Houston (832) 673-0500
Sugar Land (281) 313-6300
Houston (832) 673-0500
Sugar Land (281) 313-6300
Symptoms of foot pain may include burning, numbness, swelling, or sharp pain in the toes, heel, or arch. These issues may stem from nerve compression, inflammation, poor circulation, or joint damage. Swollen ankles may follow injuries or may be linked to underlying conditions that restrict fluid movement. Tingling or numbness might point to nerve damage caused by repetitive pressure or complications from medical conditions. Stiffness or intense pain in the morning may suggest inflammation of tissue or tendon problems. Runners or people who stand for long periods may experience increased pain from stress on the bones and soft tissue of the feet. Redness, itching, or rashes may indicate infections or allergic responses. Hard or soft lumps may form on different parts of the foot, often due to cysts or joint deformities. A podiatrist can evaluate these foot pain symptoms, perform diagnostic tests, and recommend medical treatment or surgery, if needed. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
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.
Our feet are arguably the most important parts of our bodies because they are responsible for getting us from place to place. However, we often don’t think about our feet until they begin to hurt. If you have pain in your feet, you need to first determine where on the foot you are experiencing it to get to the root of the problem. The most common areas to feel pain on the foot are the heel and the ankle.
Heel pain is most commonly attributed to a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is the band of tough tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis pain is usually worse in the morning, and it tends to go away throughout the day. If you have plantar fasciitis, you should rest your foot and do heel and foot muscles stretches. Wearing shoes with proper arch support and a cushioned sole has also been proven to be beneficial.
Some common symptoms of foot pain are redness, swelling, and stiffness. Foot pain can be dull or sharp depending on its underlying cause. Toe pain can also occur, and it is usually caused by gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, sprains, fractures, and corns.
If you have severe pain in your feet, you should immediately seek assistance from your podiatrist for treatment. Depending on the cause of your pain, your podiatrist may give you a variety of treatment options.
Heel pain is a frequent complaint that can make walking or standing difficult. One of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis, which involves irritation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Heel spurs, small bony growths, can also cause pain by pressing into soft tissue. Other causes include Achilles tendinopathy, bursitis, stress fractures, or nerve compression. Wearing poor footwear, flat feet, or sudden increases in activity often make symptoms worse. Pain may be sharp in the morning, dull by evening, or triggered by certain movements. Each cause requires a different approach to treatment, from rest and stretching to custom orthotics or medical care. Ignoring heel pain can lead to more serious problems, over time. If your heel pain is not improving, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
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.
Have you ever gotten up from a chair or out of bed in the morning, and upon taking that first step, feel like your heel has stepped on a tack? Many people experience a feeling of sharp pain which radiates into their arch from their heel and which does not allow them to put their heel on the floor. Sometimes they need to sit back down, stand only on their toes and use the wall for balance. If you can take a few steps, it seems to go away and lessen, allowing you to then resume your activity. Later, throughout your day and after a period of rest, it can happen again. If this sounds familiar you may be suffering from your first attack of heel pain.
Heel pain is a debilitating condition that affects day to day activities. Running and walking both causes stress on the heel because the heel is the part of the foot that hits the ground first. This means that the heel is taking on your entire weight. Diagnosis and treatments for heel pain can be easily found through your podiatrist.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the main causes of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot, from the toe to the bottom of the heel. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of these tissues, resulting in heel pain. People who do not wear proper fitting shoes are often at risk of developing problems such as plantar fasciitis. Unnecessary stress from ill-fitting shoes, weight change, excessive running, and wearing non-supportive shoes on hard surfaces are all causes of plantar fasciitis.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Similar to plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause heel pain due to stress fractures and muscle tearing. A lack of flexibility of the ankle and heel is an indicator of Achilles tendonitis. If left untreated, this condition can lead to plantar fasciitis and cause even more pain on your heel.
Heel Spur
A third cause of heel pain is a heel spur. A heel spur occurs when the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, leading to a separation of the ligament from the heel bone entirely. This results in a pointed fragment of bone on the ball of the foot, known as a heel spur.
Chronic heel pain from plantar fasciitis can make completing daily activities difficult, and, when other treatments fail to provide relief, surgery becomes an option. Plantar fasciitis surgery involves releasing the tight ligament that runs from the toes to the heel, which helps to ease pressure and promote healing. A podiatrist may recommend a plantar fasciotomy, where the fascia is carefully detached from the heel bone, or a plantar fasciectomy, where damaged tissue is removed. Surgery for plantar fasciitis can be performed as an open procedure with a small incision or endoscopically using a camera and smaller openings, typically resulting in faster recovery. Most patients can expect improved foot function after healing, although recovery times vary depending on the surgical method. A podiatrist will carefully evaluate health conditions like diabetes or nerve issues before recommending surgery. The goal is to reduce heel pain, restore mobility, and prevent long-term foot complications. If you have heel pain that may be the result of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment, which may include surgery.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
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 and ankle needs.
