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Bunions Can Be Partially Caused by a Muscle Imbalance
A bunion occurs from repeated stress that happens on the outside of the big toe. Wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely may cause a bunion. High heels can fall into this category, and it is a condition that is more prevalent among women than men. It is defined as a bony protrusion that develops on the side of the big toe and may cause the other toes to shift toward each other. It is known as a progress foot deformity, and many patients develop bunions for genetic reasons. It is considered to be an imbalance of the muscles and ligaments, where they are either too tight or too loose. The big toe may have a limited range of motion, and walking may be painful. It is common for calluses to form on top of the bunion, and this can be a result of the shoe rubbing against it. In addition to its obvious appearance, an X-ray is often performed that can determine the severity of it. A bunion is a foot condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and if you are afflicted with this, it is suggested you schedule an appointment as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. 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 our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Is Popping a Blister Bad?
Blisters are quite a common form of foot affliction that can affect a wide variety of people. Blisters are filled with fluid and often develop on the feet in response to friction placed on the affected area. Other times, blisters can form on the feet in response to burns. Some individuals with this condition have the urge to pop these blisters. However, it is important to note that popping certain kinds of blisters is not recommended and may be dangerous. For example, it is generally not advisable to pop a burn blister. These blisters can be highly susceptible to infection. Sometimes, these blisters might pop on their own. In this case, you might consider keeping the blister covered. Maintaining moisture in the wound, perhaps with ointment, might also be beneficial. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor 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 offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
Edema of the Lower Extremities
Edema or swelling in the ankles and feet can be an inconvenience or cause severe discomfort and pain. Ways to alleviate edema include continuing to move the affected body parts and elevate the legs above the heart, massaging the swollen areas to push the retained fluid out, and wearing compression socks to facilitate blood flow. The goal of these things is to pump excess fluid back to the heart. Reducing salt intake and dropping extra weight if one is overweight can also help or prevent edema. If the things you try on your own do not relieve the swelling or if the swelling gets worse, it is important that you consult with a podiatrist to find out what is causing the problem and how it can be fixed.
Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. 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 our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Are You Struggling With Embarrassing Sweaty Feet?
The condition that pertains to people whose feet sweat excessively is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. An effective way to gauge if your feet are sweating too much is by how it compromises daily activities. Additionally, many people who are afflicted with this condition are embarrassed by how much their feet sweat, and may refrain from wearing shoes such as flip flops. Additionally, there may be an odor that comes from the feet, and patients can possibly be prone to developing infections and rashes. Plantar hyperhidrosis can develop as a result of the amount of sweat the sweat glands produce, and there are methods that can be implemented that may help to control this. These can include wearing shoes and socks that are made of breathable materials, and it may help to sprinkle powder inside the shoes. Plantar hyperhidrosis can be uncomfortable, and if you have this condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to live your life more comfortably.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Bodyboarding and Foot Pain
Many beachgoers like to spend their time in the ocean, catching waves in an activity that is known as bodyboarding. When an individual goes bodyboarding, they sometimes use bodyboarding fins (or flippers) on their feet to help with swimming. However, wearing these flippers can sometimes negatively impact the feet. For example, if the flippers are particularly low quality, they can easily rub up against the feet, causing friction that might lead to the development of blisters. This chaffing can be quite uncomfortable for your feet. If you are a bodyboarder and you want to wear flippers, contact your podiatrist to ensure that you are doing everything that you can to properly protect your feet.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciosis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Can Flat Feet Be Helped?
A flattened arch is noticeable as the foot lies completely flat on the floor. The medical term for this foot condition is referred to as pes planus, and is known in layman's words as flat feet. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will start to develop between three and six years of age. As adulthood approaches, the calf muscles may become tight, and there may be a limited range of motion in the feet. The arch helps to absorb shock, and provides balance to the body while walking. Many people can have their walking style or gait affected if they have flat feet, and this may be helped by wearing custom-made orthotics. These are insoles that are put into each shoe that can mimic an arch, which may help to make it easier in completing daily activities. Some patients find it beneficial to walk on different types of surfaces including sand, grass, and slopes, and this may provide strength to the overall foot. If you have flat feet, and are experiencing foot pain, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. 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 our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Shoes That Are Too Big, Too Small, and Just Right
There are various foot conditions that can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails are some of these ailments, and getting the right shoe size may help to prevent these from developing. It is imperative to determine what your correct shoe size is before any purchases are made. This can be done by using the Brannock device that is found in most shoe stores, which can measure the length and width of your foot. Once the size has been determined, the next step is to choose a pair that is pleasing to the eye, then try them on. This is followed by walking around in them for a short period of time in the store, which is when most people can tell if the shoe is right for them. If the shoes are too tight, they may cause blisters or corns to develop, and may need to be purchased in a half or more size larger. If the shoes are too big, they may slip on your feet, and this can increase the risk of falling. If you would like more information about how to find the right shoe size for you, please consult a podiatrist who can help you to make the right choice.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.
- When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
- Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
- Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
- Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
- If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have I Sprained My Ankle?
An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that support the ankle over-stretch or tear. Ligaments connect bones to each and help to stabilize joints. Sprains injure ligaments, while strains affect muscles and tendons, but the symptoms of these two things overlap. An ankle sprain is most apt to happen from a fall, a blow to the ankle, overuse, or twisting of the ankle. It may cause intense pain in the joint, cause swelling or bruising, and make it difficult to move the ankle or walk. Sometimes it feels like a broken bone. Doctors assign a grade 1, 2, or 3 to sprains, depending on their severity. Grade 1 sprains cause mild pain and occur when the ankle ligament is stretched and may have microscopic tears. Grade 2 sprains cause moderate pain and involve partial tears to the ligament. Grade 3 sprains are severe and happen when the ligament sustains complete tears. If you have ankle pain and think you may have sprained your ankle, it is best to see a podiatrist who can make an accurate diagnosis and provide the best treatment options.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Mild to moderate bruising
- Limited mobility
- Swelling
- Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)
Preventing a Sprain
- Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
- Stretching before exercises and sports
- Knowing your limits
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.