Houston Foot Health Blog

Kristen Stewart Injures Foot During Twilight Filming

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

When Kristen Stewart returned from a two-day reshoot of Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2, she had to do so in flats. She contiinued to wear the flats when on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She said that sthe had a puncture wound and couldn't wear high heels because of the pain.

A puncture wound is very common and is often ignored or downplayed. It can become very serious, however. A puncture wound causes infectants to have access to the soft tissue, and even the bone, of the foot. This often causes the sites to become infected. A puncture wound that goes through a shoe into the skin can be even more serious.

If you have a puncture wound, do not ignore it. Wash it well with soap and water and apply a topical antibiotic, such as Neosporin. If it becomes red around the injury or you see any cloudy drainage coming from it, you should contact your Houston podiatrist immediately to address the problem. Do not igore it, since the infection can spread to the bone, which requires a much more serious and lengthy intervention. If you are diabetic, contact your podiatrist immediately after the injury.

The other issue to be concerned about is tetanus. If you are not current with your tetanus shots, you must get one to prevent problems from occuring.

If you have a puncture wound that you are concerned about, do not wait to visit Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider. We will be able to get the wound under control but only if you contact us today!

Bathroom Foot Surgery Gone Very Very Wrong

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today was a crazy day in the office....I saw an elderly man who has scratched his legs and feet so badly that he essentially flayed his skin off. I got an MRI back that prompted me to order more tests to see if his previous kidney cancer has metastisized to a bone in his foot. But the biggest shock was a woman who treated a "wart" herself with bathroom surgery and put herself in a very scary situation.

There are many over the counter products to treat plantar warts. Dr. Scholls puts out medicated pads. There are all sorts of topical liquids and creams. There is also a freezing spray for home use. She decided to use all of these. Then, when it still wasn't going away, she took a hot needle and went to town on it. She came into the office and was in tremendous pain. In fact, she went to another podiatrist in Houston last week and was told that there was nothing he could do for her.

As I looked further into the painful area, I realized that the presence or absence of her wart was not the biggest issue at this point. I was more concerned about the gaping hole in her foot. Her bathroom surgery had created a foot ulcer that reaches to the bone. I often see these situations in elderly patients with poor circulation and diabetes, but not in a healthy 30 year old woman!

There was some good news...the x-ray did not show any sign of bone infection. Once I numbed the toe, I was also able to get the wound looking better. She reported that she just finished a course of antibiotics because of the flu. I suspect that she had symptoms of the flu because of a substantial infection in her foot. I believe that her treatment today has put her on the road to recovery.

There are OTC treatments for common foot conditions, such as plantar warts and ingrown toenails. If you don't find quick relief with those products...STOP THERE! Contact your Houston podiatrist to schedule an appointment. I promise you that anything we do will be less painful and more effective than your own bathroom surgery.

What's Going On With Steven Tyler's Feet?

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

There has been talk within the podiatry community about the deformed feet of Aerosmith lead singer and American Idol judge Steven Tyler. Once of the reasons that Tyler gave when he accepted the Idol job was to spend some time off of his feet due to constant pain. He also has had a series of foot surgeries performed to straighten his feet and remove Morton's neuromas, which was identified as the cause of his pain.

As you can see from the photos, Tyler's feet are still plenty deformed. He suffers from a substantial hammertoe, which he says is a result of the corrective surgery to remove the Morton's neuroma. A Morton's neuroma is a swelling and inflammation of the nerve running through the ball of the foot. When surgery to remove a neuroma is performed, a ligament must be severed, which can lead to weakness which can cause a hammertoe to form. This complication, however, is very rare.

Even after the surgery, the pain after which caused Tyler to relapse into addiction to pain medication, he continues to be in pain. In 2006, Tyler revealed that he was diagnosed for hepatitis C, for which he received chemotherapy. A common complication of Hep C and chemotherapy is peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy is a persistent pain or numbness in the extremities, most commonly the feet and legs. Based on the level of pain that Tyler is reporting, along with the known success of the surgeries that he has had, this is a probably contributing factor to his chronic pain. In addition to the orthopedic surgeon he is seeing, he should also consider a visit to a Houston podiatrist and neurologist to have a more thorough evaluation.

