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Podiatrist, Foot Doctor James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P located in The Woodlands, TX 77384 and Woodville, TX 75979 area

The Woodlands
Woodville
(936) 273-3311

 
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Items filtered by date: November 2018

Monday, 26 November 2018 00:00

The Feet May Be Affected by Obesity

People who are overweight may experience foot pain that may be indicative of specific foot conditions. Any additional weight the feet endure may lead to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which may lead to the painful and uncomfortable condition known as plantar fasciitis. This particular tendon is located at the bottom of the foot and its main function is to connect the heel bone to the toes. If this should become irritated as a result of extra weight the body carries, daily activities such as walking may prove difficult to accomplish. This may cause an altered style of walking, which may result in imbalance. Falling may occur, which may lead to breaking or spraining an ankle. Additionally, medical conditions may develop that may be linked to obesity including gout, osteoarthritis, or diabetes. If you are afflicted with additional weight gain that may be causing foot concerns, please consult with a podiatrist so proper advice for relief may be obtained.

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 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.

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 The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Published in Blog
Monday, 19 November 2018 00:00

Different Types of Foot Surgery

There are several painful and uncomfortable foot conditions that may improve if foot surgery can be performed. If a severe fracture in the foot is experienced and the bone protrudes from the skin, surgery can be an effective way to position the bone back into its correct position. A surgical procedure referred to as joint fusion may be performed to correct bunions or damage that has occurred, which may be a result of arthritis. Additionally, arthroscopic surgery may be useful in removing tissues that have become inflamed in the early stages of arthritis. If you are afflicted with the condition that is known as hammertoe, surgery may be a necessary step in straightening the toes that are bent. If you have uncomfortable heel pain and other treatment methods have been exhausted, surgery may be successful in eliminating or reducing this type of pain. It is advised to consult with a podiatrist if you have foot conditions and may be considering surgery for relief.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

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Published in Blog
Monday, 12 November 2018 00:00

What Causes Poor Circulation?

The medical condition referred to as poor circulation is a result of restricted blood movement through the vessels. This generally occurs when the arteries are blocked, and the blood has difficulty flowing through the body. General causes for this condition to develop may include indulging in unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, lack of exercise, or being overweight. Research has shown that medical conditions may play a significant role in developing poor circulation, including high blood pressure, having diabetes, or Raynaud’s syndrome. The latter condition will cause the feet to turn white while exposed to cold temperatures. There are known to be several symptoms associated with poor circulation, which may include cramping in the legs and feet, experiencing a tingling or numbing sensation, or having cold feet. If you have any of the above symptoms, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist, so a proper diagnosis can be performed.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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 Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet
Published in Blog
Monday, 05 November 2018 00:00

Foot Pain May Affect Proper Balance

When our feet feel good, maintaining daily activities may be accomplished with ease. This is also true for the elder population, and additional care may be needed to achieve this. Pain in the feet may affect balance and this may possibly lead to injuries, which may be a result of falling. Research has shown that elder’s will benefit by understanding the need to practice proper foot hygiene in addition to seeking medical care if any foot pain is noticeable. It may help to wear footwear that fits correctly, which may diminish the possibility of specific foot conditions from developing. This includes ingrown toenails, hammertoe, or bunions. When the proper weight is maintained, the body will feel will better, in addition to positively affecting the overall health of the feet. Please speak with a podiatrist if you would like additional information about how to take care of elderly feet.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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 Elderly Foot Care
Published in Blog