After a long winter, it’s tempting to expose as much skin as possible. However, with sunshine comes some risks, particularly for your feet. Before baring your toes, it’s worth making sure that you take some precautions to protect one of the...
Continue ReadingFoot & Ankle Specialty Blog
Blog Articles about Foot & Ankle Issues, Treatments and Management from Sweeney Foot & Ankle, The Woodlands and Magnolia, Texas
Our feet are the foundation that carries us through life. They allow us to walk, run, jump, and explore the world around us. Yet, despite th...
Have you been experiencing numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands and feet? These symptoms can be unsettling, and you might be wondering ...
Our feet are surprisingly complex, bearing the weight of our bodies and facilitating movement throughout our lives. Of course, the more comp...
Health experts agree that travel is good for your mental and physical well-being with benefits that include improved heart health and lower ...
When it comes to foot health, understanding common conditions like hammer toes is crucial. At Sweeney Foot & Ankle, our dedicated team of do...
For many Americans, a stabbing pain in the heel of their foot when they take their first steps each morning is truly a rude awakening. Plant...
Running, especially long-distance running, has never been more popular in the United States as more and more people have laced up and headed...
When the days get shorter and shorter, the mornings turn foggy and frosty, and the geese begin honking their way overhead, you know that win...
Bunions, while often associated with discomfort and changes in foot appearance, can be a manageable condition with the right knowledge and c...
Have you been experiencing pain in your foot that gets worse when trying to walk? Does the pain in your foot feel as though it is moving up ...
Diabetes is a condition that affects about 30 million people in the United States alone. This is a disease that is related to the body’s ina...
Whether it’s a new pair of shoes, a long day of being on your feet, or poorly fitting shoes, blisters are painful and can interfere with you...
Pain, itching that you cannot relieve, and a burn between the toes are all symptoms of athlete's foot, a fungal skin infection that typicall...
Drop foot, also known as foot drop, is not a disease but a medical condition characterized by the inability to lift the front part of the fo...
If you consider the human foot, it really is a marvel of biomechanical engineering with each foot containing 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 1...
Children wear their school shoes for more than 30 hours each week, making it important for these shoes to fit properly. This purchase should...
Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is a relatively rare but significant disorder that can cause discomfort and pain in the foot and ankle, includi...
Lower leg pain is a prevalent issue experienced by many individuals, and it can have various causes, ranging from minor overuse to more seri...
Healthy nails are not only aesthetically pleasing but also an indicator of overall well-being. However, when toenails develop a yellow disco...
Neuropathy, which is also called peripheral neuropathy, affects the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that travel to your extremities,...
Most people don't give much thought to their feet until an injury or pain occurs. However, a lot is riding on your feet as they are the vehi...
Turf toe is a painful condition that could prevent you from working, taking care of your family, or enjoying your favorite pastimes. While m...
As an athlete, you use your feet more than the average person may. And as an athlete, you rely on your feet to help you not only participate...
The success of your foot surgery relies primarily on the skill of your surgeon, the reason for the surgery, your overall health - and what y...
Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of a toenail grow into the skin surrounding the nail, causing pain, redness, and inflammati...
Heel spurs are a common foot condition that can cause heel pain and discomfort. Treatment for heel spurs typically involves stretching exerc...
Orthotic shoe inserts, commonly known as “orthotics” are cushions that fit into your shoe, generally for the purpose of correcting problems ...
Plantar fibromas are benign tumors that form on the plantar surface of the foot, most commonly found in adults between 40 and 70 years old. ...
Toe injuries are common, and they can occur in a number of different ways. You may have stubbed your toe, accidentally kicked something in t...
If you have sustained a sprain, strain, bruise, or another soft tissue injury, you should consider trying the RICE method to help you recove...
Do you suffer from bunions? If so, you're not alone. Bunions are a common foot problem that affects millions of people around the world. The...
As a parent, you want to make sure your child is healthy and happy. But did you know that children can experience foot issues just like adul...
