If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site
Podiatrist, Foot Doctor James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P located in The Woodlands, TX 77384 and Woodville, TX 75979 area

The Woodlands
Woodville
(936) 273-3311

 
Google Reviews for Dr. Kutchback, DPM
Request Appointment

Items filtered by date: April 2021

Monday, 26 April 2021 00:00

Can Bunions Be Treated?

The joint at the bottom of the big toe is often affected with an existing bunion. It can develop as a result of a misalignment of the big toe joint, and this can occur for a variety of reasons. These can include genetics, having flat feet, or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. In severe bunions, the big toe may shift toward the other toes, which  may cause pain and discomfort, in addition to possibly affecting proper balance. Larger shoes may need to be purchased that can accommodate the bunion. Surgery may be a necessary treatment option, and this can be successful in permanently removing the bunion. If you have developed a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment decisions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Read more about Bunions
Published in Blog
Monday, 19 April 2021 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Published in Blog
Monday, 19 April 2021 00:00

Stretching and Breathing Before Running

Many running injuries can be prevented by properly warming up prior to jogging or running. This can be accomplished by performing leg swings and lunges, which are effective in increasing range of motion. Many people find it helpful to follow a running program. There are different facets to running, consisting of speed and endurance. It can help to focus on your breathing, and this time can be beneficial in deciding what the running goal is for the day. Using a foam roller on the hamstrings and ankles can help to loosen these areas, and posture may improve when stretches for the hip flexors are frequently performed. If you would like information about how to protect the feet before and after running, please consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries
Published in Blog
Monday, 12 April 2021 00:00

MTP Joint Replacement Surgery

The first metatarsal phalangeal or MTP joint refers to the joint of the big toe. Walking, running, wearing high heel shoes, and other activities can put increased stress on this joint. Furthermore, this joint is often affected by arthritis. Over time, the MTP joint can degenerate, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. While there are several procedures that can be done to reduce pain in the MTP joint, only joint replacement restores motion to the affected toe. In this procedure, the damaged MTP joint is replaced with an implant. Recovery times vary, but patients will usually need to rest the affected foot for at least 6 weeks. For more information about MTP joint replacement surgery, please consult with a podiatrist. 

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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

Read more about Joint Replacement Surgery
Published in Blog
Monday, 05 April 2021 00:00

Reasons Why a Broken Toe Can Occur

The majority of broken toes occur when it is stubbed against a piece of furniture, or when a heavy object is dropped on it. Immediate symptoms often include bruising, severe pain and discomfort, and it can be difficult to walk. A common treatment solution is referred to as buddy taping, and this is often used for mild fractures. This is accomplished by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it. This can help to provide the stability that is necessary for effective healing. It is beneficial to elevate the foot as frequently as possible, and healing may be accelerated when walking is limited. If you have broken your toe, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, ABLES, CWS-P. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Published in Blog