Foot & Ankle Specialty Blog

Fifteen potentially dangerous snake species or subspecies call Texas home, but more people die every year from lightning strikes than venomous snakebites, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. On average, one to two people in Texas die annually from venomous snakebites.

What is Sever's Disease?

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, therefore, common for the feet to swell up at the end of the day. Sitting for long hours causes fluids to accumulate in your feet, which explains why your shoes fit more tightly in the evenings. The swelling caused by the accumulation of fluids under the skin is referred to as "Edema." This is quite normal, but there are instances where swollen feet should raise an alarm. These include:

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 foot arcs. A stone bruise is characterized by pain and inflammation on the forefoot or the metatarsal, and more so between the phalanges. This condition occurs when two phalanges misalign and push against a nerve ending, therefore compressing it. It brings irritation to the surrounding nerves, causing them to be inflamed. A scar-tissue layer automatically forms around this area as the body seeks to protect these nerves.  

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 point or another, so it’s important to take care of our feet. This is not just limited to moisturizer and pedicures. Taking care of your feet involves wearing shoes that fit, limiting your alcohol intake, exercise, covering the feet (especially when in public spaces), regularly washing and moisturizing as well as regularly changing socks. These tips help to prevent most of the common feet problems such as bad odor, dryness, bacterial infections, discomfort, feet fungus, and feet burning sensation. Feet burning sensation, also known as hot feet, is a very common complaint. The extent and frequency of the pain can vary. It can be caused by many factors, so you’re advised to get treatment as soon as you can. Early diagnosis may help reduce the damage from the condition.

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 the pain — it even hurts to lay a blanket on top of them. What gives?

From broken nails and blisters to hammer toes and fractures, foot problems are very common among dancers. Over time, years of dancing jazz, tap, ballet and en pointe can result in more serious, permanent damage to the feet. Completing jumps, plies and pointes requires healthy, mobile, flexible feet, so even though many dancers simply dance their way through the pain, taking preventive measures and getting proper treatment for foot injuries is important.  

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 patients who suffer from this condition claim that it feels as if they're standing on a fold in their sock or on a pebble in their shoe.

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 person's kidneys are unable to filter uric acid crystals out of the bloodstream, the crystals can build up in soft tissue, leading to gout flareups. If you are experiencing frequent joint pain, you should see a foot specialist for a diagnosis. While gout can affect a knee, elbow or wrist, about half of all cases are in one of the big toes. Here is a closer look at the symptoms of gout.

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 us, you’ve probably had them buried in winter boots for a while now, so they might not look their best. Not to worry. There’s plenty of time to get your feet into better shape and ready to come out when things warm up. Here are a few foot-friendly tips to help you get your feet sandal-ready by summer.