Five Sports Injuries of the Foot and Ankle - The Texas Foot Specialists

Injuries are quite common in athletes. This is because of the physical demands that each sport requires. And one of the most abused parts in any sport is the feet. It is constantly exposed to stress from explosive movements such as jumping, running or quickly changing directions. The foot is one of the most robust structures in the body but it too has its limits. And when it is stretched beyond its limits, foot and ankle injuries can occur.

Five Foot and ankle sports injuries commonly seen in athletes:

1. Ankle sprains. This is usually the result of landing on an uneven surface which results to the foot turning in a bad position. This can result to a partial or complete tear of the ligaments responsible for stabilizing and supporting your ankle joint.
2. Achilles tendon injury. Coined as Achilles tendonitis, this injury to the Achilles tendon. It is often the result of over usage of the tendon. Usually an acute inflammation, the tendon may become ruptured especially if it is already weak.
3. Plantar fasciitis. This is a condition wherein the tissue that connects the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. Once there is plantar fasciitis, you may feel pain in your heel or in your arch.
4. Stress fractures. A stress fracture is most common in runners. This is an injury to the tendons and ligaments which are located on the inside and outside of your ankle. This can cause stress in your foot bones. Though a stress fracture does not happen in one event, repetitive stress on the bone may cause it to break. As a matter of fact, 5-15% on all running-related injuries are dedicated to stress fractures and 49% of all injuries are usually seen on those people who ran a range of 25 to 44 miles a week.
5. Turf toe. An athlete can also suffer from a turf toe which is best described as a sprain of the main joint on your big toe. It is painful and will result to limited joint movement in your big toe.

Pain and swelling are the first indication of a possible injury. Although most of the pain felt could be due to a strained muscle, lingering pain could be a sign of a serious foot and ankle injury. When this happens, consult a podiatrist.  Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are Podiatrists who specialize in helping athletes suffering from foot and ankle injuries.  

A sport that has relatively high amount of foot and ankle injuries is soccer. Soccer injuries are usually the result of collisions when one player strikes another with a forceful impact. Since soccer can also be an example of a contact sport, a player usually gets a direct blow to his lower leg. This accounts for 20-30% ankle injuries in all of the recorded soccer injuries. 

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Two Types Of Foot Stress Fractures - The Texas Foot Specialists

Types of foot stress fractures

There are two types of stress fractures, fatigue and insufficiency fractures. Fatigue fractures are the result of repeated stress on the foot that results to an injury beyond the bone’s natural healing ability. An insufficiency fracture on the other hand is caused by a weakened bone structure like those seen in people suffering from osteoporosis.

Stress fractures remain unnoticed until pain becomes unbearable. Therefore early diagnosis is essential to prevent the condition from progressing. A podiatrist is a foot specialist that is highly qualified to identify and treat foot stress fractures. Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are Podiatrists who specialize in helping people suffering from foot injuries.

Stress fractures commonly develop in the weight-bearing bones especially those located in the lower foot. This type of injury can be seen in track and field athletes or just about anyone who participates in activities that place too much stress on the foot.

What causes foot stress fractures?

Stress fractures can be the result of repetitive abuse of the foot during jumps or long distance running. It can also be the result of weakened bones due to an underlying disease.

Symptoms of a foot stress fracture

1. Foot pain that often manifests itself during physical activities and decrease with rest
2. Pain that intensifies over time
3. Swelling and tenderness

Diagnosis of foot stress fractures

Pain is a signal that indicates injury or something abnormal. Foot pain during physical activities can be an indication of foot stress fractures. Consulting with a podiatrist gives you the best chance for early diagnosis and drastically improves prognosis.

Diagnosis starts with a thorough check of your medical history and previous activities. The podiatrist inspects your foot for swelling and tenderness.

A thorough diagnosis involves obtaining a detailed history of your condition and performing an examination of the injury and surrounding area. Stress fractures are not easily identified on X-ray until about 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms. More detailed tests such as MRIs, CT scan or bone scans are performed if a podiatrist suspect a stress fracture even after testing negative on X-ray.

Treatment for foot stress fractures

• Rest – reducing pressure on the feet prevents further injury and buys time for it to heal properly
• Ice – this reduces swelling and helps relieve pain
• Pain medications – stick to acetaminophen based pain relievers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers may interfere with proper bone healing.

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Achilles Tendon And Sports Injuries - The Texas Foot Specialists

The tendon is a connective tissue that attaches muscles to the bones. And the largest tendon in our body is the Achilles tendon. This is no surprise since the Achilles tendon is responsible for supporting most of the heavy movements in our foot. Which makes it a perfect candidate for injuries especially for athletes.