If you are feeling pain above and beyond what you think should exist, there may be a cause that is being overlooked. Call Houston Podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider to schedule an appointment. Dr. Schneider works with an extensive referral network to ensure that no stone goes unturned to relieve your pain and prevent it from returning in the future.

Houston Police Department Participating In National Prescription Take-Back Day

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Saturday, April 28, is the fourth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. This day gives Houston residents, along with those around Texas and the US, an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs in their medicine cabinets. Over the past three Take-Back days, over one million pounds of prescription medication was disposed of. This helps to reduce the potential for abuse.

The Houston Police Department, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Agency, has set up several collection points which will be open from 10 am to 2 pm. Medications in all forms (oral, liquid, injectable, etc) will be accepted. The service is free and completely anonymous.

The six HPD locations that will be accepting unused and unneeded prescription drugs are:

1) Kingwood - 3915 Rustic Woods Drive - Kingwood 77339

2) Northeast - 8301 Ley Road - Houston 77028

3) South Central - 2202 Saint Emanuel - Houston 77003

4) Westside - 3203 South Dairy Ashford Road - Houston 77082

5) Southeast - 8300 Mykawa Road - Houston 77048

6) Clear Lake - 2855 Bay Area Boulevard- Houston 77058

Texans' QB Matt Schaub Has Another Foot Surgery

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Houston Texans' quarterback Matt Schaub revealed that he had another surgery last week to remove hardware from his foot. He was out the majority of the 2011 season with a Lisfranc injury, a severe injury to the midfoot. The procedure was done to remove the hardware from the original surgery to repair the injury.

While many people with foot or ankle surgery have the hardware left in, this procedure, especially on a professional athlete like Schaub, requires the screws to be removed. Leaving the hardware in can lead to weakness in the bone, causing it to be more easily injured. It is also a possibility for the hardware itself to break when under undo stress. The removal of the hardware allows the bone to return to full strength.

That said, it is still unclear how Schaub will perform in the 2012 season. A Lisfranc injury is a particularly difficult one to recover from. Any reduction in stability or mobility will effect his effectiveness as a quarterback. There also may not be a complete relief of pain. I'm sure Schaub knows this and is doing all he can to build up the strength to prepare for training camp.

As a Texans fan, I look forward to seeing a fully recovered Schaub leading our team to the playoffs once again and into the Super Bowl. As a Houston podiatrist, I hope to see a full recovery that will not encumber his upcoming season and playing career. Here's to hoping Schaub continues to move forward and keeps on healing.

Maria Menounos Dancing on a Broken Foot

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Every year Dancing with the Stars provides us with a few good foot injuries to talk about. This year is no different. On yesterday's show, TV host Maria Menounos performed despite a stress fracture in her foot. She was advised by her doctors not to compete, but she chose to dance anyway. Despite severe pain from her foot, she scored the second highest of the night. She says that she has a high pain threshold that let her dance through the pain in her foot, just as she danced with broken ribs earlier in the season.

There is a danger to continuing to dance on a stress fracture in the foot. A stress fracture is a failure of the bone in an area of continuous or repetitive pressure. This is a break in the bone, but many consider it more along the lines of a "hairline" fracture. While common with dancing, stress fractures are also common in runners, triathletes, and all sports participants. It is also common as we age and our bones become weaker.

Continuing to exercise on a stress fracture can cause the fracture to worsen and the bone fragments to displace. This will lead to extended healing time and possible will require surgery to repair. This is why I never minimize the severity of a stress fracture in my Houston podiatry practice.

A stress fracture must be immobilized, most commonly in a fracture boot. Depending on how stable the fracture is, your Houston podiatrist will advise you whether you can walk on it or whether you must use crutches and stay off of it. Foot fractures will typically take 6-8 weeks to fully heal.

I understand Maria's competitive nature and her strong desire to continue. That said, it is not worth the risk to further injury to her foot to continue to dance on it. Stress fractures will keep athletes out of their game and, likewise, it should keep Menounos off of the dance floor.

If you have a foot injury and are concerned that you have a broken bone or stress fracture, contact our Houston podiatry office for an immediate appointment. The sooner you treat a fracture, the faster you will recover!

