- Osteoporosis
- Warts
- ArthritisConditions affecting the feet due to complications with arthritis can take many forms, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Osteoarthritis typically affects the joint connecting your big toe to your foot, though it can also be found in the midfoot or ankle region. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis typically affects both feet and deals with the same joints on each foot. Gout, which normally affects the big toe, is comprised of needle-like crystals that trigger inflammation in the joints. Psoriatic arthritis causes sausage-like swelling in the toes. Lastly, ankylosing spondylitis can lead to plantar fasciitis and pain at the Achilles tendon.
- Plantar FasciitisHeel spurs are brought upon by a calcium deposit that causes a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone. It normally forms over time and can best be diagnosed through an x-ray examination. Heel spurs are commonly linked with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation that runs along the bottom of the foot. Common symptoms of heel spurs include pain towards the affected area, inflammation, and swelling at the front of the heel.
- Medical Weight LossIf you’re experiencing any discomfort or pain due to one of the above forms of arthritis, consider over-the-counter pain medication and investing in comfortable footwear. Pain medication coupled with top of the line comfort footwear is a great way to ease the pain that often comes with arthritis. If you’re overweight, it’s also recommended to think about setting a weight loss goal to ease some of the pressure on your feet, as well stay as active as possible. Applying ice or heat to the affected area is another way to calm the discomfort you may experience. It’s important to do research and see whether inserts may be beneficial for you. General foot care, like pampering your feet and keeping them well maintained, is also recommended. Lastly, you should seek professional advice and learn about potential surgery options, if necessary.
- Pediatric Care, Texas and have five board certified podiatrists. Our expert foot doctors do it all! We treat various foot and ankle conditions, specializing in pediatrics, orthotics, wound care, and surgical procedures such as ankle reconstruction.
- Diabetic Foot CareDiabetic feet must be inspected on a daily basis. Diabetic foot care at home is possible if a patient is provided with instructions from their podiatrist. If you’d like more information on how to maintain healthy feet while living with diabetes, seek the assistance of a podiatrist who can provide you with the tips needed for healthy foot care.
- Diabetes Care
- MRIIn many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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.
- X-Rays
- ArthroscopyAfter Dr. Cuza received his degree in Podiatric Medicine he relocated to Texas to participate in the Doctors Hospital Podiatric Surgical Residency Program from 1991 to 1992. During his time in this program he was trained in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, foot and ankle trauma including internal and external fixation, limb salvage, sports medicine, diabetic wound care, and ankle arthroscopy to name a few.
- Wound CareMcKinney Podiatric Associates, P.A. was started as a one physician private Podiatric Medical Practice in Pasadena, Texas in 1991 and has now grown to a multi-specialty six physician medical group covering five area hospitals, seven medical offices, two wound care centers and multiple long-term acute care hospitals (LTACS).
- Ankle SurgeryWhen it comes to receiving foot and ankle surgery, it’s typically a case by case situation. Some factors that play a role in whether or not you need surgery include the severity of your symptoms as well as your response to other conservative, noninvasive treatment methods.
- BunionsReasons that a person may develop a bunion can vary. Some patients may form bunions due to genetic factors, complications with arthritis, or a weak foot structure. General aging can also play a role in the formation of a bunion.
- GangreneOn a daily basis, diabetic feet must be checked. If you are ever concerned about something, contact your health care professional. You never want to wait until a wound gets too bad to treat. If left untreated, gangrene may develop. Gangrene is a serious infection that can cause in diabetics that can lead to sepsis or amputation. It is also important for diabetics to be on the lookout for ulcers. Ulcers are sores that develop from tissue loss on the skin. They can be quite painful and require intensive treatment. Early treatment and everyday inspection are imperative to staying healthy.
- ArthroscopyDr. Hassan is a passionate, devoted, and energetic Podiatrist. She offers complete general foot and ankle care, including reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle, pediatrics, total joint replacements, sports injuries, arthroscopy, lower extremity trauma, wound care, and limb salvage surgery.