The Achilles tendon allows us to lift our heel when walking, running or almost every movement in our foot. Therefore any injury to our Achilles tendon can have a direct affect in our movements. A visit to a podiatrist can help identify if you are suffering from Achilles tendonitis. Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists who specialize in helping people suffering from Achilles tendonitis and other foot disorders.  

The inflammation of the Achilles tendon is called Achilles tendonitis. This inflammation is usually the result of overworking the foot or placing too much stress on your Achilles tendon.

Causes

1. Overuse of the Achilles tendon which lead to development of small tendon tears
2. Arthritis
3. Foot problems such as flat feet or hyper-pronated feet which turns inward while walking
4. Wearing shoes such as high heels and those with minimal support
5. Overweight and obesity, since this adds more pressure to your Achilles tendon
6. Intake of quinolone antibiotics since it can be linked to tenosynovitis

Signs and symptoms

• Pain at the back of the heel
• Difficulty in walking or running
• Achilles tendon is swollen, tender and warm

Severity degrees

• Mild. Pain at the Achilles tendon only occurs during an activity or immediately after a few minutes.
• Moderate. Swelling of the tendon occurs and sometimes, there is a formation of a hard lump or nodule.
• Severe. Any type of activities, even simple ones that involves weight bearing will elicit pain from the Achilles tendon. There are also rare cases wherein the tendon may rupture or tear. When this happens, you will feel a "hard whack" on your heel.

Diagnosis

1. Medical history which will include the type of footwear you normally use as well as your regular activities and exercise habits
2. Physical examination done by your doctor to see tenderness and swelling of your Achilles tendon
3. Imaging tests such as x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI scan of your tendon
4. Blood tests may also be done to check for inflammatory conditions

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot sports injuries. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Removal Of Ugly Fungal Toenails - The Texas Foot Specialists

Nail abnormalities can be an indication of a fungal nail infection. Fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis, is a common occurrence across all ages. This happens when a fungus infects a fingernail, toenail or the nail bed. The fungus can infect your nail through small cuts or wounds around the nail or through an opening between the nail and the nail bed. A nail with a fungus infection appears yellowish, crumbles easily and thicker than usual.

Fungal nail infections respond well to treatment but if left untreated, this could progress into more serious conditions.  Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are Podiatrists who specialize in diagnosing and treating fungal nail infections.

There are factors that increases your risk for developing fungal nail infection. These include genetics, people suffering from diabetes, circulation problems, weak immune system or Down syndrome. The elderly those who perspire profusely and works in humid or moist environment are good candidates for fungal nail infections.

Fungal nail infection is commonly found in toenails. This is because fungus thrive under certain conditions such as abnormal pH levels of the skin and continuous exposure to dark, warm and moist environments. Conditions which perfectly describe shoes. However, this condition is highly treatable. There are home remedies that could help treat fungal nail infection during its early stages. Always Check with your doctor first.   

• Apple Cider Vinegar – it is mildly acidic and it kills both bacteria and fungi.
• Orange oil – it has antifungal properties that can be used to treat fungal nail infection.
• Baking soda – effective for treating toenail fungal infections and helps neutralize foot odor.
• Tea tree oil – has antifungal and antiseptic properties that is very useful in treating fungal nail infections.
• Oil of oregano – has antifungal, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, antiviral, analgesic and antiseptic properties making it one of the most effective treatments for fungal nail infections.
• Garlic – compounds such as ajoene and allicin that helps treat fungal nail infections.
• White vinegar – contains compounds that are best in treating fungal nail infection and restoring the skin’s PH.
• Lavender oil – contains compounds that can fight any kind of infection and prevent skin irritation.
• Lemon juice – it has both antifungal and antiseptic properties.
• Listerine mouthwash – contains alcohol that act as antiseptic and antifungal.

However, if these home remedies do not work then you should consult your podiatrist immediately. A podiatrist is a physician or surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating foot, ankle, and related conditions. 

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with fungal toenails. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Child’s Heel Pain and Sever’s Disease - The Texas Foot Specialists

Heel pain is a common complain among child athletes. This is often traced back to a foot condition also known as Sever’s disease. This is a foot condition that is caused by inflammation of tissues surrounding the heel growth plate. Pain in turn is caused by irritated nerves due to increased pressure in the area.

Sever’s disease is common among children because the heels have yet to fully develop. This happens when the heels are constantly exposed to repeated abuse from activities such as running or jumping. Because the heels are still relatively “soft,” it is unable to support the stress generated by sports and other related activities. Consult a podiatrist if your child experiences chronic heel pain. Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are Podiatrists who specialize in helping children suffering from Sever’s disease.