How many foot fractures will this Houston Groupon cause?

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Everyone loves a bargain, which is why Groupon has become successful. The company work with local business to offer a significant discount on products and services in the hopes that it gains new regular clients from it. I fact, I have used Groupon and continue to patronize some of the businesses that I've tried.

This week I opened my email to find the following image:

The Vibram Five Fingers is one of the most popular minimalist running shoes, striving to simulate barefoot running as much as possible. They are certainly the most recognizable, looking like hi-tech gorilla feet. They have surged in popularity in the past two years as more people are trying to run unshod.

I'm not a Houston podiatrist who swears against barefoot running and minimalist shoes for everyone. I think that there are those who can do well in them and understand the proper way to run using those shoes. The problem is that they are in the minority.

Most people who decide to remove their shoes when they run, or wear a minimalist shoe like the Vibram Five Fingers, make the switch without understanding the changes that must be made to run safely. For instance, it is crucial to shorten your stride, strike on your midfoot, and bend your knees. Unfortunately many continue to runs they always have...with a firm heel strike.

It is not uncommon to see runners and triathletes come through our Houston Podiatry office with stress fractures of their heel and forefoot due to running barefoot or in minimalist shoes improperly. Some require surgery, since they decided to run through the pain and caused the fracture to become worse.

Don't let this be you! If you have been running barefoot or in minimalist shoes and are feeling pain, contact the Houston foot specialists at Foot & Ankle Institute of Texas who can ensure that you are not injuring yourself when you run. The sooner you come in the quicker we can get you checked out and back to running.

Why Did A Broken Foot Keep Halle Berry From The Oscars?

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Halle Berry was scheduled to attend and present at last Sunday's Academy Awards with Tom Hanks. She is a prior winner of an Oscar herself. She was reportedly prevented from attending, however, due to continued problems stemming from a broken foot in September. Berry broke her foot while on a break from filming Cloud Atlas in Mallorca, Spain.

Why did a 5 month old injury keep her away? Well, we can't discount that it may be covering for another reason not to attend. If her absence was due to the foot injury, then it is likely not healing as well as it should. Most patients that I see in my Houston podiatry practice recover from a fracture that does not require surgery in 6-8 weeks. These patients are immobilized in a cast or cast-boot for that time to allow the bone to completely heal.
There are times, however, when the bone does not heal properly. These situations, known as a non-union, will extend the healing time and associated discomfort. Initially, if a non-union is suspected, the foot specialist in Houston would prescribe a bone stimulator. This is a device that delivers an electric current to stimulate bone the formation of new bone cells. If a bone stimulator fails to heal the bone, then foot surgery is required.
Even though Halle Berry was treated properly and immediately, complications do occur and are rarely predictable. Waiting longer to evaluate and treat a foot or ankle fracture will increase the likelihood of complications. If you suspect that you have broken or injured your foot or ankle, do not hesitate to contact the Houston foot and ankle surgeons at the Foot & Ankle Institute of Texasfor an immediate appointment.

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Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry out with a Foot Injury...May be Plantar Fasciitis

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a game against the Phoenix Suns, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors left the game in the first quarter with a foot injury. After x-rays showed no fracture, he was cleared to return to the game, which he did towards the end of the half. Unfortunately, his foot wasn't good to go and he limped off the court, not to return for the rest of the game. The sportswriters are suspecting plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of heel and arch pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that attaches to the heel bone and courses through the arch. It is responsible for the support of the foot. When the ligament is under stress, the attachment of the plantar fascia to the heel bone becomes inflamed and painful. Many people feel pain with the first steps in the morning and after periods of sitting. More pronounced injuries can progress throughout the day. Continued tension on the heel bone can even cause a heel spur to form, a bony deposit on the bottom of the heel bone.
When the pain begins suddenly, as it did with Curry, the injury may be beyond simply an inflammation. In his case, with the foot injured during the game, there may well be a tear in the plantar fascia ligament. This could explain the severe level of pain he experience. Because a ligament is soft tissue, an injury will not show up on an x-ray. I suspect he will have an MRI done shortly to check the soft tissue more thoroughly.
If heel pain causes a professional basketball player to leave the game, you can imagine how serious it can become. Even so, in the Houston podiatry offices of Foot & Ankle Institute of Texas, we see patients who wait weeks or months to have their foot examined for the cause of the pain they expect to go away on its own. The sooner your foot is examined and treatment begun, the quicker you will recover and return to the activities that you love.
Contact the Foot & Ankle Institute of Texas for an appointment to have your foot pain evaluated. We have advanced therapy at our disposal to give you the best care in the City of Houston.

