Items filtered by date: March 2025

Diabetes can cause serious problems for your feet if not managed well. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in your feet, leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling, which is called diabetic neuropathy. When you cannot feel pain, you might not notice cuts, blisters, or sores. Diabetes can also slow down blood flow, making it harder for wounds to heal and increasing the risk of infection. If infections are not treated quickly, they can lead to serious complications, including loss of limbs. Daily foot care is important for people with diabetes. Check your feet every day for cuts, redness, or swelling, and wear shoes that protect your feet. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist regularly for help in addressing problems early and keeping your feet healthy.

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.

Achy feet can result from long hours of standing, walking, or wearing unsupportive footwear. Stretching helps relieve tension by loosening tight muscles and improving flexibility. Simple stretches, such as pulling the toes back gently or rolling the foot over a massage ball, can provide relief. The marble pick-up exercise strengthens the toes and arches by encouraging small muscle activation. Drawing the alphabet with the ankle helps improve mobility and reduce stiffness by engaging the entire foot and lower leg. Calf raises strengthen the lower legs and improve circulation, which can reduce swelling and fatigue. Incorporating these exercises into a daily routine can relieve discomfort, improve foot strength, and enhance overall foot health. If your feet ache the majority of the time, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you on effective relief tips, which may include additional foot stretches.

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.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, causes discoloration, thickening, and in advanced cases, crumbling of the toenail. Fungal infections thrive in warm, damp environments, making places like swimming pool areas, gym locker rooms, and moist footwear ideal for growth. Symptoms of toenail fungus include nails turning yellow, brown, or green, as well as thickened nails that may become brittle or distorted. A podiatrist can effectively diagnose and manage toenail fungus through prescription antifungal medications or, in severe instances, surgery to remove the infected nail. Early intervention is important to avoid the infection spreading to adjacent toenails or to other people. Patients with diabetes should be especially vigilant because fungal nail infections can lead to sores or complications due to impaired circulation and healing. If you suspect you have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often caused when the tip of the toe angles inward toward the other toes. This deformity can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. The affected area may become tender, and, as the bunion progresses, it can affect walking and lead to other foot issues like calluses or hammertoes. A podiatrist can evaluate your bunion and offer various treatments. For mild cases, they may recommend lifestyle changes, such as wearing shoes with a wider toe box or using padding to reduce pressure. Custom orthotics can help correct foot alignment, providing relief from discomfort. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may suggest surgical options to correct the deformity and improve function. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.