as atherosclerosis, lymphedema, deep vein thrombosis, or carotid artery stenosis. Functional PAD stems from blood vessels that are not blocked, but rather malfunctioning due to spasms. Functional PAD can be triggered by medical conditions such as varicose veins, Reynaud’s disease, or chronic venous insufficiency. It can sometimes be made worse by stress, smoking, or the cold. Regardless of which type of PAD you have, it is important to comply with treatment recommendations made by your doctor. If you have PAD, a podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that connects the heel and the toes. Heel spurs are bony growths that form close to where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. The growth generally forms as a protective measure to keep an overstressed muscle or tendon from being pulled. Factors that can contribute to heel spurs include having flat feet, high arches, tightening of the Achilles tendon, obesity, or a sudden increase in activity. Pain and swelling under the heel, numbness on the outside of the foot, and pain that is worst upon getting up in the morning are usually signs of heel spurs. Heel spurs can be very painful, especially when walking, and medical attention may be needed. A podiatrist will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and suggest treatment options. Common treatments may involve relieving pressure on the heel bone, often using orthotics.  

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity in which the toes are curved downward at the joint rather than remaining straight. Symptoms of this condition include corns and calluses on the affected toes, an inability to straighten the affected toes, inflammation and redness, and pain that worsens with movement and when wearing shoes. There are various treatments for hammertoes, including taking anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling, wearing more comfortable shoes or orthotics, wearing special pads to protect the toes, and wearing splints to realign or immobilize the affected toes. In more severe cases, surgery may be warranted. To find out which treatments are right for you, consult with a podiatrist today. 

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.