If you’re experiencing heel or foot pain in Sugar Land , then your podiatrist may inform you that you’re suffering from Achilles tendinitis or tendinosis. Patients who have either of these 2 conditions typically suffer from soreness, stiffness, pain, aching, or tenderness in the tendon, which connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. Achilles tendinitis refers to short-term inflammation in the tendon, while Achilles tendinosis can involve tears in and degeneration of the tendon.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an Achilles tendon problem, then the treatment recommended by your podiatrist can depend on how long you’ve experienced symptoms and the severity of your condition. Some common treatments for a painful Achilles tendon include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to address the pain, ice to reduce inflammation and swelling, immobilization to promote healing, physical therapy for strengthening, and the use of foot orthotics to relieve stress from the tendon. When non-invasive treatments fail to provide a patient with relief, then they may be referred to a foot surgeon for 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.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your foot pain, then you may benefit from bunion surgery near Sugar Land . When left untreated, bunions can cause you severe discomfort and affect your quality of life, but surgery for bunions can potentially provide you with relief from your painful symptoms.

Understanding Bunions

Bunions are one of the many possible causes of foot pain. A bunion is described as an enlargement of the MTP, or metatarsophalangeal, joint, which is located at the base of the big toe. If you’re unsure about the nature of your condition, visit a foot specialist as soon as possible to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan. Some of the common symptoms of a bunion include swelling, redness, or pain. You may also notice a firm bump on the outer edge of the MTP joint and restricted motion in your big toe.

Treating Bunions

Your podiatrist may first advise a variety of conservative treatments to address your painful bunion symptoms, such as ice application to reduce swelling, orthotic shoe inserts to offer cushioning and support, and shoes that provide plenty of space in the toe box to avoid aggravating your symptoms. When non-invasive methods fail to address your pain or prevent the progression of the condition, your doctor may advise surgical solutions for your bunions.

Removing Bunions

When you and your doctor determine that surgery is the best option for providing you with relief from your symptoms and repairing the MTP joint, you may be scheduled for a bunionectomy. This surgical treatment for bunions is a simple procedure that involves the removal of the bony prominence on your foot and is optimal for less severe cases of bunions. If your bunion condition is more advanced, a more involved surgery may be necessary. This type of treatment usually involves removing the bony prominence and realigning the affected joint. After their procedure, patients usually experience a few weeks of pain and discomfort which can typically be managed using medication prescribed by your podiatrist.

Toenail fungus is a common foot problem for people with diabetes. If you develop an infection, it is important to see a foot doctor for toenail fungus removal near Sugar Land as soon as possible to prevent the fungus from spreading.

Watch this video to learn how diabetes increases the chances of developing toenail fungus. Because diabetes frequently causes nerve damage, you may not be aware when you injure your toenail. Such an injury can create an opening for fungus, allowing an infection to take hold. Without treatment from a foot doctor, the infection can spread beyond the nail to the foot. In turn, that infection can cause cracks in the skin that allow bacteria to enter, causing a secondary infection that must be treated by a foot and ankle specialist.

Toenail fungus is a very common foot disorder that is caused by a fungal infection in the nail. The condition can spread to other toenails, the skin of the foot, and even your fingernails if left untreated. If you’re concerned that you’re suffering from toenail fungus, visit a podiatrist in Sugar Land for diagnosis and treatment.

Watch this video to learn more about toenail fungus, and how to avoid developing it. Dr. Richard Jacoby discusses the symptoms of the condition, its causes, and how to keep your feet healthy and fungus free.

Keeping your feet healthy is an important aspect of your overall health. Use the following tips and work closely with your podiatrist in Sugar Land to maintain good foot health throughout your life:

Avoid Dirty, Wet Feet
A lot of fungal problems develop when you do not pay attention to the hygiene of your feet. Whenever you shower, you should spend some time cleaning and scrubbing your feet and dry them well when you are finished. If your shoes and socks get wet, you should change them so fungal organisms do not have a chance to grow.

Know Your Feet
You should occasionally glance at your feet to make sure they look normal. Check out the heels and the areas in between your toes to see if you notice any scaling or peeling that might be a sign of a condition like athlete’s foot. Pay attention to your toenails to see if you notice any discoloration.

Cut Your Toenails
If you do not properly cut your toenails, you could be at risk for conditions like ingrown toenails. It is important to use a nail clipper and to cut the nail straight across. Do not cut the nails too short or round out the corners. If you are unsure about how to properly cut your toenails, you can schedule an appointment with your podiatrist to learn the right technique.

Cover Your Feet
Whenever you walk through a public area, you should have some kind of protection on your feet. Bring shower shoes to the gym or a dorm so you do not come into contact with harmful bacteria or fungi that might cause uncomfortable infections. You should also wear shoes when you walk through locker rooms or around public pools. Avoid sharing footwear or you could inadvertently spread fungal infections.

Wear Shoes that Fit
Ill-fitting footwear can do a lot of damage to your feet and might lead to long-term problems like bunions. It is very important to take the time to find shoes that fit properly. Make sure there is plenty of room for your toes and that the heel provides support.

Your foot health can have a demonstrative impact on your quality of life. If each step brings pain, you may need foot surgery. While foot surgery may entail a few weeks of rest and recovery, it can help you enjoy several decades of pain-free movement. A consultation with a foot specialist in Sugar Land can help you better understand the type of foot surgery that best meets your needs.