When conservative, noninvasive methods prove ineffective, surgery may be selected as the next course of action for the treatment of your foot or ankle condition. A wide number of foot and ankle surgical procedures exist, and it is up to your podiatrist to determine which intervention will be most appropriate and helpful for your case. Some surgical procedures include bunion surgery, fusion, hammertoe surgery, heel spur surgery, metatarsal surgery, nail surgery, neuroma surgery, reconstructive surgery, skin surgery, and tendon surgery. Typically, surgery is turned to as a definitive way to alleviate excessive pain or discomfort and to return your foot to full mobility.
Regardless of the location on the body, all surgical procedures require preoperative testing and examination to ensure the surgery’s success and preferred outcome. A review of your medical history and medical conditions will take place, as will an evaluation of any current diseases, illnesses, allergies, and medications. Tests such as blood studies, urinalyses, EKG, X-rays, and blood flow studies may be ordered. Because the procedure involves the foot and/or ankle, the structures of your feet while walking may also be observed by your podiatrist.
Care post-surgery will depend on the type of surgical procedure performed. Typically, all postoperative care involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation. To improve and ensure a safe recovery, your foot and ankle surgeon may also employ the use of bandages, splints, surgical shoes, casts, crutches, or canes. He will also determine if and when you can bear weight. A timely and thorough recovery is a priority for both you and your podiatrist, and carefully following postoperative instructions can help achieve this.
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition, where a nerve between the toes becomes thickened and inflamed. Morton’s neuroma often causes a burning sensation, tingling, or a feeling of a lump in the ball of the foot. This condition is commonly triggered by wearing tight shoes or high heels, or by repetitive stress on the foot. Initial treatment focuses on relieving pressure on the nerve by switching to wider, more supportive footwear, and using orthotic inserts to distribute pressure more evenly. Taking anti-inflammatory medication can help manage pain and swelling. For persistent cases, corticosteroid injections or targeted exercises may be recommended to reduce symptoms. In severe situations, surgery might be considered to remove the affected nerve. If you suspect you have Morton's neuroma or are struggling with persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide specialized treatment tailored to your needs.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher of Texas. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
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.
Morton’s neuroma, (also referred to as Morton’s metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuralgia, plantar neuroma or intermetatarsal neuroma) is a condition that is caused when the tissue around one of the nerves between your toes begins to thicken. This thickening can result in pain in the ball of the foot. Fortunately, the condition itself is not cancerous.
Morton’s neuroma affects women more often than men with a ratio of 4:1. It tends to target women between the age of 50 and 60, but it can occur in people of all ages. There are some risk factors that may put you at a slightly higher risk of developing the condition. People who often wear narrow or high-heeled shoes are often found to be linked to Morton’s neuroma. Additionally, activities such as running or jogging can put an enormous amount of pressure on the ligament and cause the nerve to thicken.
There usually aren’t any outward symptoms of this condition. A person who has Morton’s neuroma may feel as if they are standing on a pebble in their shoe. They may also feel a tingling or numbness in the toes as well as a burning pain in the ball of their foot that may radiate to their toes.
In order to properly diagnose you, the doctor will press on your foot to feel for a mass or tender spot. He may also do a series of tests such as x-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI. X-rays are usually done to rule out any other causes for your foot pain such as a stress fracture. Ultrasounds are used to reveal soft tissue abnormalities that may exist, such as neuromas. Your podiatrist may want to use an MRI in order to visualize your soft tissues.
There are three main options for treatment of Morton’s neuroma: Injections, decompression surgery, and removal of the nerve. Injections of steroids into the painful area have been proven to help those with Morton’s neuroma. Decompression surgery has been shown to relieve pressure on the affected nerve by cutting nearby structures such as the ligaments in the foot. Another treatment option would be to surgically remove the growth to provide pain relief.
If you suspect that you have Morton’s neuroma you should make an appointment with your podiatrist right away. You shouldn’t ignore any foot pain that lasts longer than a few days, especially if the pain does not improve.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity in which one or more of the smaller toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, creating a curled or hammer-like appearance. This condition often develops gradually and can become rigid over time if not treated. Common causes include an imbalance in the muscles or tendons that control toe movement, often triggered by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that crowd the toes. Repeated pressure and friction can worsen the deformity. Risk factors include having a longer second toe, certain inherited foot structures, or conditions such as arthritis and diabetes. Wearing high heels or shoes with narrow toe boxes may also increase the likelihood of developing hammertoe. If you have signs of hammertoe, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment methods.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
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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