What is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease is a heel-related foot condition common among child athletes. This results from early exposure to sports activities that demand high impact foot movements. Because the heels or heel growth plate in particular is relatively underdeveloped, it is unable to withstand the stress demanded by such activities.

It is still unclear how Sever’s disease develops but it is likely to be caused by the underdeveloped heels constant exposure to stress. It can further be aggravated by not wearing footwear without ample foot and heel support. Children who are overweight can also suffer from Sever’s disease. Because the heels are unable to support the additional weight, activities such as walking or standing could trigger the development of Sever’s disease.

Possible Causes of Heel Pain in Children

Heel pain is not only caused by Sever’s disease. This can also be caused by foot and joint injuries. Consult a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis. It ensures that you are getting the right treatment that addresses the cause of heel pain. Other causes of heel pain include activities that expose the heels to repeated trauma, bone fractures and tendo-Achilles bursitis.

What you should do

Children who experience heel pain should immediately rest their feet and stop any foot-related activity. Wear footwear that provide foot and heel support especially when performing sports activities. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) and pain medications can help ease inflammation and pain.

Sever’s diseases usually goes away as the heels mature. Consult a podiatrist to learn more about Sever’s disease and possible treatment options.

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Fall Prevention And Feet - The Texas Foot Specialists

Seniors are at high risk for accidents and falls. This can be due to a lot of factors associated with aging. Their eyes might not be as sharp as before, muscles lose mass and strength and medications that can cloud the mind. But this could also be caused by a foot condition or injury. Arthritis for example can cause pain and discomfort making it difficult for seniors to perform simple activities such as standing or walking.

While aging is inevitable, keeping our feet healthy even in our senior years is possible. This can be done through proper foot care and looking out for signs of possible foot disorders. Healing is more difficult during our senior years. Wounds take more time to heal and joint injury can lead to chronic pain.

Keeping our feet especially during our senior years is essential. Regular visits to a podiatrist is a simple way of keeping our feet healthy. Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists is a podiatrist who specializes in helping seniors with foot disorders.

Keeping your Feet Healthy

Daily, regular feet inspections helps you identify early symptoms of a foot disease. Visual inspection is required but for seniors having difficulty visually inspecting their feet, using a mirror or asking the help of a loved one is advised.

Wear non-slip shoes and sandals. The loss of muscle mass and soft tissues in the feet places greater pressure on the feet. Use footwear that provides additional support.

Keep your feet warm and dry at all times. 

This would be a good time to stop smoking. This unhealthy habits destroys small blood vessels and decreases blood supply to the feet.

Consult a podiatrist for any pain or anything unusual in your feet. Foot conditions can be an indication of an underlying disease. Arthritis, peripheral neuropathy and foot deformities are also early indications of a serious medical disorder.

Promote blood circulation in your feet through massages and light exercises. You can also do this by simply elevating your feet when resting or lying down. Light exercises such as walking followed by a hot bath at home ensures that nutrients are reaching every area in your feet.

Wear comfortable shoes that correctly follows the contour of your feet. Tight fitting shoes can cause corns and calluses. Extreme cases can lead to foot deformities.  

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Spice Girl Has Heel Pain - The Texas Foot Specialists

While high heels are one possible cause for heel pain, there are many reasons why one might experience discomfort in the heel area. Heel pain is a common ailment that afflicts many individuals, and celebrities are no exception. Former Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham suffers from chronic heel pain and bunions as a result of her refusal to wear any other shoes apart from high heels.

How is heel pain treated?

• Orthotic devices can elevate your arches and provide cushioning to aching heels
• Doctors can prescribe strong anti-inflammatory and pain medication
• If several months of treatment don’t work, or your tendon has torn, doctors may suggest surgery to repair your Achilles tendon 

Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists is a podiatrist who specializes in treating heel pain.

What Causes Heel Pain?

Achilles tendinitis is another reason why you might experience pain in the heel area. If the pain is on the bottom of your heel, it’s likely to be Plantar fasciitis, but if you experience discomfort alongside the back of your heel, that is a common symptom of Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendinitis can be diagnosed via an MRI or an ultrasound.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of heel pain, and is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toe, and by doing so, runs across the bottom of your foot to create the arch.

How can I prevent heel pain?

With the foot containing 26 bones, the largest of which is your heel, proper precautions can help prevent discomfort and pain.

