Foot problems in diabetic patients are a leading cause of lower extremity amputations, often resulting from poor circulation and nerve damage, or neuropathy. Diabetes can reduce sensation in the feet, making it difficult to notice injuries like cuts, blisters, or ulcers. These minor injuries can easily become infected, and due to poor healing capacity, infections may worsen and lead to more severe symptoms, if not treated promptly. Regular foot screenings are essential for diabetic patients and education plays a critical role in diabetic foot care. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you have your feet checked by a podiatrist regularly for early detection of potential complications.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that typically affects the skin between the toes, though it can spread to other areas of the foot. It often appears as red, itchy, and scaly patches, sometimes with blisters or cracks in the skin. The infection causes a burning or stinging sensation and can lead to peeling skin or thickened areas, particularly on the soles or edges of the foot. Athlete's foot spreads easily through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, such as locker room floors, showers, or towels, making it extremely contagious. If left untreated, the infection can worsen, leading to more widespread skin damage, secondary bacterial infections, or even spreading to the nails, causing onychomycosis. Treatment and prevention include keeping feet clean and dry and wearing breathable footwear. In persistent cases, prescription-strength antifungal medications may be needed to fully resolve the infection. If you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for care.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Bunions, or hallux valgus, vary in severity and presentation, each impacting foot health differently. Mild bunions appear as a slight deviation of the big toe, causing minimal discomfort and manageable skin irritation. Moderate bunions involve more noticeable toe misalignment, leading to increased pain and difficulty with footwear. Severe bunions show significant toe deformity, often resulting in chronic pain and restricted movement. Skin irritation is common, with calluses forming due to friction. Hallux limitus, a related condition, restricts the big toe's range of motion and can accompany bunions. Additionally, bunionettes, or tailor's bunions, appear on the little toe's side and present similar issues. Pediatric bunions, though less common, can occur in children and may require early intervention to prevent progression. If you have developed any type of bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM of Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Corns and calluses are both thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure, but they differ in their location and appearance. Corns typically form on the toes or between the toes, appearing as small, thickened, and often painful areas with a central core. They are usually caused by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that create localized pressure on specific points. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and sometimes redness. Calluses, on the other hand, usually develop on the soles of the feet or other weight-bearing areas. They are larger and less defined than corns. They are also generally less painful. Calluses form as a protective response to repeated friction or pressure, often from walking or standing for long periods. Treatment for both conditions involves reducing pressure and friction. If you have corns or calluses that impede your daily activities, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss effective relief and management techniques.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM of Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Gout is a form of arthritis that often targets the big toe, causing sudden, intense pain, swelling, and redness in the joint. This happens when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, leading to inflammation. During a gout attack, the affected joint, especially the big toe, can become extremely painful, making even light contact unbearable. Treatment focuses on relieving the pain and inflammation quickly, usually with medications like NSAIDs, colchicine, or steroids. These are most effective when taken as soon as the attack begins. To prevent future flare-ups, a podiatrist may prescribe medication that lowers uric acid levels in the blood, helping to dissolve the crystals and prevent new ones from forming. Restricting intake of certain foods that contribute to uric acid build up is also important. A podiatrist can diagnose gout and offer effective treatments to manage both the immediate pain and long-term prevention. If you are experiencing pain from gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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