Blog
Gout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
What Are the Reasons for Stress Fractures to Develop?
The most common reason for a stress fracture to develop is from overuse and participating in repetitive activities. Sporting events that require frequent running and jumping may cause stress fractures to gradually occur and this may cause pain and discomfort. Many patients may feel mild symptoms immediately following this type of injury and choose to ignore them. This can cause the stress fracture to worsen and the symptoms to intensify. People may also find if they increase the speed and duration of their training too quickly, a stress fracture may result from not gradually increasing speed and distance. Additionally, this type of ailment may occur from an abnormal foot structure or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. If you incur this type of injury, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist when signs and symptoms first arise as there are several treatment options available.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
- Runners
- People affected with Osteoporosis
- Tennis or basketball players
- Gymnasts
- High impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.
Read more about Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and AnkleHow Peripheral Arterial Disease Affects the Feet
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when the outer, or peripheral, arteries narrow due to a build-up of plaque. Peripheral arteries transport blood—which carries oxygen and nutrients—to the legs and arms, keeping the skin and underlying tissue alive and healthy. When PAD is present in the legs, it can reduce the normal amount of blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to the feet. This may lead to dysfunction in the skin and tissue, causing it to break down and make it more susceptible to developing wounds. PAD can be an inherited disease, or may be caused by diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or obesity. Symptoms of PAD in the feet may include burning, aching, coolness, redness, reoccurring infections, and sores in the toes and feet that do not heal. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a podiatrist for a full examination, testing, diagnosis and proper treatment.
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 Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor 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 offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Peripheral Artery DiseaseWhy Aging Feet Need Regular Care
Foot care for the elderly is important as skin tends to thin out and lose elasticity, and nails can become dry and brittle—making the feet more susceptible to infections, blisters, toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, and more. It is important for an aging adult to practice regular foot care, or if they cannot do it themselves, have a caretaker do it. Toenails should be trimmed and filed regularly: straight across, and not too short in order to avoid ingrown toenails. Nail clippers should be sanitized and never shared. Feet should be cleaned, moisturized, and inspected daily for signs of infection which may include cracks, blisters, discolored nails, or bleeding sores. Footwear should be properly sized with good arch support to aid in mobility and prevent slips and falls. Shoes should never force the feet or toes into a position that is uncomfortable or restricts circulation. Additionally, older adults should make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and possibly even a gait analysis to detect and treat any developing or existing conditions.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.
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 our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Everyday Foot CareAre Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Treatment For Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are slow-healing wounds that often form on the feet of people who have diabetes. These wounds may be difficult to detect until they have progressed to the point of causing noticeable symptoms or becoming infected. Your podiatrist may treat DFUs by removing pressure from the wound using a cast, boot, special footwear, or an off-loading device. Sometimes debriding the area, which involves removing damaged tissue from the wound site, is necessary. Keeping the foot clean, dry, and well moisturized is suggested in order to promote healing and prevent future wounds from developing. For more information about diabetic foot ulcers, please consult with a podiatrist.
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 Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. 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 our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
What Could Be Causing My Foot Pain?
Over h
alf of diabetic patients suffer from nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), which can, among other things, cause them to lose feeling and sensitivity in their feet. Those with diabetes who are also overweight, over 40, or who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or unmanageable blood sugar levels are more likely to develop neuropathy. If you have diabetic neuropathy along with poor circulation, you are at risk of developing a cut or other injury on your foot which may not heal properly, turning into a foot ulcer and becoming infected. In rare cases, an untreated diabetic foot ulcer could worsen and possibly lead to amputation. Neuropathy’s decreased sensitivity to pain and lack of feeling makes it incredibly important for the diabetic foot patient to check their feet daily for scratches, sores, blisters and corns, while being under the care of a podiatrist.
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 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.
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 The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Can Bunions Be Treated?
The joint at the bottom of the big toe is often affected with an existing bunion. It can develop as a result of a misalignment of the big toe joint, and this can occur for a variety of reasons. These can include genetics, having flat feet, or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. In severe bunions, the big toe may shift toward the other toes, which may cause pain and discomfort, in addition to possibly affecting proper balance. Larger shoes may need to be purchased that can accommodate the bunion. Surgery may be a necessary treatment option, and this can be successful in permanently removing the bunion. If you have developed a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment decisions.
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.
Stretching and Breathing Before Running
Many running injuries can be prevented by properly warming up prior to jogging or running. This can be accomplished by performing leg swings and lunges, which are effective in increasing range of motion. Many people find it helpful to follow a running program. There are different facets to running, consisting of speed and endurance. It can help to focus on your breathing, and this time can be beneficial in deciding what the running goal is for the day. Using a foam roller on the hamstrings and ankles can help to loosen these areas, and posture may improve when stretches for the hip flexors are frequently performed. If you would like information about how to protect the feet before and after running, please consult with a podiatrist.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
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.
Read more about How to Prevent Running InjuriesAre You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!