Don’t Be Scared of Podiatric Disorders

It’s the time of year for ghosts and goblins and scary movies, but one thing we at Texas Foot Specialists don’t want our patients frightened of is their diagnosis of a foot issue. Sometimes foot disorders have names that are a lot scarier than the actual condition. Below are a few you may hear:

Calcaneal Apophysitis

The pain caused by this disorder is no illusion. It affects young patients ages 8-15 and is also known as Sever’s Disease. Calcaneal apophysitis is an inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel. With new bone still developing, there is a vulnerable spot at the back of the heel. Repeated stress to the heel from sports such as soccer, track and basketball can cause inflammation and pain. Fortunately, rest from the activities that irritate the heel will usually result in the inflammation subsiding. It can be a recurring problem, however, particularly for youth who are active in sports until full growth is reached.

Onychomycosis

This is the technical term for a common podiatric problem: fungal toenails. Onychomycosis is often not painful, so patients put off seeking treatment. Your toenail may start to look a little scary—discoloration (usually turning a yellowish white), chipping and peeling at the edges and a thickening appearance are all signs of onychomycosis. Fungal toenails can be stubbornly resistant to treatment. We offer laser therapy for this condition at our Pasadena (281) 991-0600, Sugar Land (281) 242-4448 and Houston (713) 664-6677 offices. It is safe and effective at eliminating the infection and restoring your nail.

Edema

Edema means swelling. It is often seen in the ankles and feet, sometimes as the result of pregnancy or just being on your feet for a long period of time without a break. It can, however, be a sign of something more serious such as a circulation problem, infection, injury, lymphatic system dysfunction or hypertension. If you have noticed swelling in your ankles and/or feet, it’s important that one of our podiatrists, Dr. Gregory Mangum or Dr. Bruce Miller, examine your feet and determine the cause of the swelling.

Fear should never keep you from getting a foot problem evaluated. If you are experiencing any pain or unusual symptoms, contact us today.