- Ingrown ToenailsThere are many ways to maintain healthy foot care when dealing with diabetes. Most importantly, you want to ensure that you’re managing your blood glucose levels, otherwise known as your blood sugar. You also want to ensure that you’re checking your feet daily. As mentioned before, it’s important to recognize if your feet have cuts, sores, blisters, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or other troubling foot conditions to stay ahead of the issue and prevent yourself from further harm. Along with foot checks, you should also wash and dry your feet daily using lukewarm water. It may also be useful in certain cases to moisturize your feet a few times a week, especially if you’re prone to dryness. Please be advised, however, to avoid moisturizing between the toes as they will not dry properly. Another rule you may want to follow is to ensure you’re cutting your toenails straight across. You should also refrain from digging into the sides of the toes; this will help prevent the development of an ingrown toenail. If you do happen to develop a corn or callus, never treat them yourself; seek the help of a professional. It may also be beneficial to look into socks made specifically for those with diabetes to help provide yourself with extra cushion. You may also want to refrain from walking barefoot, as well as avoid smoking, as it restricts the blood flow to your feet.
- Reconstructive SurgeryDr. Hina Hassan, a native Minnesotan completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota. She then pursued her medical training in Philadelphia, PA at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. She then moved to Houston, TX and completed a rigorous top tier three-year surgical residency training at West Houston Medical Center. She received extensive training in forefoot, rearfoot, and ankle reconstructive surgery.
- CornsTo tell if you have plantar warts, you should check the soles of your feet for bumpy growths. Sometimes these growths may come with a tiny black dot in the center. You may also have plantar warts if you experience pain when walking or standing up. Because plantar warts are easily confused with other foot conditions like corns or calluses, it’s important you seek professional help for proper treatment.
- FrostbiteCauses of blisters vary. Blisters are commonly caused by wearing poorly fitted shoes that rub against the foot. However, there are many other causes besides from friction; including burns, sunburn, insect bites, frostbite, poison ivy/oak, chemical exposure, impetigo, eczema, viral infections, and more.
- CallusesA person can take care of their feet at home by following the instructions of their physician. Using creams on one’s feet is also an effective way to heal dryness. When using tools to remove calluses, use caution, as severe diabetics may not be able to feel pain on their feet. If any complications arise do not hesitate to call a podiatrist.
- Eczema
- FungusThe area of the toes is generally warm and damp, unfortunately making it a great area for fungus to grow. If left untreated, the fungal infection can spread, which is why it’s so important to get professional help early on and look into your treatment options.
- LesionsIf you suspect you have plantar warts, you may have the following symptoms: pain or tenderness while walking, a lesion that interrupts the ridges in the skin of your foot, small fleshy lesions on the bottom of the foot, or a callus where a wart has grown inward over a well-defined spot on the skin.
- Burns
- Sports MedicineSports-Medicine/Trauma of Lower Extremity, Ankle Arthroscopy, Golf, Hunting, Fly-fishing, and spending time with wife and three daughters
- Physical TherapyPossible conditions that may arise due to injury of the Achilles tendon include tears, ruptures, tendinitis, peritendinitis, tendinosis, tendinopathy, and bursitis. When trying to diagnose if one has issues with their Achilles tendon, a podiatrist will commonly check for any pain, swelling, or discoloration around the heel or lower leg area. Different treatments for issues concerning the Achilles tendon vary, but may include over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers for intense discomfort, alternating ice and heat therapy, custom-made orthotics, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. To help prevent injury to the Achilles tendon, it’s recommended to regularly perform stretches involving the muscles of the lower leg.
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Back Pain
- Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy
- General PodiatryDr. Rita Acebo, DPM, originally from Corpus Christi, completed her undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. She received her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, where she held leadership roles in multiple clubs and organizations.
- Achilles TendonitisThere are many different causes of heel pain, including strains or sprains, tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, and heel bursitis. One of the most common causes of heel pain for children and teenagers specifically is Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease can develop due to overuse or repetitive microtrauma of the heel bone's growth plates. This condition is often seen among those who are active in sporting activities.
- Ankle SprainAnkle pain, while initially thought of as an issue for athletes, can affect anyone at anytime. Simple, everyday activities, such as walking or running on an uneven surface, have the possibility of causing serious harm to one’s ankle. That is, however, not to discount athletic injuries; in fact, half of all ankle sprains are inflicted during an athletic activity. The most common causes of ankle injuries include tripping or falling, landing awkwardly after jumping, a sudden impact such as a car crash, or twisting, rolling, and rotating of the ankle.
