Items filtered by date: May 2024

Children's feet undergo remarkable changes and developments as they progress through various stages of infancy and early childhood. In the pre-crawling stage, babies' feet are flexible and mostly fat pads, allowing them to kick and wiggle freely. As they transition to crawling, their feet adapt to bearing weight, developing arches and strengthening muscles necessary for mobility. Throughout the toddler years, a child's feet continue to evolve, with walking and running becoming primary modes of transportation. During this stage, proper footwear becomes vital to support their growing feet and provide stability. By the time children enter kindergarten and beyond, their feet have typically developed arches, and they exhibit more refined coordination and balance. As they engage in more physical activities and sports, maintaining foot health through wearing well-fitted shoes, regular exercise, and proper hygiene becomes essential. If you have any questions about the development of your child’s feet or what type of shoes to purchase, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can address them.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Heel pain, a common foot ailment, can disrupt daily activities and signal underlying issues. Typically stemming from conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or heel spurs, it manifests as discomfort or tenderness beneath or behind the heel. Treatment often involves a combination of conservative measures, such as rest, stretching exercises, custom orthotic inserts, and supportive footwear to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. In some cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections may be recommended for pain relief. However, if left unaddressed, heel pain can lead to chronic discomfort, mobility limitations, and even changes in gait. Additionally, persistent heel pain may indicate more serious conditions that require specialized intervention. If you have persistent or worsening heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an individualized treatment plan that can expedite recovery and prevent complications.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, has several distinct symptoms that can affect the appearance and health of your toenails. The infection usually starts with a white or yellow spot under the tip of the toenail. As it progresses, the fungus can cause the nail to discolor, thicken, and develop crumbling edges. This may make the nail difficult to trim. The affected nails may also become brittle, ragged, and take on a dull, lackluster appearance. In some cases, the nail can separate from the nail bed. This may be a painful experience and can lead to further complications. Advanced cases of toenail fungus can result in a foul odor. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, can recommend effective treatments. These often include antifungal medications, topical treatments, and, in severe instances, professional removal of the nail. If you suspect toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss treatment options. 

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Foot ulcers are serious, open wounds that can develop on the feet, particularly in individuals with diabetes or poor circulation, and can cause considerable foot pain. These ulcers typically occur due to a combination of factors, including nerve damage, reduced blood flow, and repetitive pressure or trauma to the skin. Diabetes, in particular, increases the risk of foot ulcers due to its effects on nerve function and blood circulation, making the feet more susceptible to injury and slower to heal. Left untreated, foot ulcers can lead to severe complications, including infection, tissue damage, and even amputation. The pain associated with foot ulcers can vary depending on the severity and location of the wound but is often described as sharp, burning, or throbbing. Individuals with foot ulcers may also experience tenderness, swelling, and redness in the affected area. The majority of foot ulcers cause issues that demand medical attention. If you have a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment and management strategies.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.