1. Wear proper shoes- while you may enjoy living on the more fashionable side of life, high heels can cause deformities that in turn, trigger pain.
2. Maintain a healthy diet- obesity can cause multiple issues with the feet, so by maintaining a healthy diet, you prevent the extra strain on your feet.
3. Ensure that your shoes fit correctly and provide support for your feet
4. Stretch before you exercise

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Five Symptoms Of Big Toe Arthritis - The Texas Foot Specialists

Symptoms of Big Toe Arthritis

Symptoms of big toe arthritis vary according to the stage you are in. Below are signs that you might already be suffering from the foot condition:

1. Pain that come with foot movements such as walking and disappears during rest

2. Swelling, tenderness at the bottom of the big toe

3. Stiffness or limited movement in the big toe

4. Pain or discomfort in the big toe area when wearing high heels or shoes that place extra pressure in the area

5. Pain or stiffness when exposed to cold temperatures

How can I get big toe arthritis?

Leading causes of big toe arthritis includes joint damage resulting from normal wear and tear and structural foot deformities such as those with fallen arches, high or low arches. In some cases, people have a higher risk of developing big toe arthritis as a result of inheriting certain foot types.  People who actively engage in sports and do not wear appropriate shoe wear expose the toe joint to high levels of stress. It can also result from injury or caused by inflammatory diseases such as gout or arthritis.

•  Injury
• Genetics
• Poor foot mechanics (flat feet, high and low arches
• Wear and tear
• Chronic inflammatory diseases (arthritis or gout)
• Long first or short second metatarsal bone

Hallux rigidus or big toe arthritis happens when the joint at the base of the big toe (hallux) stiffens (rigidus) severely limiting its movement. It is progressive arthritic condition that affects the toes motion. The big toe’s mobility gradually decreases until it has lost all range of movement.

A quick visit to the podiatrist could help determine if you are at high risk for developing big toe arthritis.  Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists are podiatrist that specialize in  detecting big toe arthritis and other foot disorders.

Early diagnosis gives you the best chance of recovering fully from big toe arthritis and stopping it from progressing into something more severe. This makes visiting a podiatrist at the earliest sign of the foot condition essential. When bone spurs have developed or a noticeable deformity has already occurred, surgical intervention might be the only treatment option available.

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

How to Choose Shoes - The Texas Foot Specialists

Go for Comfort

Shoes are an essential part of our everyday wardrobe. But if this is something that you would be wearing often then choosing comfort over style is the better choice. A quick look into your lifestyle will give you valuable insight into what type of footwear to use.

Flat Feet and High Arches

Make a quick assessment if you have flat feet or a high arch by doing this simple test. Get your feet wet and stand on a piece of paper. Check the silhouette or foot print left on the paper. If the footprint leaves an impression with your middle feet clearly visible then this indicates a flat foot. If a thin line connecting the ball of the foot to the heel is visible, then it can indicate a high arch.

Wearing the Right Shoes for Flat Foot and High Arches

Wear shoes that take into account your foot structure. This does not only mean wearing the right shoe size but shoes that provide additional support for flat foot or high arches. Flat foot sufferers should opt for inserts that give additional support to the middle of the feet. People with a high arch on the other hand should go for slightly elevated heels and good arch support. If you have questions visit a podiatrist. Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot disorders and injuries.

Shoe Equipment

Choosing the right sport equipment involves choosing which shoe works best in enhancing performance. Sports shoes are designed to provide optimum support for specific sport activities. Running shoes for marathons and basketball shoes for cushioning the impact of jumps and running across the court.

Give your feet a breather from high heels

Proper foot care does not prevent us from wearing high heels. It only asks us to avoid wearing high heels constantly for long periods of time.  Turning it down a few inches helps decrease the pressure of our weight bearing down on our heels and feet.

An essential part of foot care is wearing appropriate foot wear. This goes beyond wearing the right shoes size. Your shoes should also take into account your foot structure and the type of activity. Wearing sandals in public showers for example protects your feet from coming in contact with infection. Another example is wearing running shoes that help absorb the impact of your feet pounding against the ground. 

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Exercises For Overpronation - The Texas Foot Specialists

Since this is like an action where one part can affect the whole, it is essential that we correct overpronation before it can lead to more serious and painful injuries. People might take overpronation lightly until there comes an injury because of it. But should you still wait when you can easily prevent it?

A visit to a podiatrist can help you minimize or even prevent foot injuries. Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists who specializes in helping people with foot conditions.

Overpronation is the situation wherein there is an unwarranted foot rolling that is above the normal range of motion. When this happens, the weight of the person is being transferred to the medial part of the foot. Overpronation also affects not only the foot but also the functions of the leg, knee and the hip.

One way to correct overpronation is to exercise your foot. These exercises listed below will help correct the overpronation of your foot.

