Items filtered by date: June 2020

There is a portion of tissue that is located on the bottom of the foot that is referred to as the plantar fascia. This part of the foot can gradually become damaged from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, in addition to wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. This can cause plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of this band of tissue. A common symptom that many patients experience is heel pain, and this can cause difficulty in walking. The pain may be worse in the morning after arising, and may lessen during the day. People who are overweight may be prone to developing plantar fasciitis, in addition to people who have flat feet. Mild relief may be found when the feet are elevated, and it may be helpful to practice specific foot stretches. If you are afflicted with plantar fasciitis, it is advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with correct treatment options. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The ailment that is known as cracked heels can occur for a variety of reasons. These can include certain medical conditions, wearing shoes that have an open back, and standing for long periods of time throughout the day. When the cracks in the skin deepen, they are known as fissures, which may bleed and become infected without prompt treatment. Many patients find relief by washing their feet regularly, followed by using a good moisturizer. It may also be helpful to wear shoes that are comfortable and supportive, and wearing socks that are made of breathable materials may help to prevent cracked heels from developing. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment options.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is an inflammatory form of arthritis that often causes a great deal of foot pain for those affected. One common symptom of gout that negatively affects a patient is called gout flares. These flares cause extreme pain in the joints affected by gout, typically in the toes. When crystals form on the joints due to high levels of uric acid, the joints may become both tender and inflamed. The pain felt due to gout can be excruciating if left untreated. Even the slightest touch can cause a patient to feel a great deal of discomfort. Since gout commonly affects the lower extremity regions of the body, it is recommended to visit a podiatrist for professional care and treatment when dealing with this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The tissue that connects the heel to the calf muscles is referred to as the Achilles tendon. This tendon is responsible for the ability to walk, run, and jump, and these activities may be difficult to perform if it becomes injured or torn. This type of injury can occur as a result of exercising on an uneven surface or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, if the calf muscles are tight, the Achilles tendon may endure stress, and this can possibly lead to a rupture. Common symptoms many patients experience can  include severe pain in the calf difficulty in pointing and flexing the affected foot. If you have endured an injury to the Achilles tendon, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment options.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.