Anyone who suffers from diabetes is at a higher risk of developing foot pain due to nerve damage. This condition is called diabetic neuropat...
Millions of people around the world suffer from foot injuries during the colder months each year. In many cases, these injuries can be preve...
If you have been told by a doctor or other medical professional that you have flat feet, you might be wondering what that means for your day...
Why is my foot numb? is a question that should be asked of a podiatrist since it may indicate a serious underlying problem.
When someone injures their ankle, they often say they have “rolled their ankle”, but what does that mean? We will take a look at what happen...
Getting a pedicure at the local nail salon is both relaxing and therapeutic, but could it be dangerous? The answer is both yes and no. Conti...
Discovering a small, squishy lump on your toe near the nail may be shocking and leaving you with a lot of questions. While it is impossible ...
Changes to your lower extremities, such as the foot and ankle, are a common, yet often overlooked and ignored problem many women experience ...
A bone bruise, also known as a bone contusion, occurs when a small injury occurs on the surface of the bone. Unfortunately, you cannot visib...
During the summer months, it is common for your feet to sweat when you are out in the sun or in the heat. However, for some people, sweaty f...
Many of us choose which shoes to wear based off of how they look not how they fit but that could be a mistake. Wearing shoes that don’t fit ...
You’d think that once winter’s icy sidewalks and spring’s slushy puddles have passed by, the outdoors would mean a much friendlier place for...
The word wart is not something any parent wants to hear when it pertains to their child. However, warts are not as bad as people tend to thi...
Everyone pronates. Pronation is a natural part of walking. If you take the time to be mindful of each step you take you'll notice that your ...
Gout is a painful inflammatory disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people in Texas and the world. Typically, it only affects one j...
Children Get Bunions Too Adults are not the only ones who get bunions, children get them too. But whereas adults often bring the bone deform...
Claw toe is a common foot deformity. Though its cause has often been blamed on wearing shoes with high heels or those that are too short, th...
Sprains and strains are an unfortunate side effect of living a busy life. Even the most careful among us can occasionally twist an ankle or ...
Defining Metatarsalgia The foot has 28 bones. Five of them called the metatarsals extend from the base of the toes to the ankle. Metarsa in ...
Do you feel pain in your lower body that tends to get worse the more active you get? Do your lower legs feel swollen or do you notice thicke...
Athlete's foot is an uncomfortable condition that can affect men, women, and children at any age. The best approach to dealing with athlete'...
Sometimes those perfect “little piggies” can get a little sickly looking. When toenails turn from their usual clear hue to an unusual color,...
Most people expect their feet to feel sore after standing on them for a prolonged period during the day. However, you do not expect to wake ...
As a complex part of the body, the foot is made up of muscles, joints, bones, and tendons, all working together to help the foot bend, flex,...
It’s easy to put a lot of wear and tear on your feet in the course of an ordinary day. You might be on your feet for many hours at work or s...
When your toes aren’t positioned with one right next to the other in a row but instead you have a toe that is overlapping, it is a condition...
Though common, swollen feet and ankles can certainly be uncomfortable for those who experience it. The bad news is that there are plenty of ...
The foot, with its hundreds of bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles, is one of the most complex parts of the human body. Unfortunately, tha...
That thickened, sometimes painful bump on top of -- or between -- your toes can make even a short walk painful. Or perhaps you’ve been exper...
In your quest to end Achilles tendon pain, let us assist you. Here at Sweeney Foot and Ankle Specialists, serving Texans in Magnolia and The...
Tiny cords of tissue known as tendons help connect muscle to bone in your feet. Occasionally, these tendons become irritated and inflamed, w...
Experiencing pain on the outer side of your foot? It could be caused by cuboid syndrome. Learn more about this painful, yet extremely common...
Burning, itching, rashes or blisters around the feet or toes typically are caused by a foot fungus known under the umbrella term ‘athlete’s ...
In the large scheme of life, blisters may not seem anything to worry about. These tough pillows of damaged skin filled with clear yellow flu...
