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How Being Overweight Affects Foot Health

Carrying excess body weight places continuous pressure on the feet, which can strain bones, joints, and soft tissues with every step. The arches may gradually flatten under the increased load, altering foot posture and leading to plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or toe deformities. Extra weight can also add to plantar pressure, particularly under the ball of the foot and heel, which may result in pain and changes in walking patterns. Over time, this stress can affect balance and stability, making it more difficult for the feet and ankles to support normal movement. In some cases, the toes may curl or become misaligned due to the constant pressure on the forefoot. A podiatrist can evaluate these changes, assess how weight affects your foot structure, and recommend treatment to relieve pain and improve mobility. If you experience foot or ankle pain as a result of carrying extra weight, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. 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

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

  • When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
  • Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
  • Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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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Stages of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers often progress through stages that reflect increasing levels of tissue damage. In the earliest stage, the skin may appear intact, but deformities or poor circulation place the foot at risk for breakdown. A grade 1 ulcer is a shallow wound that affects only the skin’s outer layers. A grade 2 ulcer involves deeper tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, or joints. By grade 3, the ulcer may spread into the bone, creating a serious health concern. grade 4, involves dead tissue, or gangrene, at the front of the foot, and grade 5 occurs when gangrene extends throughout the entire foot, which can threaten limb preservation. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the diabetic foot ulcer, provide wound care, help improve circulation, and recommend surgery when necessary to reduce the risk of limb loss. If you have diabetes with developing foot ulcers, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and expert guidance in managing this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

How Tarsal Coalition Affects Children

Tarsal coalition occurs when two or more bones in a child’s foot grow together, which limits normal motion. This can cause stiffness, pain along the side or back of the foot, frequent ankle sprains, flat arches, and cramps or muscle spasms after activity. Although it is often congenital, many children begin to feel symptoms of tarsal coalition around ages eight to 15, when their bones harden and the fused area becomes less flexible. Some children may limp or have trouble walking on uneven ground because the affected foot does not move properly. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and can involve supportive inserts, casting to rest the foot, or surgery to separate the bones and restore movement. If your child has symptoms of tarsal coalition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

  • Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
  • Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
  • Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
  • Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
  • Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
  • Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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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Understanding Lisfranc Injuries

A Lisfranc injury affects the middle part of the foot, where the long bones of the toes connect to the arch. This type of injury can happen during sports, a misstep on uneven ground, or from a heavy object falling on the foot. A Lisfranc injury may involve stretched ligaments or broken bones, depending on how serious the impact is. Common signs include swelling on the top of the foot, bruising on the bottom of the arch, and pain that makes it hard to walk or put weight on the foot. These injuries are often mistaken for a simple sprain, but if left untreated they can lead to arthritis, ongoing pain, or changes in foot shape. A podiatrist can check for a Lisfranc injury with an exam and imaging tests, and recommend the right treatment, which may include immobilization or surgery. If you have symptoms of a Lisfranc foot injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot


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