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Do Parents Understand Their Children’s Foot Development?
There are many parents that are concerned with the development of their children’s feet. This can range from when to purchase their first pair of shoes, to observing foot conditions that may have developed. There are studies that have been performed that have shown parents understand the importance of having their children walking barefoot while indoors. This can be beneficial in strengthening the entire foot as the toes grip the floor. Additionally, measuring the feet frequently is helpful in determining what size shoe is perfect for their feet. Additionally, many parents choose the type of shoes based on price, and what the shoes will be worn for, including school or play. If you would like more information about children’s foot development at specific ages, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Swollen Feet Throughout Pregnancy
Swelling of the feet and ankles during pregnancy is very common and can occur throughout the entire pregnancy. During the first trimester, swelling in the feet is typically minimal and excessive swelling should be examined by a doctor. In the second trimester, swelling in the feet increases significantly. This is due to an increased volume of blood and fluids throughout the body, as well as hormonal fluid retention. These fluids tend to pool in the lower limbs. The third trimester is when swollen feet are most common. Swelling can be made worse by hot weather, dietary imbalances, caffeine intake, dehydration, and standing or walking for prolonged periods of time. To learn more about the effects of pregnancy on the feet and ankles and how to manage them, please consult with a podiatrist.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Did I Break My Ankle?
Broken ankles occur when any one of the bones in the ankle joint either fracture. The bones in the ankle joint include the tibia (shin bone), the fibula (back of the ankle), and the talus (the small bone between the heel bone and the tibia and fibula). Signs of a broken ankle include swelling, pain, bruising, tenderness, inability to bear weight, and an inability to walk on the affected leg. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a sprained ankle and a broken ankle. Sprains occur when the ligaments connecting the bone are torn. Patients who have injured their ankle and believe that it is sprained or fractured should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis. A podiatrist can use a variety of methods that include physical examination, an X-ray, or even a CT or MRI scan to determine the cause of your ankle pain.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
- Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
- Swelling around the area
- Bruising of the area
- Area appears to be deformed
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The Podiatrist and You
Many people endure foot and ankle injuries, pain, biomechanical problems, deformities, infections, and damage from systemic conditions that affect the lower limbs, but are hesitant to talk to their primary care doctors about it, thinking that an aching heel or a bunion has no bearing to their overall health. This is patently untrue. The feet are the foundation of the body, supporting its weight and carrying you throughout your daily life. If you have any foot or ankle problems, you should not suffer in silence. Instead, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists who diagnose, treat, and assist patients in managing a huge variety of foot and ankle conditions. These include fractures, sprains, plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, diabetic neuropathy and foot ulcers, ingrown toenails, and much more. If you have a foot problem bothering you, consult with a podiatrist today.
If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.
What Do Podiatrists Do?
On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:
- Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
- Use innovative methods to treat conditions
- Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
- Correct walking patterns and balance
- Provide individual consultations to patients
It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, 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.
What to Expect When You Break Your Toe
Your big toe is made up of two bones, and each of your little toes is made up of three. Like any other bones in the body, the bones in the toes can break or fracture due to injury. If you have broken your toe, you will likely notice pain and swelling in the toe. You may also have a discolored toenail due to blood trapped beneath the surface of the nail. In a severe, open fracture of the toe, you may see your broken toe bone poking through your skin. A podiatrist can diagnose a broken toe through a physical examination. X-rays may sometimes be used to confirm a diagnosis or determine the extent of the injury. In terms of treatment, your doctor may tape the broken toe to the toe directly next to it to protect, support, and realign the broken toe. You will likely need to rest the affected foot and wear comfortable, supportive shoes. If there is blood trapped underneath your toenail, the doctor may make a small hole in the nail to drain the blood and ease pain. If you have broken your toe, please seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.
Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is a Broken Toe?
