Items filtered by date: January 2023

Many people experience the feeling of burning foot pain, which can interrupt both their daily activities and their sleep. But what does it mean? Major causes of burning foot pain include peripheral neuropathy, tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and Raynaud’s disease. People with high blood sugar may be especially at risk for peripheral neuropathy. This is a nerve condition that blocks normal communication between the brain and the nerves in your feet. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve in the ankle is compressed, resulting in burning pain. Plantar fasciitis, which is the tearing and inflammation of the band of tissue under the foot, causes both heel and burning foot pain. Raynaud’s disease is caused when the blood vessels in the lower extremities are constricted. This limits blood flow to the feet and may result in burning foot pain. If burning foot pain becomes a regular occurrence, you may wish to consult a podiatrist who can help to determine the cause and offer treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

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

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

Incurring a running injury can cause physical pain and emotional discomfort. Many people may have to stop their running regime to ensure proper healing and this may be avoided when running injury prevention methods are implemented. Seasoned runners are often aware of the importance of protecting the body while running, therefore injuries may occur more often in runners who are less experienced. The majority of runners have a goal to be pain-free after their running routine is completed and this can be accomplished by properly warming up and cooling down before and after a run. Warming up and cooling down helps prepare the body to be flexible while running, which can also be beneficial in preventing an injury. Additionally, it is wise to gradually increase speed and distance which allows the body ample time to become accustomed to running. Running injuries often affect the feet so if you would like more information about effective prevention methods, please confer 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.

A rash that develops on the foot may be athlete’s foot. It is an uncomfortable condition that is found between the toes and on the bottom of the foot, and severe itching is a common symptom. Additionally, the skin may turn red, and small blisters can be seen. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that lives in warm environments, such as shower room floors and public swimming pools. It can enter the body through small cracks in the skin, and it is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas. These can consist of flip-flops or water shoes, and walking barefoot is frowned upon. There are three categories of athlete’s foot which can slightly differ. Peeling or cracked skin that is found between the fourth and fifth toes may indicate a toe web infection has developed. A moccasin-type infection may start with a sore foot, then followed by the skin becoming thick. Blisters that are on the sole of the foot may be the beginning of a vesicular infection and may travel to other parts of the foot. If you are afflicted with any type of athlete's foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can prescribe the necessary medication for complete healing.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Research has shown that approximately half of the working population spends their day standing. This can include professions such as restaurant employees, retail workers, and people who are employed in the medical profession. Foot pain is a common ailment that people have who work on their feet for the majority of the day. This may be a result of the feet absorbing the weight of the body, and pain can be targeted in the heels. Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are common foot conditions that can happen from standing, and discomfort may often radiate to the entire foot. There are effective preventive methods that can be implemented which may help to lessen heel pain. These can consist of standing on a stress mat provided by the employer and wearing shoes that have additional cushioning in the heel. Having foot pain can compromise the ability to perform to the best of one’s ability. If this applies to you, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you to alleviate the pain, and guide you toward choosing the best shoes to wear while working.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

The nerves in the feet can be detrimentally impacted by several different foot conditions that can cause pain and discomfort. Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition of this kind that impacts nerves in between the toes of the feet. The tissues around the nerves in this area of the feet can become thickened. As a result of Morton’s neuroma, the ball of the foot can become inflamed and quite painful. The shoes that one wears can be a significant contributing factor to the aggravation of Morton’s neuroma. Shoes that have particularly high heels and that also have a very tight fit can be a potentially aggravating cause of Morton’s neuroma. Typically, shoes that have low heels are a better fit for individuals with Morton’s neuroma because the shape of the shoe does not put excess pressure on the ball of the foot, where the foot is most susceptible to pain. If you are struggling with Morton’s neuroma, contact a podiatrist today.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.