What if you could wear sexy high heels AND be comfortable?

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

It seems like an oxymoron. Many women don't think it can be done. So many patients ask if such a thing exists. It becomes a foregone conclusion. Do you sacrifice fashion for comfort or comfort for fashion.

One answer that our Houston podiatry practice often suggests is using a custom orthotic in the shoes. This is especially true if there is any instability in the foot and ankle mechanics that causes bunions and hammertoes. Unfortunately, not every shoe can accommodate a custom orthotic and, frankly, not everyone needs a custom orthotic. In fact, I always counsel my patients that a custom orthotic does not make an uncomfortable shoe become comfortable.

My friend and colleague, Dr. Michele Colon has just launched a line of shoes called 34 Minutes. Why 34 Minutes? Thats how long it takes for a woman to become uncomfortable in her fashionable high heels. The shoes will be available in the fall of 2012 and truly marry fashion and comfort. The shoes are designed by Dr. Colon to ensure that you can look good and be comfortable all day.

We'll keep you updated about 34 Minutes and where they will be available. Don't give up! Relief is not far away.

Actor Alec Baldwin Announces that he is Diabetic WITHOUT an Endorsement Deal!

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

You heard that right, Paula Deen, Alec Baldwin announced his diabetes diagnosis shortly after you did seeming without the lucrative alterior motive that you had. Actually, 30 Rock's Baldwin is pre-diabetic, which is a feel-good no man's land of a diagnosis...not quite healthy but not quite diabetic. The American Diabetes Association estimates that 79 million Americans are pre-diabetic.
Typically, pre-diabetes is treated with diet and exercise. In fact, Baldwin took this seriously and lost 30 pounds after his diagnosis. He has cut out sugar and exercises regularly. The hope is that this will control his blood sugar well enough to not reach a diabetes diagnosis. In fact, losing the weight essentially reduces his chances of developing Type-2 Diabetes by 50%.
Educating yourself about diabetes is a key to managing it. Knowing what your glucose numbers are is important. It is also important to know your Hemoglobin A1c, which is an indicator of how your blood sugar has been controlled over the previous three months. Taking an interest in your health and control of your blood sugar will limit the progression of the disease.
From a Houston diabetic foot specialists' perspective, controlling diabetes also limits the devastating effects on the feet. These include diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic foot ulcers, and peripheral arterial disease. These put both the life and limb of the diabetic patient at risk.
All kidding aside, as celebrities announce their fight with diabetes the profile of the disease continues to rise. The more publicity diabetes gets, the more education the public gets and will drive them to learn more about, and control, their diabetes. Even so, the number of diabetics in the United States continues to rise, along with the waistbands of America. Along with that comes the number of lower extremity amputations.
Don't become a statistic! The diabetic foot experts at Foot & Ankle Institute of Texas will be able to evaluate your foot condition and recommend the best course of treatment to keep your feet healthy. Don't wait for a problem to occur, contact our Houston podiatry offices to schedule an appointment.

