Items filtered by date: November 2022

When people have foot pain, they may be unaware it may be indicative of other existing issues in the body. Pain in the big toe may be the first sign of hammertoe, arthritis, gout, or an ingrown toenail. Some patients experience pain in the ball of their foot that may be a symptom of Morton’s neuroma, which affects the nerves between the third and fourth toes. Additionally, it can also happen as a result of overuse injuries where the muscles have become tense. Swelling, pain and stiffness in the front of the foot may be a symptom of the rare foot condition that is known as Freiberg’s disease. Surgery may be a necessary treatment option if the prescribed medication fails to work. Pain that develops in the arch of the foot may be a sign of flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or a possible Achilles tendon injury. If you have foot pain for any reason, a podiatrist is the type of doctor to visit who can determine if the pain indicates there may be a medical issue within the body.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

Although rare diseases that affect the feet are not especially prevalent, it can be useful to learn more about them in case you must ever identify one in yourself or a loved one. Raynaud’s disease is one kind of rare foot condition to be aware of.  An individual with Raynaud’s disease can experience feelings of numbness in the toes.  This is because blood vessels in the toes can shrink and become very small.  As a result, the toes can demonstrate discoloration of some kind.  There are two main types of Raynaud’s disease—primary and secondary. Primary Raynaud’s disease is triggered by emotional stress and low temperatures.  Secondary Raynaud’s disease can be caused by and linked to other diseases such as lupus.  If you are interested in learning more about rare foot conditions, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Babies are cute, and their tiny feet are no exception. While toddlers' shoes are adorable, research has shown that children’s feet will benefit more by walking barefoot as often as possible. This can help the toes to become stronger, as they grip the floor or soft ground while outside. Walking in various areas, including grass and sand, can help to strengthen the entire foot and may help to aid in balancing on different types of surfaces. When it is time to purchase their first pair of shoes, it is helpful if they are made of lightweight materials that are soft and flexible. This type of shoe may help to protect the foot’s soft cartridge until the bones begin to develop. Eventually, they can graduate to a more durable shoe, as they are walking and running faster. If you would like additional information about the importance of choosing the right shoes for your baby and toddler, please confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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