A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- Swelling
- Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
- Stiffness
- Nail Injury
Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The Development of an Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when the toenail grows into the skin surrounding it. It can cause extreme pain and discomfort, and it can happen from cutting the toenails incorrectly. Noticeable symptoms can include redness, tenderness, and pus may drain from an infected toenail. Incurring a toenail injury, poor foot hygiene, or genetic factors may significantly contribute to developing an ingrown toenail. There are some patients who find mild relief when the affected foot is soaked, and this may make it easier to gently pull the skin away from the nail. Additionally, soaking the feet in epsom salt may help to reduce existing inflammation. If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this uncomfortable condition.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
- Improper toenail trimming
- Genetics
- Improper shoe fitting
- Injury from pedicures or nail picking
- Abnormal gait
- Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How Do I Get Rid Of a Foot Blister?
Blisters often occur on the feet due to friction from shoes or socks rubbing against a part of the foot while you walk. Fortunately, blisters usually don’t require any special care and typically go away on their own. If you see a blister on your foot, protect it by covering it with a loosely wrapped bandage or cushioning it with an adhesive bandage. This will help prevent the blister from popping, which can be painful and expose the raw skin underneath the blister to infection. While usually not serious, foot blisters do sometimes require medical care. If your blister is showing signs of infection or becoming more painful over time, or if you are prone to getting blisters over and over again, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. 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 Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Why Do Bunions Develop?
A bunion is a noticeable foot condition that consists of a hard lump on the side of the big toe. It can cause the big toe to point toward the other toes, and larger shoes may need to be purchased for maximum comfort. Bunions can form due to genetic reasons, in addition to wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Some of the symptoms that are associated with bunions include general pain on the bottom or side of the foot, and the affected area may appear red and swollen. Some patients find mild relief when a protective pad is worn over the bunion, and this may be helpful in diminishing a portion of the swelling. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can discuss surgery for permanent removal for severe bunions.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. 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 Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
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Do I Need Foot Surgery?
Many patients suffer from chronic foot pain, which can develop for several reasons. It may happen as a result of genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Surgery may be a necessary option for specific foot conditions, which can be helpful in permanently repairing the ailment. A common type of foot surgery can diminish or remove bunions, which is a large bump that protrudes from the side of the big toe. It can cause difficulty in wearing shoes, and may be painful. Additionally, an Achilles tendon injury may require surgery to be performed, which is often necessary to repair the torn tendon. There are people who have had high success rates after foot surgery was performed, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the best option for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. 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 Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Can Ultrasound Therapy Help My Sports Injury?
Ultrasound therapy pulses low intensity sound waves into the site of trauma, vibrating the area and tissue to boost collagen production and create deep heat within the tissue. This, in turn, relieves pain, increases blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the body’s natural healing and repair process. Ultrasound therapy can be beneficial in treating certain sports injuries involving trauma to tendons, tissues, bones, and ligaments. Some of the most common sports injuries podiatrists treat with ultrasound therapy include sprains, strains, and fractured bones in the feet and ankles. If you have suffered a sports injury and would like to know if ultrasound therapy may help your condition, contact a podiatrist for an examination and consultation.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
- Broken Foot
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Stress Fractures
- Turf Toe
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Is It a Corn, or a Callus?
Corns and calluses are similar in that they are both patches of dry skin that can appear on the feet in response to friction. Corns are small lumps of hardened skin that resemble a corn kernel in appearance. They often form on the soles of the feet or in between the toes and can be yellowish in color. Calluses are larger patches of rough, thick skin that often appear on the balls or heels of the feet. While both corns and calluses can usually be treated with conservative methods such as wearing wider, more comfortable shoes, moisturizing the skin, and wearing thicker, cushioned socks, certain cases may require medical intervention. If you have diabetes, circulatory problems, notice signs of infection such as bleeding or pus discharge, or are in severe pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Swollen Feet During Pregnancy Is Common
Many women often feel the effects of their pregnancy in their feet. Sometimes the face, hands, and legs become swollen too, but most commonly the feet and ankles are affected, and all this swelling is known as edema. It is generally caused by the growing fetus in addition to the extra body fluids that often accompany pregnancy. Many women experience swollen feet and ankles in the second trimester, and this may continue to progress throughout the pregnancy. It can be beneficial to elevate the feet as frequently as possible, in addition to eating foods that have low sodium levels. Research has indicated it can help to limit the amount of time standing or walking and drinking 12 cups of water daily has been known to reduce a portion of the swelling. If you have questions about how pregnancy can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
