Items filtered by date: September 2022

Runners often experience pain in the ankle, the most common of which is a sprain. The main cause of a sprained ankle is called inversion. This occurs when the foot rolls inward and the ankle turns outward. The result is the stretching, or sometimes tearing, of one or more ligaments that hold the ankle together. Ankle sprains can be categorized by severity. Mild sprains are considered grade 1 injuries, consisting of slight tears in the collagen fibers in the ligaments that stabilize the joint. Symptoms are pain, tenderness, and possibly a slight limp. A grade 2 sprain means the ligament is torn, but not completely ruptured. Symptoms worsen to include swelling, instability, and reduced range of motion. A grade 3 sprain is a complete tear of the ligament. This results in an inability to bear weight and needs immediate attention. If you have experienced an ankle injury, whether mild or severe, it is suggested that you seek the expertise of a podiatrist for a full diagnosis and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

One of the chief symptoms of diabetes is chronic foot pain, which is common to most people with this disease. Three major causes of diabetic foot pain are nerve problems, circulatory problems, and infections. A condition known as peripheral neuropathy is the result of damage to the nerves that supply blood to the lower legs, feet, and toes. Specific to diabetics is sensory neuropathy, which results in extra sensitivity to pain in these areas. The diabetic may also experience a loss of sensation in this part of the body that contributes to the cracking and drying of the skin. Another cause of chronic foot pain is peripheral artery disease (PAD). This is the result of sustaining high levels of blood sugar that can clog the arteries and capillaries and slow the flow of blood to the feet and toes. The third most common cause of diabetic foot pain is infections. The diabetic is highly susceptible to infection from sores, cracks, and cuts. Because it is difficult to feel them when they occur, they often go unnoticed. Further, PAD makes it more difficult for these injuries to heal, causing ulcers and other more serious problems. If you are a diabetic and have chronic foot pain, please make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

There should be no shame in being overweight or obese, but when your feet hurt because of your weight it might be time to make some lifestyle changes and see a podiatrist. The heavier you are, the more pressure and pain your feet can feel. It is said that your feet can take up to three times your body weight in force. Excess weight may cause gout, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or osteoarthritis, among other afflictions. Being overweight can also lead to health conditions that affect the feet, such as type-2 diabetes, which can cause neuropathy and eventually amputation. Foot pain can make it hard to exercise and may interfere with losing weight which can cause a vicious cycle. You can appreciate your body and live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet can lead to weight loss even without exercise. It is important to stick to diet changes for 20 days or more for it to become a habit. Other things you can do to improve the comfort of your feet include wearing padded socks, not going barefoot, keeping your feet clean and dry, checking your feet regularly for cuts or bruises, and wearing well-fitting supportive shoes. If you are overweight and suffering from foot pain, consider seeing a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and help in this area.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

The coronavirus brought times to the world where children were homeschooled, and time was limited for physical activities because of threatening germs. The type of shoes children wore were often overlooked as shoe stores were closed and new shoes were rarely purchased. As current times are upon us and children have returned to school, the first step in choosing the correct shoes for your child generally starts with getting the right shoe size. This is done by properly measuring the foot using a Brannock device, which is found in most shoe stores. The type of shoe that is desired is often considered, in addition to the material that it is made from, if they are lightweight, and have protection and flexibility. And lastly, the shoes need to fit comfortably from the moment they are tried on and should not need a break in period. Children that live in various climates and environments typically will wear different types of shoes and how long the shoes are worn is often considered. If you have questions about what type of shoes your children should wear, please schedule an appointment with 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 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.

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 our offices located in Cypress and Spring, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.