It’s possible for a podiatrist to detect changes associated with diabetes before you do. Foot doctors serving the Sugar Land area are always on the lookout for unusually cold feet, numbness, tingling, and foot pain that might indicate a diabetic foot. You can learn more about this serious health problem by watching this featured interview with a podiatrist.

She explains that the unstable blood glucose levels associated with diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels of the feet. This leads to poor circulation and an increased risk of undetected foot injuries. Patients with diabetes or vascular disease can protect their health by checking their feet daily, leading an active lifestyle, and following a medical treatment plan as recommended by the doctor.

Flat feet are a hereditary problem that is usually first visible during childhood. Without treatment, flat feet can lead to a lifetime of foot pain and conditions like hammertoes and bunions. Fortunately, there are options that can help children with flat feet develop an arch and avoid these kinds of complications. One such strategy your child’s foot specialist in Sugar Land may recommend is the subtalar MBA implant.

The subtalar MBA implant is designed to support the arch of the foot and prevent excessive pronation of the subtalar joint, which causes flat feet. The implant, which is made of titanium, is inserted into the subtalar joint, to realign the foot and promote the arching of the foot. Because bones in children are still flexible, the foot tends to respond well to this kind of treatment.

Following surgery, kids usually need a cam walker boot and crutches for about four weeks after the procedure. Following this recovery period, kids can usually return to their normal activities while wearing sneakers and orthotics.

Surgery is a common strategy podiatrists use to correct health problems with the feet. Because recovery time from foot surgery can be lengthy, most foot specialists recommend it after conservative treatments have failed. Despite the recovery time, surgery is sometimes the best way to alleviate foot pain and prevent further damage to the feet from happening. Here is a look at some of the types of foot surgery your podiatrist in Sugar Land may discuss with you.

Bunion Surgery

Bunions are growths that occur on the joint where the big toe meets the foot. They can be extremely painful and interfere with your mobility. If you have a bunion that is diagnosed in its early stages, it may respond to anti-inflammatory medications and wearing certain types of shoes. In advanced stages, however, surgery may be necessary. Depending on the size of the bunion, your foot specialist may recommend a bunionectomy, during which a small portion of the bone is removed, or a more invasive joint realignment. Joint realignments are reserved for the most severe bunions.

Neuroma Surgery

Neuromas are enlarged bundles of nerve tissue, usually between the third and fourth toe. They cause pain, tingling, and numbness at the base of the toes and on the balls of the feet. Neuromas can be treated without surgery in most cases when they are diagnosed early, but once they become advanced, surgery is necessary. During surgery, the foot specialist will remove the inflamed nerve to ease the symptoms.

Reconstructive Surgery

When part of the foot or ankle becomes damaged or deformed, reconstructive surgery may be necessary. These kinds of foot issues can occur as the result of injury, congenital condition, or diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There are a number of different reconstructive procedures, and the recovery times vary widely as well. Your podiatrist will recommend a procedure based on the nature and severity of your condition.

If you’re suffering from foot pain, a neuroma could be to blame. Neuromas, which are also known as pinched nerves or nerve tumors, are benign nerve tissue growths that often occur between the third and fourth toes, typically in women. If you’re experiencing foot pain, see your podiatrist in Sugar Land to get a diagnosis and to start treatment. Here are the answers to some question that you may have about neuromas.

What causes neuromas?

Foot specialists are not sure exactly what causes neuromas, but there are some factors that seem to increase the risk. Trauma that damages nerves in the feet could cause inflammation that leads to neuromas. Repetitive motions that put strain on the region of the foot usually affected by neuromas can also increase the risk. Wearing shoes that pinch the toes or put pressure on the forefoot also seem to raise the odds of developing neuromas. These include pointed toe shoes and high heels.

What are the symptoms?

Pain in the forefoot and between the toes is the most common symptom of neuromas. Some people also experience swelling between the toes. Pain, tingling, and numbness may also affect the ball of the foot, particularly when you take steps. The pain can become severe with movement and will often get worse when left untreated.

What treatments are available?

Treatments vary depending on the severity of your symptoms. If you see your foot specialist at the first sign of symptoms, conservative, non-invasive treatments are usually effective. Padding and taping the ball of the foot can help, as can custom orthotic devices that control your foot functioning and prevent you from aggravating the condition. Sometimes, anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections can also ease the pain. Wearing wide-toe box shoes and avoiding high heels is also necessary.

If these treatments are not successful or your neuroma is diagnosed in an advanced state, then surgical treatment may be needed. During surgery, the affected nerve tissue is removed to cure the condition.