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.
 

One of the benefits of getting regular foot massages is the overall feeling it can have on the body. It is known to promote blood circulation which may help prevent unwanted foot conditions. Additionally, there are pressure points in the feet that are connected to specific organs in the body, and this can be beneficial in relaxing the muscles and reducing stress. There are various categories of foot massages. A deep tissue massage is done by applying forceful pressure that can reach the muscle layers and connective tissue. This may help people who have endured an injury or who may have painful joints. Diabetic patients can often benefit from having a Thai foot massage performed which may help to increase their range of motion in addition to improving balance. The most common form of massage is known as the Swedish foot massage and the feet can become energized. If you are interested in foot massages and would like to know which one is best for you, please consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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.

Congenital foot problems are known as birth defects, and they occur before a baby is born. Clubfoot is defined as the foot and ankle being twisted out of their normal position. There are two categories of clubfoot, consisting of positional and true. The former happens from being in an awkward position in the uterus and can be corrected after birth by immobilizing the joints. Additionally, manipulation can be performed that can help to stretch the foot and ankle.  True clubfoot is an abnormally structured foot, which happens during the baby’s development.  This is often corrected by performing surgery, which can be complex. Metatarsus adductus is a congenital foot condition that is noticeable as the foot turns inward, and wearing corrective shoes or splints may accelerate correction. When the bottom of the foot is turned inward, it raises the arch, and this is indicative of metatarsus varus. This generally develops as a result of unusual positioning in the womb. If you would like additional information about congenital foot disorders, please consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.