Golf ball roll

1. Have the golf ball roll under each of your foot for 30-60 seconds each while stopping for 10 seconds on any painful spot.
2. Pull your toes up and toward your shins for three to five times as this will help stretch your muscles.

Yoga – not only is it beneficial to all of your senses, yoga is done barefoot which will help improve the muscles on both of your feet. It also helps improve your flexibility and prevent further injuries.

Calf stretching

1. Place one of your foot forward and one foot backward with your hands on the wall.
2. Keep your heel on the ground while leaning forward and keeping your right knee straight.
3. Rotate your toes in and out. Do this for 30-60 seconds.

Big Toe Pushdowns

1. Stand straight with your foot and ankle placed in a neutral position.
2. Push down your big toe. Take note that you should not let your ankle to roll in.
3. Do this for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times on each side.

Towel curl

1. Have a medium sized towel on the ground and curl it towards you using your toes.
2. Spread the towel back.
3. Repeat 10 times on both feet.

These are just easy exercises, except perhaps for yoga. But rest assured that it will go a long way in relieving the symptoms of overpronation.

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

How To Prevent Foot Warts - Parkway Podiatry - The Texas Foot Specialists

Plantar warts are caused by a viral infection. It appears as a small, hard, grainy skin growth. In some cases, a plantar wart can grow more than an inch in diameter. Plantar warts are often mistaken for corns and calluses. Until it develops in size or spread in clusters. Some warts appear with little black dots. This is an indication of blood vessels that have surfaced up into the wart.  

Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists who specialize in treating plantar warts.

Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Warts

• Small, hard, thick skin growth with little black dots indicating blood vessels surfacing up to the wart.
• Smooth skin surfaces often gray or brown in color
• Pain in thick areas on the soles
• Small, skin growths on the heel and ball of the foot
• Plantar warts can also form clusters (mosaic warts)

Preventing Plantar Warts

• Plantar warts are caused by a virus and enters the feet through cuts, wounds or blisters. It can be acquired through direct contact with the virus or wet surfaces containing infected skin.
• Check your feet regularly for any unusual skin changes such as discolored skin surfaces or abnormal skin growth
• The skin provides a strong physical barrier against germs and viruses. Treat wounds, cuts and blisters immediately to prevent the entry of viruses
• Wear slippers and sandals in wet public surfaces. Public showers and lockers have wet surfaces where are commonly found
• Wash hands regularly and never share items such as shoes or socks. Infection can be spread through direct contact with an infected person’s feet or skin.

Treating Plantar Warts

1. Acid – over the counter treatments for plantar warts are available. This includes the use of acids which has been proven to be one of the simplest and most effective options for plantar wart treatment. Treatment can take anywhere up to a few weeks.
2. Laser Treatment – intense heat from a laser emitting device is used to destroy the wart. It can be performed in the doctor’s clinic and can be performed in under an hour.
3. Curettage and desiccation – the area is first injected with anesthesia. The doctor then surgically removes the plantar wart which can also cause scarring.

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Do you Have Flat Foot or Fallen Arch? Texas Foot Specialists

Flat foot is normally seen in babies and children. But this disappear and regain their normal form as the feet develops. Flat foot happens when the middle of the feet fails to form an arch when standing. It can cause pain or discomfort because it interferes with how the feet normally distributes weight load over different feet structures.

Do you have flat foot or fallen arch?

• Pain in the heel and arches
• Swelling at the middle of the feet, this is where the arch should form
• Pain felt when standing and disappears when the foot is rested
• Feet that easily tire

Flat foot or fallen arch is usually not a cause of concern since most are asymptomatic and produce little or no pain. This only becomes a health concern when it is a symptom of a foot injury or when it makes simple activities such as walking or standing difficult.

Pain is a clear indication that something in the foot is wrong. This should be consulted with a podiatrist especially when pain becomes chronic. Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists who specialize in helping people with flat foot or fallen arch.

Possible causes of Fallen Arches

Flat foot or fallen arch can be due to a foot injury. Tendons and ligaments are responsible for moving various foot muscles. An injury to one of this interferes with how the foot arches when standing. Overweight problems can also the feet to collapse. This is because the feet is unable to support the added weight. It is also why flat foot is common among pregnant women.

Flat Foot Management and Treatment

A majority of flat foot suffers do not require medical intervention. This is because flat foot do not cause chronic pain or discomfort. Treatments are mainly used to treat pain and can be done by using pain medication. It can also be relieved by resting the feet or applying cold compress to reduce swelling in the area.

In rare cases, surgeries can be used to treat the underlying cause of flat foot. If this is due to a foot abnormality or a serious injury then surgery is performed to repair damaged tendons or tissues.

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.