Why Is Today The Biggest Gout Day of the Year?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Did you enjoy the Super Bowl yesterday? Was the game everything you had hoped it would be? Did you like the commercials? Hopefully the only lasting memory of the Super Bowl is a good time with friends and family and a great end to the foot ball season. For many of you, however, the memory will include severe foot pain that hurts even when only the sheets touch your foot. This is probably due to gout.
Gout is a buildup of uric acid in joints, most commonly the great toe joint, that leads to a violent and painful flare-up. This buildup occurs because of a higher than usual concentration of uric acid in your system. This can occur for overproduction of uric acid, which is a byproduct of protein breakdown, or underexcretion of the uric acid. That said, diet plays a significant role in developing acute attacks of gout.
Lets think back to your super bowl party and the protein you may have eaten...burgers, chicken wings, and shrimp are all culprits. Shellfish is particularly known to trigger gout attacks. Add to that fried foods (like your chicken wings and other guilty pleasures). All of this food that is famously part of the Super Bowl Party experience can set off a gout attack. But wait...there's more!
The gout attack is caused by an increased CONCENTRATION of uric acid. That means an greater volume of uric acid from the food you have eaten, but also the dehydration that we experience. Why dehydration? Well, no Super Bowl party is complete without some drinking. Alcohol of all types is dehydrating. So increasing the amount of uric acid production by the food you are eating, and increasing the concentration by dehydrating your body, is the perfect situation for a gout attack to begin.
How will you know it's gout? You'll know! Your great toe joint will become very red, hot, and swollen. A slight breeze on your foot will cause exquisite pain. Not to worry, there are ways to get you out of pain! Contact the Foot & Ankle Institute of Texas for an immediate appointment to assess the cause of your pain and how to most quickly get you feeling better.

Paula Deen Announces that She has Diabetes

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last month on the Today show, celebrity chef and Food Network star Paula Deen revealed that she has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The diagnosis came 3 years ago, but she said that she wanted to keep the news "close to the chest" until she was able to learn how to live with the disease. She came on network television to tell those suffering with diabetes that it is not a death sentence.

Deen is famous for cooking her high calorie, high fat, high flavor southern cooking. It is not unusual to see her add obscene amounts of butter to a recipe. Maybe it is okay for an occasional indulgence, but it certainly cannot be an everyday meal for someone with diabetes (or anyone else for that matter).

Whether your diabetes is being treated with insulin, medication, or by diet and exercise, the importance of a proper diet cannot be overstated. Many feel that taking medicine eliminates the need to eat right. This cannot be further from the truth. An improper diet full of sugar and carbohydrate, such as bread and pasta, will make your blood sugar go sky high.

Maintaining an abnormally high blood glucose can put a patient with diabetes at risk for a number of conditions. These include diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a numb or painful sensation in the toes, feet, and legs, and circulation problems, known as peripheral arterial disease, which causes further complications and puts you at risk for heart attacks and strokes.

These conditions also put the diabetic patient at risk for diabetic foot ulcers. These wounds are stubborn and quite dangerous. If not treated quickly and aggressively, the ulcers can become infected, which puts your limb and life at risk.

Paula Deen is correct...diabetes is NOT a death sentence. It is a diagnosis that requires monitoring and significant lifestyle changes. Paula says that she won't change her recipes on her television show, but she certainly will need to change how she eats to ensure she doesn't develop any complications.

The Houston diabetic wound care specialists at Foot & Ankle Institute of Texas will evaluate you and recommend a routine to monitor your foot health. If you are not experiencing a complication of diabetes, that is the best time to come in to make sure that one doesn't occur. If you are noticing redness, swelling, bleeding, or any other situation in your foot that doesn't look right, consider it a medical emergency and contact our Houston podiatry offices for an immediate appointment.

Country Music Star Chely Wright Recovering From Foot Surgery

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Country star Chely Wright is recovering from surgery on her right foot. She had a painful Morton's neuroma removed and a bunion corrected. She wrote on Twitter about her recovery "Super bored with this foot surgery recovery. Can this be over now? Foot is really swollen and very painful. Ugh. Okay, chin up! i will survive."

Both Morton's neuroma excisions and bunion surgery are very common foot surgeries that we perform in our Houston podiatry practice. A Morton's neuroma is an inflamed nerve that causes intense pain in the ball of the foot. There is conservative treatment for a neuroma, including anti-inflammatory medication, padding, injection therapy, custom orthotics, and shockwave therapy. When these fail, surgery is certainly indicated. Surgery to treat a Morton's neuroma is very successful. It entails removal of the inflamed piece of nerve. Our patients often report an immediate relief of pain.

A bunion is a prominence of bone on the side of the big toe joint. It is caused by the pressures of walking causing the metatarsal bone to rotate and create a large bump on the side of the foot. Correcting a bunion involves repositioning the metatarsal bone back in alignment. This is accomplished by creating a surgical fracture, realigning the joint, and stabilizing the area with small screws. This is a common and successful surgery and many are surprised that they don't feel as much pain as they expected.

