A heel spur is a bony growth that develops on the underside of the heel bone, often where the plantar fascia attaches. It typically forms over time as a response to ongoing stress or pressure on the foot. One of the main contributing factors is aging, as the tissues naturally lose elasticity and strength. Abnormal stress from repetitive activities, poor foot function, or walking patterns can place excessive strain on the heel. Carrying extra weight increases the load on the feet, which can lead to small tears in the plantar fascia. These micro-tears trigger inflammation and can encourage calcium deposits to build up, forming a spur. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Abeer M. Foteh, DPM from Greater Houston Foot Centers. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

A bunion is more than a bump. It often signals how our feet adapt to years of pressure, imbalance, or genetics. This bony change at the base of the big toe can slowly alter the way we walk, affecting posture and even knee or hip alignment. While tight shoes and high heels are often blamed, bunions can form even in sensible footwear if foot mechanics are off. Pain, redness, or difficulty finding comfortable shoes are common complaints. Early care might involve custom inserts, padding, and toe spacers to ease pressure. In advanced cases, surgical realignment may offer lasting relief. Rather than waiting until the pain interferes with daily life, addressing a bunion early can help prevent further complications. If your big toe is drifting or causing discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

An Achilles tendon rupture is a significant injury that often occurs during sports or sudden movement, usually felt as a sharp pain or a popping sensation in the back of the ankle. Walking becomes difficult, and pushing off the foot may feel impossible. Management depends on the severity of the tear and the patient’s overall health and activity level. Non-surgical treatment includes immobilization with a cast or walking boot, followed by specific exercises to restore strength and flexibility. Surgical repair may be recommended for younger or more active individuals to reduce the risk of re-rupture and support a quicker return to activity. Both approaches require a period of rest, followed by a carefully guided rehabilitation program. Prompt diagnosis is key to determining the most effective treatment. If you experience sudden pain or loss of function in your lower leg, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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 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 office located in Baytown, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot health is essential, yet often neglected, and keeping your feet clean is key to preventing bacterial, fungal, and microbial infections. Feet are vulnerable to conditions like athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and other infections due to moisture, poor hygiene, and tight shoes. Without proper care, these infections can thrive, causing itching, redness, swelling, and a strong odor. Skin may crack or blister, and toenails can thicken, discolor, or become brittle. To prevent these issues, it is important to regularly wash and thoroughly dry your feet, especially between the toes, to eliminate excess moisture where bacteria and fungi grow. Wearing clean socks and breathable shoes also helps keep your feet healthy. A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat infections with antifungal medications and offer advice on foot hygiene and prevention. If you notice any foot problems or suspect an infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to protect your feet and overall health.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Some people develop a hard lump under the toenail, often near the big toe. This bump, known as subungual exostosis, is an overgrowth of bone that can push the nail upward or make shoes feel uncomfortable. Over time, the pressure may lead to a painful ingrown toenail, a condition called chronic onychocryptosis. This happens when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. The bone growth and the ongoing nail problem often go hand in hand, making the toe sore and hard to treat at home. A podiatrist can take X-rays to confirm the bone growth and suggest the best treatment, which may include minor surgery to remove the bump and help the nail grow normally again. If you have a painful or abnormal toenail that does not get better, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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