The truth is somewhere in between. Non-surgical bunion treatments can bring relief. So, in today’s post we highlight what works, when it works and what you can realistically expect from conservative bunion care.

Non-surgical Bunion Treatments: What They Can and Can’t Do

Conservative interventions for bunions can help improve your shoe foot, allow you to walk more comfortably and enjoy the activities you’ve been avoiding. But they can’t do everything, so it’s important to have realistic expectations about non-surgical bunion treatments.

Remember, conservative treatments will not make your bunion disappear. The structural changes that create the characteristic bony bump beneath your big toe don’t reverse with non-surgical care. But they can significantly reduce or eliminate bunion pain; slow or stop deformity progression; help you get back into your favorite shoes; and allow you to return to activities you avoided due to discomfort. The goal of conservative bunion care is relief and control: relieving your current symptoms and controlling future progression.

Conservative Treatments That Really Work

1. Custom Orthotics

When it comes to non-surgical bunion treatments, custom orthotics are the most effective option. That’s because they are prescription medical devices made specifically for your feet, based on a detailed examination; precise measurements and, often a cast or digital scan of your feet. They are designed to address your individual foot mechanics and specific forces that are causing your bunion problems. When worn regularly, they control abnormal foot motion that puts stress on the big toe joint. Now, your foot can move properly during walking, distributing force evenly across all your joints. Your orthotics can also support your arch and control excessive pronation. This takes pressure off the bunion, significantly reducing pain and pressure—often within the first few weeks of wearing your orthotics! Best of all, with proper care, your orthotics should last for several years, making them a cost-effective non-surgical bunion treatment.

2. Proper Footwear

Now, even with orthotics, proper footwear is critical for bunion management. What should you look for in bunion-friendly shoes? The most important feature is a wide, deep toe box that doesn’t compress your bunion against the side of the shoe. Your toes should have room to move naturally, without being pressed together. The shoe should be made of soft, flexible materials that can accommodate the shape of your foot rather than forcing your foot to conform to the shoe. Avoid pointed-toe shoes, since they can for your big toe toward the second toe, increasing deforming forces on your bunion. High heels are also problematic because they shift your body weight forward onto the ball of your foot, increasing pressure on your bunion. Look for shoes with good arch support and shock-absorbing cushioned soles. Lace-up or adjustable strap shoes are often better than slip-ons because they can allow you to customize the fit and provide better support. Our favorite shoe brands for people with bunions include New Balance, Brooks and Asics. For dress shoes, brands like Clark and Naturalizer are great choices.

3. Shoe Modifications

   If you want to make your existing shoes more comfortable, you can use at-home stretching devices, or have them stretched professionally in specific spots. Adding cushioned insoles or metatarsal pads can help redistribute pressure and improve comfort. Just remember that these additions work best in combination with properly fitting shoes.
   
   

4. Physical Therapy.

   This non-surgical bunion treatment won’t reverse your deformity, but it can improve foot and ankle function, reduce pain and help prevent secondary problems. Your trained physical therapist can teach you exercises that will help maintain joint mobility and flexibility in your big toe, preventing stiffness and reducing pain. You can also strengthen your intrinsic foot muscles, helping support your arch and maintain proper toe alignment.
   
   

5. Calf Stretching.

   Tight calf muscles can contribute to the abnormal foot mechanics that worsen bunions. Regular stretching can help improve your foot’s ability to function normally during walking.
   
   

6. Night splints and toe spacers.

   Night splints hold your big toe in a more normal position while you sleep. In theory, this helps stretch the soft tissue that could have contracted around the bunion, slowing the progression of your deformity. Some people find they have reduced stiffness and pain after wearing a night splint. However, these splints won’t work on your bone deformity itself—they may provide symptom relief and could slow progression on very early bunions, but they won’t reverse the deformity. Similarly, toe spacers separate your big toe from your second toe, reducing pressure and friction. They are also most effective on early-stage bunions, and will provide symptom relief without changing the deformity.

When are Non-Surgical Bunion Treatments Most Effective

Conservative treatments are most effective for mild to moderate bunions where there isn’t significant joint damage or arthritis. If your bunion is still reasonably flexible, and the joint surfaces are in reasonable condition, conservative treatments have the best chance of providing meaningful relief.

These treatments also work best for patients who want to relieve pain and prevent progression; they aren’t the best choice for those who want cosmetic changes. If your main concern is how your bunion looks rather than how your foot feels or functions, conservative treatments may not meet your expectations. However, if you just want to feel better, these are options worth exploring: many people can achieve their functional goals with non-surgical bunion treatments. When you come into the office to see Dr. Andrew Schneider, he can assess your current bunion and review your treatment goals. From there, you can work together to create your ideal treatment plan. So contact our office today to request an appointment, before your bunion grows too large to allow for success with conservative care!

6 Ways Bunions Impact Your Life

A bunion isn’t just a cosmetic issue that makes your foot look different. It’s a progressive condition that can gradually limit what you can do, where you can go and how you feel about yourself.

1. Pain.

   The pain from a bunion can be surprisingly complex. It’s not just the obvious discomfort from the bump rubbing against the shoe. In fact, many of the patients at our Houston podiatry practice describe a deep, aching pain that seems to radiate through the entire foot. This happens because, when your big toe’s out of alignment, it changes how forces are distributed across your foot with every step you take—and you take thousands each day. So, if each step you take is causing abnormal pressure and stress because of your bunion, that adds up to a significant amount of discomfort over the course of the day. By evening, you may feel like your entire foot is tired and throbbing. 
   
