Don’t Be Scared Off by These Common Foot Conditions

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It’s October and ghosts, goblins and witches are everywhere, and frightening movies abound. At Texas Foot Specialists, we know that there are also certain foot and ankle conditions that sound scary but in reality are quite treatable, especially if patients bring them to our podiatrists Dr. Bruce Miller or Dr. Gregory Mangum in a timely manner.

Onychomycosis—although this can be gruesome in appearance with thickening, yellowish colored nails that are crumbling and/or separating from the nail bed, toenail fungus (as it’s more commonly known) can be treated in several ways. There are both topical and oral medications as well as laser therapy that can be used to restore nails to health. Avoiding going barefoot in public places and not sharing items that touch someone else’s feet can help prevent fungal infections.

Metatarsalgia—pain in the ball of the foot or the area between the arch and the toes is characteristic of nerve inflammation of one of the metatarsals that defines this condition. Metatarsalgia treatment depends on the cause which can include anything from arthritis or Morton’s neuroma to ill-fitting footwear and injury.

Calcaneal Apophysitis—you would likely be alarmed if the podiatrist told you that your child had a condition with this name. And even hearing the more common term—Sever’s Disease—wouldn’t likely be any more reassuring. However, Sever’s Disease is not actually a disease. This disorder occurs in youth ages 8-15 whose heel bone has not yet finished developing. A vulnerable spot at the back of the heel where new bone growth is occurring can become inflamed with overuse and an aggressive sports schedule, causing severe heel pain. With rest from aggravating conditions, calcaneal apophysitis will usually abate.

We don’t want patients to ever be afraid of visiting the podiatrist. If you have any pain or discomfort in your toes, feet or ankles, contact our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) and Houston (713-664-6677) office for prompt diagnosis and treatment.