Taking care of your feet is an integral component of maintaining your overall well-being. However, there are a number of rare foot conditions that can make it especially difficult for you to care for your feet. Although these conditions are rare, it can be helpful to learn more about them in case you ever must identify them in yourself or a loved one. Kohler’s disease is one kind of rare foot condition. This affliction is most common in young boys between the ages of 2 and 10. It occurs primarily when the navicular bone, located between the ankle and heel, does not grow properly. Specifically, the navicular bone can become essentially flattened, which can lead to swelling and pain, sometimes making it difficult to walk. Typically, a child with Kohler’s disease will only exhibit this condition in one foot, as opposed to both feet. To properly diagnose Kohler’s disease, a medical professional might have to perform an X-ray. Treating Kohler’s disease might involve using a cast and, if the child is old enough, giving the child crutches to walk on while the condition subsides. If you think that your child might have Kohler’s disease, it may be a good time to contact a podiatrist. 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Neches, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Nursing care centers often have their staff take a course in how to prevent residents from falling. It is a common occurrence that can happen in nursing care centers, hospitals, or homes, and it can inflict serious damage to the body and feet. This can make patients afraid of falling, causing them to limit their daily activities. There are conditions that contribute to falling episodes, and these can include body weakness, vision and physical illness, and walking and maintaining balance may be difficult. Some people may be deficient in vitamin D, and may possibly take medications consisting of tranquilizers and sedatives which may increase the risk of falling. There are simple fall prevention methods that can be implemented in the home, which may help to prevent falling. These can include removing worn rugs, and improving lighting in the house. It is beneficial to have a grab bar installed in the shower and toilet area in addition to using a good bath mat. Falling can affect the feet, and if you would like more information on effective fall prevention methods, please consult with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our doctors from Texas. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Port Neches, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Making the decision about whether to undergo foot surgery is a difficult and highly personalized process. In consultation with a podiatrist and surgeon, you can receive the information you need to make an informed decision. Generally speaking, if you notice that a foot affliction you have is causing your skin to react negatively or your foot to become deformed, foot surgery might be a good option for you. Additionally, if you notice that your affliction is not responding to any medication your podiatrist has prescribed or any orthotics you might be wearing, then foot surgery might be a suitable last resort. There are a variety of conditions that may ultimately merit surgery. For example, particularly bad cases of Morton’s neuroma might require foot surgery. Specifically, the nerve that is affected between the toes because of Morton’s neuroma, may be successfully removed by foot surgery. Of course, foot surgery can also create detrimental consequences in some cases. There may be complications as a result of the surgery or your joint movement may be restricted. Alternatives to surgery might include performing specific exercises or adjusting footwear. You can make this difficult decision about undergoing surgery with the guidance and advice of your podiatrist. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our doctors of Texas. Our doctors 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:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

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:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

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 our office located in Port Neches, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet can be negatively affected in patients who are obese. It can alter foot structure, and may lead to developing arthritis. Common foot conditions that can result from obesity can include tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and inflammation along the entire foot. Research has shown that when people walk up steps, approximately four to six times their body weight is felt in the ankle joints, and this can also occur from walking up a steep incline. Obesity may increase these numbers, and it is beneficial to start a healthy eating plan that can help to reduce the impact on the feet and ankles. Recent studies have been conducted, and almost half of the people observed they have gained weight prior to having foot pain. The tendons and ligaments in the feet are often affected when additional weight is gained, and walking may become difficult. If you are overweight, and have foot and ankle pain, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat foot pain, and help you with proper food choices that may reduce foot and ankle pain.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port Neches, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.