While you likely know that good nutrition is critical to overall health, did you know that good nutrition is also vital for your feet? That’...
Typically, a bump or sore spot on a foot tends to be due to some kind of injury, such as a bruise or a swelling or a blister. In some other ...
If you’re starting to feel like there are problems with your feet, they don’t stay warm enough, your toes go numb unexplainably, and there s...
Does one of your toes curl or bend upwards? It could be caused by a deformity known as hammer toe. Learn more about this condition and how i...
Many people are well aware that consuming a healthy diet has a lot of health benefits. Eating a healthy diet can help you to maintain a heal...
Are you ready for sandal season? Whether you’re a man or a woman, you’ll want to put your best foot forward while you’re out and about. Unfo...
If you’ve ever had athlete’s foot, you know that it’s not pleasant. Athlete’s foot is uncomfortable, unsightly and sometimes even painful. I...
Sever’s disease is a common heel injury that can occur in growing children. In fact, it is one of the most common causes of heel pain in chi...
We are a couple of months into the New Year, and many people made resolutions to lose weight or get back into shape. If you were one of thes...
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, when you said the term face masks, most women immediately thought of the masks that are worn on the face to ...
If you have a cyst on your toe, you may notice a small bump. This small bump may look red and inflamed, much like a bug bite, it may look li...
Too many people come away from a long day on the slopes with sore ankles, burning insteps or tender heels. But it doesn’t have to be that wa...
These days, at-home workout options like Peloton indoor cycles can be lifesavers when it comes to staying physically healthy, as well as wor...
The Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has many symptoms associated with it. Some of the most common symptoms of this virus include a feve...
It’s not an urban legend: Feet can actually grow during pregnancy. In fact, there are logical, physiological reasons to explain the phenomen...
2020 is almost over. If you have not already done so, you might want to consider making an appointment with a medical professional prior to ...
Toenail fungus is one of the most common foot ailments we see at our offices in The Woodlands and Magnolia, TX. It can be a complex conditio...
If you've visited our website (or our office) recently you've probably noticed that our Woodlands office has moved - but not far! Many peopl...
While your foot and ankle area may be a small part of your body, these structures are made up of any different structures, joints and bones....
Bunions are caused by abnormal bones in the front of the foot that move out of place resulting in your big toe leaning towards the smaller t...
You might expect a back spasm after heavy lifting, but foot cramps tend to attack without warning — sometimes even in the dead of night. Whi...
When you think of body parts affected by Cancer you probably instantly think of the lungs, probably the breasts, and the largest organ of al...
Having an ingrown toenail is a relatively common condition that occurs when the side or corners of your toenail grows into the soft sides of...
Now that summer is here, more people are enjoying the warm weather by spending time outside. However, as you are outside, you are exposed to...
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when purchasing shoes is buying shoes that do not fit you properly. Many people, particularly women...
When summertime rolls around and everyone wants to head outside, it's easy to forget the problems that this might bring to our feet. Sure, w...
What is a Stone Bruise? A stone bruise is a pain in the ball of your foot. The infected area can include the toes up to where the foot arche...
Summertime is here, and that means it's time to break out the flip-flops. These warm-weather staples are often worn by people in The Woodlan...
Diabetes can affect your feet in a negative way, especially when it is not well controlled. In many cases, the damage to your feet will be p...
Pediatric foot problems are more common than you might think. Being active, children are just as likely to develop foot problems as some adu...
As difficult and challenging this spring has been from an employment and a public health point of view, the occasional bright point can be f...
Has social distancing got you wondering if you need to go to the doctor or stay home? When you drop a weight on your toe or stub it, it’s di...
Plantar fasciitis is a common but painful condition affecting the feet. Below are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask ...
Broken or fractured bones in the lower leg aren’t all treated the same. Sometimes a cast is used, other times a boot is the preferred method...
Ankle injuries happen daily. With all the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones in your feet and ankles, there’s a lot of elements at risk. ...
