Podiatric Health Care and Opioids—What’s the Connection?

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At Texas Foot Specialists, as healthcare professionals we are pleased that Texas has one of the lowest rates of drug overdose deaths involving opioids in the country. We’d like to see that number continue to drop and by offering patients high-quality podiatric care with a focus on being proactive about lower extremity injuries and foot disorders that we can help.

Reducing the Risk

For patients, the best way to avoid being prescribed opioids is to reduce your risk for conditions and injuries that require pain medication. Below are some suggestions:

  • Don’t delay seeking evaluation of foot and lower extremity pain. In the vast majority of cases, the pain will increase. In addition, being in pain can force you to alter the way you walk which can lead to a fall and injury. Procrastinating seeing our podiatrists Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum if you’ve already sustained an injury may increase the severity of the problem. The bottom line, if you have foot or ankle pain, is to contact our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston (713-664-6677) office for an appointment promptly.

  • Avoid shoes that hurt your feet. Pain from conditions such as bunions, plantar fasciitis and hammertoe can increase dramatically if you wear shoes that put pressure on affected areas or that don’t support your feet.

  • Take proper safety precautions. Safe and undistracted driving, not over-reaching on a ladder, using power tools according to directions—these are just a few ways to prevent accidents that can cause injuries that are frequently treated with opioid pain medications.

  • Stay active and maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise helps you stay flexible and aids in keeping weight stable. Excess weight puts additional strain on knees, feet and ankles, increasing the risk of painful conditions. Being in good physical condition also improves circulation which means any injuries you do have can heal more quickly with the efficient delivery of oxygen-rich blood.

If you are struggling with a painful podiatric condition, contact us for help managing the pain and finding a permanent solution.