Are you suffering from plantar fasciitis? This common foot condition is known for causing heel pain throughout the day, starting with the first step you take in the morning. Learning about plantar fasciitis can help you understand this condition as well as the importance of scheduling regular visits with a Houston area podiatrist .

As you will see in this video, plantar fasciitis is a result of degeneration of the plantar fascia. This long ligament in found in the bottom of the foot and suffers from tears and inflammation over time. Eventually, the degeneration causes heel pain that can feel like a dull ache, sharp dagger, stone bruise, or deep throbbing.

Learn more about plantar fasciitis and how to treat it by meeting with a foot specialist at your earliest convenience.

Is it getting harder and harder to get through the day with your aching feet? Are you struggling with bunions, corns, fungal infections, or even plantar fasciitis? Ask any podiatrist, and you’ll learn that the problem could be your shoes. You can help yourself avoid invasive treatments like bunion surgery and plantar fasciitis surgery by simply swapping out your stilettos and flip-flops for well-fitted shoes with adequate support.

The foot experts at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists explain how your shoes impact your health in this infographic. Make an appointment with a foot specialist at our clinic for treatment for your bunions, foot fungus, or other foot problems, and help your friends and family avoid foot injuries by sharing this information with them.

Your feet do a lot of work, but they do not always receive the care and attention they need! Visiting a Houston area foot doctor can help you learn how to take care of your feet and spot small problems as soon as possible. This includes common foot concerns such as bunions:

Bunion Causes

It is normal for bunions to run in the family. This is due to poor foot structure that causes bunions to be passed down through different generations. But not all bunions are genetically destined to form; some are caused by certain habits, lifestyle choices, and even medical conditions. Many women get bunions as a result of wearing ill-fitting shoes with high heels and pointed toes. These shoes push feet into unnatural shapes that can cause bunions to form. Foot injuries and arthritis are also believed to cause bunions as they affect the structure of the foot and the health of the joint.

Bunion Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom of a bunion is the bump that develops around the base of the big toe. This bump can be painful and make it difficult to wear certain types of shoes. People who have bunions may also notice that their skin gets thicker around the large bunion bump. Redness, swelling, and soreness are also commonly experienced around the bunion and surrounding foot tissue. If the condition worsens, people may have a harder time moving their big toe than they did before the bunion formed.

Bunion Treatment

Some people can live with their bunions, but others require treatment to get relief. Knowing when to visit a podiatrist is important for learning how to live with a bunion. Persistent pain and decreased movement are both serious concerns, encouraging many people to seek information about bunion removal. Treatment options include wearing bunion pads, choosing the right footwear, applying ice packs, and scheduling regular appointments with a foot specialist. More serious cases may require surgical treatment to remove the bunion and restore the foot to its natural structure. Meeting with a foot doctor can help you learn more about bunion treatment options that can provide relief.

Proper foot care is important for keeping both skin and nails as clean and healthy as possible. Learning the right technique and schedule for clipping your toenails is essential for keeping them at the right length for optimal health and movement. Without this diligent care and trips to a foot specialist, you may end up suffering from ingrown toenails.

As one of the most common toenail problems, ingrown toenails can affect people of all ages. This condition occurs when either the sides or corners of the toenail stop growing straight and start digging into the skin surrounding the nail. Common causes of this problem include wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, experiencing repetitive trauma to the foot, or trimming toenails to be too short with rounded corners. Ingrown toenails typically cause swelling, redness, and irritation. More severe cases make it difficult to wear certain shoes or even walk without pain.

If you think you have an ingrown toenail, it is important to schedule an appointment with a Houston podiatrist as soon as possible. A foot specialist can inspect the toe and choose the best treatment plan.

When was the last time you visited a foot specialist in Houston? This expert can educate you about common toenail problems, making it easier to avoid these problems in the future! A visit to the foot doctor will give you more insight about toenail problems such as:

Fungal Infections

Onychomycosis, more commonly known as fungal infection of the nail, is one of the most common toenail problems seen and treated by foot specialists. Fungus that causes athlete’s foot can also create an infection of the toenail. This condition infects the nail as well as the skin that the nail protects. Symptoms of fungal infections include an unpleasant scent and darkening of the nail color. If you are concerned about infection risk, schedule an appointment with a foot doctor.

Toenail Injuries

Hurting your toes and toenails is frustrating, but did you know that it could also lead to infections or bone fractures? Toenail injuries commonly lead to other toenail problems, some of which require care from toe fungus doctors. Rubbing your toe repetitively on footwear, stubbing your toe, or dropping a heavy object on it can cause blood underneath the nail or even nail loss. This type of trauma can also loosen part of the toenail, making it easier for the area to become infected.

Hang Nails

Another common toenail problem comes in the form of hang nails. This term applies more to the skin surrounding the nail than the nail itself. Hang nails occurs when skin around the nail starts to tear or split as a result of being overly dry or a small injury. Dry skin can crack, causing hang nails to form around the nails. Cutting the cuticle or surrounding skin may also cause hang nails. The right cream can heal the skin and help you avoid future hang nails.

Ridges or Peeling Nails

Many people start noticing ridges on their toenails as they get older. Other people may notice ridges after using certain medicines or suffering from skin conditions. Peeling is another common concern that can be caused by nails that are wet a lot or nails that are exposed to harsh chemicals. Foot specialists can help treat and heal these concerns.