When the base of your big toe becomes swollen and results in a large bump, you may have a bunion. Over time, bunions can lead to arthritis a...
The New Year is almost here, and many people will resolve to get healthier and begin to workout. And those who may routinely hit the gym may...
It can be hard to distinguish between dry, cracked and rough feet and feet that have foot fungus. If you notice scaly, patchy skin, or your ...
A broken or inflamed toenail may not sound like a big deal, until you are limping around and unable to wear your favorite shoes. Learning mo...
High heels are a wardrobe staple for many fashion-minded women. This particular accessory does have downfalls, unfortunately, including a nu...
If you suffer an injury or develop a medical condition affecting the feet, ankles or lower legs, your physician may refer you to a podiatris...
The end of the year is almost here. If you have not already done so, you might want to consider making an appointment with a medical profess...
More formally known as onychomoycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis), this fairly common condition isn’t quite as scary as it may sound. However, it...
There are many tiny bones in the foot, so it can be difficult to see a serious injury like a fracture, especially in children. Tiny bones ar...
As rheumatoid arthritis (RA) starts to develop, the feet are often the first place to feel the symptoms. This chronic inflammatory disorder ...
Do your feet hurt? You are not alone – a recent survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association found that 77 percent of people in the ...
Over time, your body begins to show the effects of aging. Skin sags, wrinkles form and age spots may appear. Your feet and ankles are not im...
As a woman, you know that your body undergoes many physical changes during pregnancy. Even your feet are not immune to these changes! Consid...
When it comes to our feet, we take them for granted. We are on our feet for long hours of the day as they go through a range of abuses. In f...
In the continuum of medical conditions, spider veins are relatively common and harmless. However, many people who get spider veins are disma...
Post-surgical success requires that the patient play a significant role in the healing process. Different things affect healing from foot su...
When you consider that the human foot has more than 100 ligaments, muscles and tendons, along with 33 joints and 26 bones, it’s not surprisi...
Regular physical activity is important for good health, but many people in the United States do not get the exercise they need to stay healt...
Arthritis is a type of inflammation of one or more joints. It can lead to stiffness and pain in any one of your body joints, but is most com...
Bunions can often be treated conservatively through the use of orthotics, shoe modifications or padding efforts. However, when a bunion defo...
Our feet don’t get enough credit for what they do for us. They are our main mode of transportation and they carry our full body weight 24/7 ...
While it’s not generally a health danger of any kind, hardened skin on the feet can be both unattractive and bothersome. The most common cau...
Fans of barefoot walking often claim it's best because it's natural. However, human beings put a lot of work into designing comfortable and ...
Ankle pain is one of the most common complaints we treat here at Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists. From complex sprains to simple overuse, y...
Are you concerned that you may have athlete’s foot? One of the telltale signs of the fungus that causes athlete’s foot is itching and burnin...
What is a Bunion? A bunion is a knot that forms on the outer side of your big toe joint when the bone or tissue of the big toe joint moves o...
Our late president George H.W. Bush had a love for both colorful and fashionable socks. As a matter of fact, he owned quite an impressive co...
If you notice foot and ankle swelling, don’t ignore it. It may be caused by something simple, but it could also be more serious. Here are so...
When the base of your big toe becomes swollen and results in a large bump, you may have a bunion. Over time, bunions can lead to arthritis a...
Overview A hammer toe is a condition in which the toe has an unusual bend in the middle joint. Experts attribute the unevenness to the muscl...
Proper running shoes should not be a reserve of the ‘elite’ runners. Casual joggers, workout enthusiasts, and walkers could all benefit from...
The short answer is Yes. Yes, you should you should go to the doctor if you suspect your toe is broken. When you drop a weight on your toe o...
A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) states that about 14% of the U.S. population suffers from onychomycosis ...
Diabetes may cause nerve damage or neuropathy in your feet as a result of reduced circulation. The nerves that are most affected by diabetes...
Even though the big toe is relatively small by comparison to the entire body, it can cause big pain if something isn't right. Here are 5 rea...
