You may already know that most of the bones in your body are attached to other bones with strong, fibrous bands of tissue called ligaments. But did you know that there are a few exceptions? The underside of the forefoot features two very small bones, about the size of a kernel of corn. These are sesamoid bones and they are surrounded by tendons, rather than ligaments. Sesamoiditis is a type of tendinitis that involves the inflammation or irritation of these tendons. If you’ve been suffering from foot pain, consider seeing a podiatrist in Sugar Land to find out if you could have sesamoiditis or another podiatric condition.

Causes

Sesamoids have sometimes been called the pulleys of the feet. They allow the tendons to slide over the smooth surface of the bone to allow for muscle movements. Like any other bone, it is possible for the sesamoids to sustain a fracture due to physical trauma. It’s also possible for the tendons to become inflamed and painful due to repetitive strain. That’s why this type of tendinitis is most common among ballet dancers and other avid athletes.

Symptoms

Pain is the primary symptom of sesamoiditis. If you have this podiatric problem, you’ll notice that the pain is localized under your big toe toward the ball of the foot. The discomfort of sesamoiditis tends to develop over time, whereas a fracture of the sesamoid bone triggers acute pain. The pain may increase when you attempt to bend and straighten the big toe. The range of motion may be limited. It’s possible for swelling and bruising to develop, although this doesn’t occur in every case.

Diagnosis

When you visit a podiatrist, your appointment will include a physical exam. The podiatrist may move the toe or ask you to bend and straighten it. X-rays can be helpful in confirming a sesamoid fracture. In some cases, a podiatrist may request blood tests to rule out other possible causes such as gout and arthritis.

Treatments

Conservative treatment options are usually effective for treating sesamoiditis. Your podiatrist will recommend that you rest from physical activity, apply ice packs, and wear cushioning footwear. You may be advised to take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or the podiatrist may inject an anti-inflammatory directly into the area.

If you suffer from foot pain and previously underwent surgery to address that pain, only to find that your pain got worse afterwards, you may need to undergo reconstructive surgery to repair the previous mistake. Your foot doctor in Sugar Land can evaluate your foot to determine if an additional surgery could benefit you.

One of the common reasons why patients seek reconstructive foot surgery is because screws placed during the initial surgery have since become damaged or loose. It’s also possible that you did not heal properly after your surgery, resulting in additional pain. Some patients suffer from continued pain because too much bone was removed during their first surgery. It’s also possible that the foot surgeon who performed the initial surgery was not experienced enough to do so correctly. The good news is that reconstructive surgery can help to repair the problem that occurred after your first surgery so that you can get relief from your symptoms.

There are a variety of foot conditions that a podiatrist can treat, including flatfoot. If you are suffering from foot pain on a regular basis, particularly pain around your heel or arch, you may have flat feet. Talk to your foot surgeon in Sugar Land about your symptoms, and read the answers to the following questions to find out more about flatfoot and how surgery can help.

What Is Flatfoot?

Feet that have low arches are considered flat. If you have flat feet, you may notice that the entire sole of each foot touches the floor when you are standing. While some individuals with flatfeet experience no symptoms, others experience pain that can make activities such as running and playing sports more difficult. Flatfeet may be a hereditary condition that results in the arches not fully developing during childhood, or it can develop as the result of an injury or wear and tear with age. Even if you do not experience foot pain due to flat feet, you may develop problems with your ankles and knees due to the misalignment of your legs.

What Does Surgery Involve?

If your podiatrist has recommended surgery to correct your flat feet, you may be wondering what this procedure entails. Flatfoot surgery is a reconstructive procedure that aims to improve the alignment of the foot by creating a higher arch. The exact techniques used depend on the patient’s specific problems, but the procedure usually involves repairing the ligaments and tendons that support the arch. Bone cuts may also be needed to correct flat feet.

Can Surgery Help Me?

Only a foot surgeon can give you a definitive answer about whether or not flatfoot surgery will help you. However, there are a few signs which indicate that this procedure may be useful. If you experience foot or ankle pain on a daily basis, then you may benefit from surgery. Your podiatrist may recommend non-invasive treatments, such as immobilization, shoe inserts, and physical therapy, before considering foot surgery.

It is important to keep your body healthy, from your head right down to your toes. Toenail fungus is a common condition that can impact the health of your toenails and lead to pain and embarrassment. If you are concerned about toenail fungus, schedule an appointment with a foot doctor in Sugar Land to have your feet examined. You can also find out more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for toenail fungus below.

Causes

Nail fungus is a type of fungal infection that can take root in the space between your nails and your skin. Toenail fungal infections are more common than fingernail infections, as the toes are often confined in socks and shoes, which provide an ideal environment for fungal growth. Toenail fungus is often spread in warm, damp areas, such as in locker rooms and around public swimming pools.

Symptoms

Toenail fungus can have a variety of effects on the nails. This type of infection can cause the toenails to become discolored and yellowed. Infected nails may also thicken as the infection spreads. Other common symptoms which indicate that you should schedule an appointment with your podiatrist include nails that are distorted, dull, and brittle. Toenail fungus may affect just one of the nails on a foot, or can spread to several nails. You may also feel pain in your toes or notice a foul odor coming from your toenails if you are suffering from toenail fungus.

Treatment

Your foot doctor can help you find the right treatment to eliminate toenail fungus. Antifungal medications may be used to treat the infection. These medications may come in the form of oral pills or medicated creams. Another highly effective form of toenail fungus treatment is laser treatment. With this option, your podiatrist will direct a laser through your toenail to kill the fungal infection at its source. Laser treatment is painless and fast, with no unwanted side effects.