The key to a successful foot surgery and recovery is ensuring you are being treated by a superior foot surgeon. The foot surgeons at Foot & Ankle Institute of Texas are among the most experienced and respected in the field. If you are suffering from a painful Morton's Neuroma or Bunion, contact our office for a comprehensive evaluation.

The Bump In Your Arch May Be An Accessory Navicular

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Many people have a prominent bump above the arch of their foot. This can be caused by a small, extra bone known as an accessory navicular. While this bone has no function, it can become infllamed and painful. It is also embedded within the strong posterior tibial tendon which also has the potential to become inflamed and painful, especially in those with flat feet.

The treatment for an inflamed accessory navicular, known as Accessory Navicular Syndrome, is often managed through conservative means. In cases where conservative therapy fails to alleviate the arch pain, foot surgery may be recommended by your Houston foot and ankle surgeon.

If you have been suffering from a painful bump in your arch, do not suffer anymore. Relief can be found by visiting the Foot & Ankle Institute of Texas for a comprehensive evaluation to determine what treatment can provide the most complete relief. To learn more, read our informative article about accessory navicular syndrome.

Should Rio Ferdinand Get His Bunion Diagnosed By Twitter?

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand reached out to his Twitter followers to help him determine what the growth on his foot was. He received a bunch of jokes about the picture of his foot that he posted, before some followers told him that he is suffering from a bunion.

A bunion is a bump on the side of the great toe joint. It is generally caused because of inherited foot function, which causes the bones to shift and cause the bunion deformity. It also can be worsened by trauma, very common in soccer players. Soccer players routinely and notoriously wear their shoes too small for their feet, which causes excess pressure on the foot and can make a bunion deformity worse and more painful. Furthermore, the nature of the sport, with starting, stopping, kicking, and pivoting also puts excessive force on the foot.

The pain from a bunion can be alleviated with padding and changing shoe style, size, and width. This may not always be an option. It also does not always alleviate the pain. In these cases, surgery will be necessary to correct the bunion deformity and realign the joint.

Most importantly it is vital to not wait before you get your foot evaluated. As a bunion worsens, the procedure to correct it changes and effects the postoperative course. Don't turn to Twitter like Rio! Contact the Foot & Ankle Institute of Texas to be evaluated by a foot surgeon and learn your options.

James Bond Hurts His Foot on the Set of a Christmas Movie

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Former James Bond actor Roger Moore suffered a foot injury when filming the Christmas made-for-TV movie "A Princess For Christmas." The night before shooting wrapped, Moore tripped over a table and crushed his foot. He continues to have pain several months later.

Just this week I saw a new patient referred to me by a local emergency center. She essentially did the same thing to her foot that Sir Roger did. The injury caused one of the bones in her big toe to be broken into several pieces. I operated on her today and it was tough putting her back together again. Think of it like a living 3D jigsaw puzzle. Takes longer than you'd expect to get it together, it is often frustrating, but overall it's fun!

So many people minimize foot injuries and foot fractures thinking that there is nothing that can be done for them. Most often, we either splint toes, wear special shoes or boots, and rest fractures in our feet so they can heal. If this patient did not come for treatment, however, her foot would have healed in a bad position and she would have had both a deformity of the bone, as well as painful arthritis, for the long term. By having the broken foot repaired with surgery, the bone will heal properly and completely.

If you trip over something in the house and end up with a painful, bruised, and swollen foot, be sure to get immediate care. You'll have piece of mind knowing what the injury is and wil be able to have it treated so it does not become an ongoing problem. Contact our Houston podiatry office for an immediate appointment and evaluation.

How Can Diabetics Survive The Holidays?

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The holidays can be difficult. It is estimated that people consume an average of 5,000 calories on Thanksgiving. For those keeping track, that's over twice what someone should consume in a day! This is too much for anyone, however it can be especially problematic for people with diabetes. Diabetics have to be particularly concerned since the carbohydrate-rich meals will break down into sugar.

Here are 7 strategies to survive the holidays while keeping your diabetes in check.

