Items filtered by date: January 2025

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition is most common on the big toe and can occur from improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury to the toe. When conservative treatments such as soaking, proper nail care, and antibiotics for infection do not provide relief, ingrown toenail surgery may be necessary. A podiatrist numbs the toe with a local anesthetic during the procedure to ensure comfort. This is followed by carefully removing the portion of the nail that is growing into the skin. In more severe cases, part of the nail bed may also be removed to prevent the nail from growing back into the skin. The area is cleaned and a dressing is applied. With proper care and hygiene, recovery typically takes a few weeks to ensure a successful healing process. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide the best treatment solutions which may include surgery.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. 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 occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

Flat foot surgery is a procedure designed to address the discomfort and functional limitations caused by flat feet, a condition where the arch of the foot collapses or does not develop properly. This can lead to pain, instability, and difficulty walking. The surgery aims to restore the arch, improve foot alignment, and relieve associated pain. Depending on the severity of the condition, surgery may involve various techniques, such as tendon repair or repositioning, joint fusion, or the insertion of implants. In some cases, bone realignment or lengthening may be necessary to correct deformities and restore normal function. Flat foot surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments like orthotics and pain management do not provide relief. The goal of flat foot surgery is to improve quality of life by enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and restoring foot function. If you have flat feet that are causing chronic pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is the correct treatment 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.

Finding the right shoe size is essential for comfort and foot health. To measure your shoe size accurately, begin by standing on a piece of paper with your heel against a wall. Using a pencil, mark the longest part of your foot, usually the tip of your toe. Then, measure the distance from the wall to the mark you made. This measurement will give you the length of your foot. It is also important to measure the width of your foot by placing the tape or ruler around the widest part, typically near the ball of the foot. Ensure that you measure both feet, as one foot may be slightly larger than the other. Once you have these measurements, consult a shoe size chart to determine your correct size. If you have developed foot pain from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and educate you on the importance of wearing shoes that fit properly.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.

Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot, often resulting from repetitive stress or overuse. Common causes include high-impact activities, sudden increases in exercise intensity, and inadequate footwear. Symptoms typically include localized tenderness, pain, and weakness in the affected area, especially during physical activity or when putting weight on the foot. Swelling and bruising may also occur. Treatment for stress fractures focuses on rest and immobilization. A podiatrist may recommend using a walking boot or crutches to reduce pressure on the foot, along with anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate pain. Gradual rehabilitation exercises can also help restore strength and flexibility. If you suspect you have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a tailored treatment plan to promote healing and prevent future injuries.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.