Leg and ankle edema, or swelling, occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the tissues of the lower limbs. This condition is often caused by poor circulation, injury, prolonged sitting or standing, or underlying medical issues like heart, kidney, or liver disease. Edema can be uncomfortable, restrict movement, and, if untreated, can lead to skin infections or sores. Seeing a podiatrist for leg and ankle edema can be beneficial. A podiatrist will assess the underlying causes, which may involve checking circulation, reviewing your medical history, and performing diagnostic tests. This type of doctor can recommend treatments such as compression therapy, elevation techniques, and exercises to reduce fluid buildup. For chronic cases, they might collaborate with other healthcare providers. If you have persistent edema in your lower limbs, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you identify underlying causes and provide relief strategies.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Flat feet in children, also known as pediatric flatfoot, can sometimes lead to long-term effects if left untreated, although many cases are asymptomatic and do not cause issues. Flat feet occur when the arches do not develop fully, causing the entire foot to touch the ground. While some children outgrow the condition, persistent flat feet can lead to foot pain, ankle instability, and altered walking patterns over time, potentially affecting posture and balance. In severe cases, untreated flat feet may strain muscles and joints, increasing the risk of knee, hip, or back pain as children grow. Treatment options include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and exercises to strengthen foot and ankle muscles. If your child has flat feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for help in determining if an intervention is needed, to help prevent discomfort and mobility issues that might arise in the future.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Fungal toenail infections are common and can affect anyone, especially those frequently exposed to warm, moist environments. Toenail infections often start subtly but can progress to cause noticeable changes in the toenail, including discoloration, thickening, and brittleness. Infected nails may turn yellow, green, or even black, and as they thicken, they may become challenging to trim. Patients might also experience discomfort, particularly when pressure is applied to the affected area. Fungi that cause the infection thrive in communal areas like showers, locker rooms, and gyms, where people are more likely to walk barefoot. Certain conditions, such as diabetes, a weakened immune system, or poor circulation, can increase susceptibility. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of a fungal toenail infection and recommend effective treatment options, which may include topical or oral antifungal medications. If your toenails have been infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Minimally invasive surgical techniques have become valuable in podiatric surgery, offering effective solutions for common foot and ankle conditions with less trauma than traditional methods. These procedures involve small incisions, often under five millimeters, and specialized instruments to address issues like bunions, hammertoes, and bone spurs. By minimizing soft tissue disruption, minimally invasive surgery reduces postoperative pain, swelling, and the need for extensive recovery time, allowing patients to return to daily activities sooner. These techniques are particularly beneficial for patients with underlying health conditions who may not be ideal candidates for open surgery. Using real-time imaging, podiatrists can accurately correct deformities and other structural issues with high precision. Additionally, the reduced risk of infection and scarring makes these procedures attractive for both patients and practitioners. If you are facing the possibility of foot surgery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to see if you are a candidate for this type of surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of CyFair Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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