Ingrown Toenail Surgery
The mild discomfort of an ingrown toenail can quickly evolve into severe pain and infection. Once the toenail penetrates the surrounding skin, topical medication may not be enough to alleviate the problem. Instead, a foot doctor may decide to perform ingrown toenail surgery. This procedure may require the removal of the toenail and damaged skin so that the toe can begin the healing process. To prevent any surgery-related discomfort, the podiatrist can provide appropriate pain relief aids.

Ganglion Cyst Removal
Ganglion cysts do not normally contain malignant cells, but they can cause significant foot pain. These fluid-filled growths often develop in proximity to nerve endings in the foot on which they may press. This chronic pressure can then produce acute pain for sufferers. To eliminate foot discomfort, a foot and ankle specialist can remove the ganglion cyst contributing to it. This surgery is often an outpatient procedure and recipients of it frequently report a fast recovery period.

Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes inflammation along the base of the foot. This region contains connective tissue that extends from the toes to the heel of the foot. However, the plantar fascia is often vulnerable to irritation. Individuals who partake in activities that may place considerable pressure on the bottom of the foot are particularly susceptible to plantar fasciitis. When rest and pain relief aids cannot alleviate the discomfort of this condition, a foot doctor may determine plantar fasciitis surgery the best treatment alternative. This procedure eases tension in a portion of the plantar fascia so that recipients can once again walk without pain.

Have you been putting off seeing a foot specialist in Sugar Land for your toenail fungus? If so, you may be compromising your foot health. Toenail fungus may begin as one a minor concern, but as with many foot conditions, delayed treatment can result in progressively serious complications.

Nail Damage
Your toenails are integral to your overall foot health. They also serve an important aesthetic role. When you allow toenail fungus to persist, though, you may be risking the wellbeing of your nails. This condition can compromise the body’s ability to keep your toenails attached to the skin. It might even lead to toenail loss that cannot be replaced with new nail growth. A toe fungus doctor can address this potential complication of toenail fungus before it produces permanent foot disfigurement.

Skin Infection
Skin infections can be cosmetically adverse and physically uncomfortable. They may also be difficult to address when you have an active toenail fungus. If left unchecked, toenail fungus can have repercussions beyond your toenails. Should it come into contact with even the smallest cut or scratch on your foot, you may soon have a dangerous skin infection that could require extensive podiatrist treatment. Before your toenail fungus has the chance to cause this kind of harm to your feet, talk to a foot and ankle specialist about his laser treatment options for your condition.

Chronic Discomfort
In its beginning stages, toenail fungus may produce little discomfort. As a result, it is easy to underestimate the importance of treatment for it. The longer this condition persists, though, the more likely that you will experience pain because of it. This discomfort can interfere with your favorite sports and hobbies. It can also make it difficult to engage in more commonplace activities. Toenail fungus treatment is a simple, safe, and highly effective way to address this problem. In less than an hour, your foot doctor can use laser energy to eliminate the bacteria causing your condition. In many cases, it takes only a single session to get the results you want.

Bunions are often a chronic problem that can make finding suitable footwear challenging and walking without pain difficult. Understanding the circumstances that create bunions can help you better prevent them. If you already suffer from this issue, though, you likely need the help of a foot doctor in Sugar Land. A podiatrist can provide you with timely treatment that eases your discomfort and stems the progression of this common condition.

Why Bunions Develop

Should you have bunions, you may find your footwear to be the cause. When you regularly wear shoes that force your toes to squeeze together, you may actually change the alignment of your toe joints. Especially when your big toe pushes toward your smaller toes, the base of it may jut out. The longer that you use footwear that creates these conditions, the more likely that you will have bunions because of it. However, bunions may also form for reasons beyond your control. A foot and ankle specialist may tell you to look at the feet of your parents. If they have bunions, you may be genetically predisposed to this problem. Wearing poorly structured shoes may only hasten it.

How a Foot Doctor Can Treat Bunions

You do not have to live with a lifetime of bunion pain. Getting appropriate treatment for bunions as soon as possible can not only save you from further discomfort, but also prevent you from needing more extensive foot care. If you notice a problem in the very earliest stages of bunion formation, your foot doctor may recommend replacing your current footwear with shoes more accommodating of your toes. He might also introduce padding or orthotics into your shoes so that the side of your toes experience less severe pressure. If these measures cannot alleviate your condition, bunion removal may be necessary. Bunion surgery can be tailored to your needs. For instance, your foot specialist may decide that taking off a minimal amount of bone from the side of your foot is all you need to restore your foot health. Should you suffer from severe bunions, the surgical realignment of the toe joints might be the better treatment option.

Toenails are designed to protect the toes from injury and impact. However, toenails can become loose for many reasons. This condition often affects runners, tennis players, and other athletes. If you have a loose toenail, cut the nail back to avoid catching it on your footwear. The toe can also be bandaged to keep the nail in place. Check out this video to learn more about the causes and treatments of a loose toenail.

Healthy feet are essential for a healthy body. If you have foot pain, toenail problems, or other foot concerns, contact your podiatrist at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists by calling (281) 242-3338. Our Sugar Land podiatry practice offers comprehensive foot care, including minimally-invasive treatments.

How to Deal with a Loose Toenail