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Obesity May Cause Daily Activities to Change

Patients who are overweight can often have foot conditions that may occur as a result of being obese. The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and endure a large percentage of body weight. Research has indicated that for every pound of body weight, the feet absorb approximately three times the amount of force while walking. The feet and ankles may hurt while performing daily stretching routines, and this may cause exercising to cease. Additionally, larger shoes may have to be purchased to accommodate the changing size and foot shape. If you would like more information about how obesity can impact the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

How Can I Tell If I Have a Hammertoe?

Research has found that the second toe, next to the big toe, is most likely to develop a hammertoe if an injury occurs, along with other causes. Hammertoes typically occur due to genetic factors, ill-fitting footwear, or from arthritis. This condition is most notably recognized by the appearance of the affected toe. Like its name suggests, a hammertoe will typically point downward, in a hammer-like fashion. Hammertoes can be incredibly uncomfortable and can make completing daily tasks difficult. To help ease the pain of mild hammertoes, a professional may suggest wearing custom orthotics. For more severe cases, it may be necessary to have surgery performed in order to correct this ailment. For more advice on how to treat and correct a hammertoe, please consult with a podiatrist.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Common Signs You May Have Toenail Fungus

There are noticeable signs you may have developed toenail fungus. These often include the nail appearing thick, yellowed, and unsightly. It may target the big toenail first, then gradually spread to the other toenails. Many patients who have this ailment notice there can be an unpleasant odor that comes from the nails. This may be a result of fungus that has gathered under the nail, and the odor may continue to be there after the feet have been washed. In severe cases, the toenail may fall off, and will grow back normally when correct treatment begins. For stubborn cases of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can prescribe medication that can effectively treat this condition.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Feet

If you are experiencing severe pain and joint deformity, you may be showing symptoms indicative of rheumatoid arthritis. This form of arthritis causes the body to attack its own joint tissue. This may result in inflammation as well as progressive joint damage. The effects of rheumatoid arthritis are typically most present in the toes, however this condition may also cause flat feet, resulting in fallen arches. Heel pain, nerve damage, and skin rashes are also other conditions that may arise due to rheumatoid arthritis. If you are afflicted with this ailment, it is highly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist as the most advanced treatment options are available now.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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