The peripheral nervous system is responsible for sending signals between parts of the body and the central nervous system. If it becomes damaged due to medical conditions such as diabetes, neuropathy may gradually develop. Symptoms include muscle weakness, numbing or tingling sensations, and the feet may feel cold. Other causes of this ailment may include narrowing of the arteries which can happen from smoking, existing autoimmune diseases, or hormonal imbalances. This condition can cause the inability to feel cuts, bruises, or wounds on the feet, which may become infected if left untreated. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can help you manage neuropathy. 

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 Arnold Farbstein, DPM from Texas. Our doctor 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 office located in Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A hammertoe is a foot deformity where a toe bends downward at the middle joint, creating pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. It can develop from wearing tight shoes, muscle imbalance, trauma, or underlying conditions like arthritis. Risk factors include age, family history, and footwear choices. Symptoms may include corns, calluses, swelling, or limited toe movement. Without treatment, hammertoes can worsen and cause chronic discomfort. A podiatrist can provide relief through conservative care such as custom orthotics, padding, or exercises, and, in severe cases, recommend surgical correction. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management solutions. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Arnold Farbstein, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Ankle pain can occur from instability, injuries, or repeated stress that weakens the joint. While rest is important, staying active with low impact cardio helps maintain strength and circulation without placing excessive strain on the ankle. Swimming supports the body in water while easing pressure on the joint. Cycling allows smooth movement that improves range of motion, and yoga builds flexibility and balance. Even controlled dynamic exercises or high intensity training can gradually restore power with reduced impact. A podiatrist can guide safe exercise choices, provide rehabilitation strategies, and create a recovery plan that prevents re-injury. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment and exercise solutions.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Arnold Farbstein, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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