Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage linked to diabetes. It commonly affects the feet because prolonged high blood sugar can injure nerves throughout the lower limbs. Early symptoms may include tingling, burning, or unusual sensitivity. As nerve damage progresses, numbness may develop. Some people also experience shooting pain or weakness. Reduced feeling can make it difficult to notice a blister, cut, or developing sore.

The main cause is prolonged exposure to elevated blood glucose. Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves and the blood vessels that nourish them. Several factors can raise the risk. These include having diabetes for many years, poor blood sugar control, and high cholesterol. Smoking and excess weight may also contribute. Kidney disease can increase risk as well. These factors can affect circulation and nerve health, making the feet more vulnerable to injury.

A podiatrist can help identify diabetic neuropathy and protect your feet from related complications. Care begins with a podiatric examination that checks sensation, circulation, and areas exposed to pressure. Your podiatrist may use simple sensory testing to identify changes in feeling. If a wound or infection is present, treatment will focus on protecting the area and supporting healing. Protective shoes or custom orthotics may also be recommended to reduce pressure and friction.

Daily foot awareness is an important part of managing diabetic neuropathy. Look at both feet every day and report changes promptly. Keep your skin moisturized while avoiding lotion between the toes. Wear well-fitting shoes and avoid walking barefoot. Additionally, regular podiatric visits can help identify problems before they gradually become more serious. If you notice numbness, burning, or other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our doctors from Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Falls can cause serious injuries and reduce a person's confidence and independence. Older adults face a higher risk of falls, but balance problems can affect patients of any age. Foot pain, weak ankles, and numbness can make each step less secure. Shoes that fit poorly or lack proper support can increase the chance of slipping or tripping. Fear of falling can cause people to limit activity. This can weaken the legs and make balance more difficult. Recognizing these risks early helps protect mobility and independence.

A podiatrist can examine the feet, ankles, and walking pattern to find problems that affect stability. The examination includes checking joint movement, muscle strength, and sensation. A podiatrist can also look for bunions, corns, or thick toenails that change how a patient walks. Treatment depends on the cause. Custom orthotics can improve foot position and support. Braces can steady weak ankles, while professional nail and skin care can reduce painful pressure. A podiatrist can recommend properly fitted shoes with firm soles, secure fasteners, and enough room for the toes. These steps can help patients feel more stable when walking.

Patients should mention dizziness, vision changes, or hearing problems. A podiatrist can review medicines that affect alertness or balance. Certain exercises can be prescribed to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Falls prevention also requires attention to daily surroundings and general health. Inside the home, clear walking paths and bright lighting can reduce hazards. Secure handrails can provide support near stairs. Patients should avoid loose rugs, clutter, and shoes with worn soles. Using a prescribed cane or walker correctly can add stability. Regular visits with a podiatrist are especially important for patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in their feet. A podiatrist can identify changes before they interfere further with safe movement. If you have fallen, or are at risk of falling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for additional guidance on fall prevention tips. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our doctors from Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Ankle arthritis develops when the smooth cartilage that protects the joint becomes damaged or worn. Without enough cartilage, the bones can rub against each other and make movement painful. Ankle arthritis frequently follows an earlier injury. A serious sprain or fracture can damage the joint and change how weight passes through it. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness. These problems can make it hard to walk, climb stairs, or remain active. As the damage progresses, bone spurs can form around the joint. These bony growths can further restrict movement and cause pain when the ankle bends.

A podiatrist can determine whether arthritis is causing ankle pain. The examination includes checking the ankle’s motion, stability, and areas of tenderness. X-rays or other imaging tests can reveal cartilage loss, bone spurs, or changes from an old injury. Treatment depends on the amount of joint damage and the patient’s daily needs. A podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce pressure on the ankle. An ankle brace can add stability and limit painful motion. Changes in activity can also reduce stress on the joint while helping patients remain mobile.

When these treatments do not provide enough relief, a podiatrist can discuss advanced options. An injection can reduce inflammation within the joint for some patients. Surgery may be considered when severe pain limits work, sleep, or basic movement. One procedure removes painful bone spurs that block motion, and is known as an ankle cheilectomy, pronounced ky-LEK-tuh-mee. Ankle fusion joins damaged bones to stop movement at the painful joint. Ankle replacement removes damaged joint surfaces and uses artificial parts to preserve motion. The best choice depends on the patient’s age, joint condition, and activity level. Early evaluation can identify the cause of ankle pain and help protect mobility. If you have symptoms of arthritis in the ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our doctors from Conroe Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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