- Arthritic Foot Care
- Bunions ProblemsA bunion is a bony, painful swelling that is often formed on the first joint of the big toe. Bunions can be extremely painful due to the weight of all your body resting on it each time you take a step. Everyday activities, such as walking and wearing shoes, can cause you extreme discomfort if you have a bunion.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot CareMillions of people are affected with diabetes each year. Diabetes damages blood vessels in all parts of the body, especially the feet. The legs and feet may develop slow blood flow, which causes neuropathy (nerve damage). Once a diabetic patient develops neuropathy, it is important that the feet are well taken care of, or else the lower limbs may have to be amputated. This only happens in drastic cases, but it shows how seriously diabetic foot care should be taken.
- Flat FeetIt may also be helpful to look into footwear that provides your feet with extra support to avoid fallen arches and ingrown toenails, as well as to help you keep your balance while going about your daily activities. In more severe cases, depending on the foot condition you’re experiencing, some podiatrists may suggest custom orthotics or shoe inserts to help correct the alignment of your feet.
- Fungus ToenailsFungal infections occur due to fungus getting through the cracks of the toes or cuts in your skin. Common signs that you may have a fungal infection include thicker than normal toenails, oddly shaped toenails, discoloration, a yellowish hue to the nail, and separation of the nail and nail bed. Fungal infections can affect anyone but are most common among men, those with diabetes or athlete’s foot, and smokers. The risk of having toenail fungus also increases as you age, if another family member has it, and if you have a weaker immune system.
- Geriatric Foot Care
- HammertoesHammertoe is a characterized by one or more of the toes having a bend in the middle joint. This occurs because of weakening of the muscle due to poorly fitted shoes or a genetically inherited trait.
- Heel SpursSome risk factors for developing heel spurs include running and jogging on hard surfaces, being obese, wearing poorly fitting shoes, or having walking gait abnormalities.
- Heel PainHeel pain, while quite common, can be extremely uncomfortable and painful if not met with proper care or treatment. Heel pain may occur if you injure or overuse the heel. If left uncared for, the affected area may worsen, limiting your mobility and making it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as walking.
- Foot PainDepending on the location and condition of your foot pain, your podiatrist may prescribe certain treatments. These treatments can include, but are not limited to, prescription or over-the-counter medications, certain therapies, cortisone injections, or surgery.
- Ingrown ToenailsTreatment for an ingrown toenail will vary on a case by case basis. One form of treatment requires lifting the ingrown nail and placing a splint or piece of cotton underneath. Another method for a more severe case would involve partially removing the nail. For cases that need extreme care, the nail itself and tissue would have to be removed.
- Foot Injuries
- Foot NeuromaMorton’s neuroma may develop when the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your foot begins to thicken. When this occurs, you may experience some discomfort as if you were standing on a pebble stuck in your shoe. Most symptoms will not appear outwardly and will be experienced in the form of a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, as well as a stinging or burning feeling in the toes that may sometimes lead to numbness.
- Foot OrthoticsAnkle foot orthotics are shoe inserts that offer support to control the placement and movement of the ankle, correct deformities, and compensate for weakness. These inserts are used to stabilize the foot and ankle and provide toe clearance during the swing phase of gate.
- Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis may occur when the band of tissues that support the arch of your foot experience too much stress. These tissues can become strained from frequently performing sporting activities, thus causing inflammation and pain at the bottom of the heel.
- Podiatric DeformitiesAfter receiving her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree in 2007, she moved to Houston where she attended the West Houston Podiatric Surgical Residency Program. She spent three years studying foot and ankle surgery and was Chief Resident. Dr. Reyes-Guerrero was also elected to complete an advanced rotation in complex foot deformities at the International Center for Limb Lengthening (ICLL) Rubin Institute.
- Podiatric SurgeryDr. Moss is a fellow of the of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and active member of the American and Texas Podiatric Medical Associations. He is currently Board Certified by American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. Moss remains active in residency training and currently is a surgical instructor and Director of Continuing Medical Education for the Harris County Podiatric Surgical Residency and Fellowship Program.