You may already be observing the ways that growing older can change your face, your metabolism and your ability to recover from strenuous ex...
If you experience pain when walking or standing and notice a thickened and fleshy, callus-like growth on the bottom of your foot, you could ...
Fifteen potentially dangerous snake species or subspecies call Texas home, but more people die every year from lightning strikes than venomo...
The feet are probably the most overworked parts of the body. They support your body weight as you stand, walk, run, jump, and so on. It is, ...
Also referred to as Metatarsalgia, a stone bruise is a condition that affects the forefoot. This is the area between the toes and where the ...
The feet support the weight of the entire body. They are, therefore, prone to problems. About 90% of us suffer from foot problems at one poi...
You’ve just run your first marathon (or half marathon) and suddenly your feet are killing you. There's no swelling, but you can’t walk from ...
From broken nails and blisters to hammer toes and fractures, foot problems are very common among dancers. Over time, years of dancing jazz, ...
Morton's Neuroma refers to a painful condition that involves the ball of the foot, which is located near the third and fourth toes. Many pat...
Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis that typically affects a single joint. The big toe is a common target for gout. When a pers...
Summer is on its way, and you’re certainly going to want to slip on some comfy beach sandals and set your feet free. If you’re like most of ...
Diabetes can negatively affect your physical health in numerous ways. For instance, those with diabetes experience a higher risk of developi...
As a responsible parent, you should add pediatric foot problems to the long list of things to keep an eye on.
If you log more than 30 miles per week of running, you’re probably familiar with that unsightly foot condition known as “runner’s toe.” The ...
Every foot consists of three arches: two that run longitudinally from front to back on each side of the foot, and a third that runs transver...
People who spend a lot of time on their feet, as well as certain athletes, are at risk for developing plantar fasciitis. Genetics play a rol...
An ankle sprain is a common injury that can affect patients of any age. Below is some basic information about ankle sprains and how they can...
There are some misconceptions about what causes a foot stress fracture. Unlike other commonly damaged bones, a stress fracture in the foot g...
Also known as Hallux Valgus, a bunion is a foot condition that occurs when the big toe bends toward and pushes the smaller ones. It causes t...
Now that schools back in session, it's important to make sure your kids have the proper footwear to last them through the school year. One o...
A bunion is a bony bump that forms due to movement of the bones in the foot, which causes them to overlap. As your large toe begins to turn ...
An ingrown toenail, onychocryptosis by its medical name, is one of the more uncomfortable maladies your feet can suffer, and the conditionis...
As the weather warms, the sandals and open shoes come out of hibernation. Feet and legs are on display. Many flock to their favorite salon f...
We understand that, after an injury, our demand will want us to go out and seize the day. Truthfully, the recovery process does not end afte...
Who is at Risk? People who spend a lot of time on their feet, as well as certain athletes, are at risk for developing plantar fasciitis. Gen...
Ankle injuries are some of the most common types of injuries out there. With all the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones in your feet and ...
It’s tempting to pick out running shoes (or any other sneakers) based on looks alone, but that’s not what’s best for our feet: and just beca...
The holidays are officially here, and we all know what that means … crowded stores, long lines, lots of traffic, walking for miles while sho...
Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer, Melanoma being the deadliest form. We all know to protect ourselves from harmful UV rays and ...
On a normal foot the arch is visible at all times, regardless of whether you’re standing, sitting or lying down. Adult-acquired flatfoot, al...
Our feet get us from point A to point B without much thought from us about it, unless they start hurting. But what if our feet our trying to...
One of the most important back-to-school purchases you can make for your child is a pair of good quality, proper fitting shoes. Not all shoe...
Summer is slowly coming to an end so it’s time to starting thinking about school supplies, homework and fall sporting events. No matter what...
Plantar fasciitis is the most common type of heel pain. It’s caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick, flat band of tissue on t...
Pain in the base of the heel is the most common foot problem our patients have. We put tons of stress on our feet just by walking on them ea...