Shift your focus from food to family and friends Take the chance to reconnect with your those you don't get a chance to spend time with when you're busy at work.
Everything in moderation - Don't overdo it! The holidays are full of foods that you likely only eat a few times a year. Eat slowly and savor the flavors. Keep yourself to reasonable portions and say no to seconds. Watch your carbohydrate consumption...especially if you're going for dessert!
Eat before your holiday meal Skipping meals prior to your holiday meal is a poor strategy. You'll arrive hungry and will overeat. It will also make it difficult to keep your blood sugar in check.
Bring your own dish You have diabetes, but not everyone else does. Don't rely on others making food suitable for you to eat. Offer to contribute to the meal and bring your favorite, diabetes-friendly dish to the meal.
Be careful what you drink Remember that alcohol can play havoc with your blood sugar control. Drinks will also add lots of calories to your total intake. Limit yourself to just one or two drinks.
Stay active The holidays are a busy time, but make sure you take time each day to exercise. This will help you control both your diabetes and your weight during the holiday season.
Get back on track! If you fall into the holiday pitfall of overeating, don't beat yourself up. Stop eating for that night and resolve to wake up the next morning back in your regular routine. One slip up does NOT have to derail your health.

The holidays are a challenge to your diabetic health. Do your best to take care of yourself and be sure you stay healthy this holiday season.

Who Else Can Wear Mario Batali's Orange Crocs?

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Celebrity Chef Mario Batali, well known from his own shows on Food Network as well as Iron Chef America, is also known for his signature orange Crocs that he wears in the kitchen, on red carpets, and even when at the White House. Who would think about wearing orange Crocs? Certainly not me...until recently.

I was at a meeting of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Managment, of which I am a member of the Board of Trustees. Crocs is one of our champion corporate partners and was exhibiting at the meeting. Crocs has a specialized line known as CrocsRx as well as a line of Crocs Work shoes. While many are neutral colors, the orange Crocs were jumping out at me.

CrocsRx is a line of crocs that are specially made for a host of foot concerns. All of the CrocsRx line comes in higher quality materials and offers more support than the traditional retail Crocs. The Relief is a clog that offers a footbed that his heat moldable and is ideal for common foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and arthritis. The Cloud line is ideal for diabetics and is even approved for coverage by Medicare under the therapeutic shoe bill. It comes in four widths and is constructed from a silver embedded material which offers protection from bacteria.

Crocs Work Shoes offers a washable clog that features a superior non-skid sole. It is approved to be used in the hospitality, food service, and healthcare environments. These shoes offer support, cushioning and protection for those working in the service industries. While you can rock the orange Crocs like Chef Batali, there are other colors to choose from as well.

I now have my pair of Mario Batali orange Crocs. While my wife has told me that I'm not permitted to wear them out of the house, I've already broken that rule. So far, the reviews are positive...I'm totally pulling them off!

As a special consideration to my patients and readers, Crocs has agreed to offer 20% off on any online purchase of CrocsRx or Crocs Work Shoes. Here's how it works:

Visit www.CrocsRx.com
Click on the "Patients" tab on the top of the page, located in the gray shaded area
At the top of the next page, enter "40011561" in the field requesting a "Doctor's Code"
You will then receive 20% off any CrocsRx and/or Work products displayed on the page that follows
Happy Shopping!!

Kristen Stewart Limping From Foot Pain At Twilight Premiere

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Kristen Stewart was seen limping around in her Jimmy Choo's at the premiere of the 3rd Twilight film. Stewart seemed to have enough of the shoes and got rid of them as soon as she could. That was right after walking the red (well, actually it was black) carpet outside the Nokia Theater for a showing of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1.

Stewart reportedly injured her foot on the set of her upcoming film Snow White and the Huntsman, in which she plays Snow White. The injury occured during a stunt for the film. While she said the injury wasn't bad, the pain was worsened by wearing the heels at the premiere.

She stated that her feet usually hurt in heels, but the injury made it worse and she was planning to get out of them ASAP.

So many women suffer through pain when wearing heels, but you don't have to sacrifice comfort for fashion. If you find that the shoes that you most want to wear are hurting you, visit your Houston podiatrist for an evaluation. You can probably have the best of all worlds...to look good and to feel good.