   

2. Gait changes.

   When you change how you walk to avoid bunion pain, it creates a ripple effect throughout your body. Your other foot may start hurting as you unconsciously shift more weight to it. Your knees, hips and even lower back can start hurting, too, as they compensate for the altered way you’re walking. 
   
   

3. Lowered Energy Levels.

   Patients say that the constant low-level discomfort of a bunion, and the extra effort required to walk normally, can be surprisingly exhausting. 
   
   

4. Struggle to find footwear.

   The most obvious way bunions impact your life is through the daily struggle of finding shoes that fit comfortably. When you have a bunion, your foot becomes wider at the front, but your heel stays the same size—most shoes aren’t designed to fit that foot shape. Now, you’re faced with an impossible choice: buy shoes that fit your heel but squeeze your bunion, or buy shoes wide enough to accommodate that bony bump that are so loose at the heel that your foot slides around. Many patients end up with closets full of shoes they can’t wear anymore.
   
   

5. Limits on professional options and favorite activities.

   Think your shoe struggle is a minor concern? It can actually limit your professional options if your job requires certain types of footwear. Shoe challenges can also keep you from participating in sports or exercise activities. 
   
   

6. Emotional toll.

   Some patients see bunions impact their life because they stop going to social events because they worry about being on their feet for long periods, or because they’d have to wear shoes that aggravate their bunions. Some people simply feel self-conscious about how their feet look, especially in situations where their feet might be visible. They avoid the beach, swimming pool, yoga classes or any place where they may need to remove their shoes. This self-consciousness can be particularly challenging for people whose work or lifestyle normally involves being barefoot or wearing open shoes.

Seeking Treatment: What to Do When Bunions Impact Your Life 

Many people ignore their bunions, hoping they’ll just go away or that they will eventually get used to the discomfort. But as we reviewed earlier, bunions are progressive, so this approach won’t work. They typically get worse over time, so the longer you wait to address a bunion, the fewer treatment options you have available.

We can treat early-stage bunion with conservative treatments that provide significant relief while slowing or stopping the progression. But when someone comes in with a severe bunion that’s been ignored for years, foot surgery is often the only option that will provide meaningful improvement.  While we understand the instinct to delay medical attention, the truth is that early intervention gives you the most options and the best outcomes. Still, if you’re not quite ready to come in for treatment, here are some practical solutions you can try right now to make a real difference in how bunions impact your life.

Practical Solutions to Reduce Bunion Impact

1. Make footwear modifications.

   The right shoes can dramatically improve your comfort level and may even slow bunion progression. Look for pairs that with wide, deep toe boxes that don’t compress your bunions against the side of the shoe. The shoe material should be soft and flexible, not made of leather or synthetic materials without any give. Avoid pointed-toe shoes and high heels that force your foot into an unnatural position, increasing pressure on the bunion. Instead, choose shoes with low heels and plenty of room for your toes to move naturally. 
   
   

2. Modify the shoes you own.

   Specific areas of a shoe can be stretched to accommodate your bunion. Adding cushioned insoles can also help redistribute pressure and improve comfort.
   
   

3. Use bunion pads and spacers.  

   These simple devices can provide immediate relief—they work by cushioning the bunion or separating the big toe from the second toe. While they don’t correct the underlying deformity, they can significantly improve comfort and make it easier to wear shoes. There are many types available, from simple gel cushions to more complex splinting devices. Some people do better with soft gel pads that cushion the bunion while others benefit from firmer devices that can help realign the toe. The key is finding the right type for your specific situation. And when you contact our office by calling 713-785-7881  or by following this link to request an appointment, we can help you find your perfect fit while exploring additional treatment options.
   
   

Heel Pain Causes 

A common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia. (That’s the tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes.) It’s usually the result of overuse. And it’s particularly common in individuals who engage in high-impact activities or who have tight calf muscles. Another potential cause is Achilles tendonitis, which occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscle to your heel, becomes inflamed. This condition is often seen in runners or those who suddenly increase their physical activity. 

Stretching plays an important role in alleviating heel pain by enhancing flexibility and reducing tension in the surrounding muscles. When you stretch regularly, you also improve blood flow to the affected areas, promoting healing and recovery. This increased circulation helps deliver essential nutrients, while flushing out metabolic waste that can contribute to pain. Incorporating targeted stretches into your routine can help maintain the elasticity of the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and calf muscles. Tightness in these structures can exacerbate conditions that contribute to heel pain. By focusing on flexibility, you can reduce strain on the heel and improve your overall foot mechanics. Also, stretching can help prevent future injuries by preparing your tendons and muscles for physical activity. When your body is more flexible, it can better absorb impact and adapt to different types of movements, reducing the risk of overuse injuries. 

3 Stretches You Need to Treat Heel Pain 

Incorporating these stretches can greatly reduce your discomfort but consistency is key. Make these stretches part of your daily routine and you’ll notice a decrease in heel pain over time, but contact our Houston podiatrist if you notice any increased pain when doing these stretches. 

1.    Calf Stretch

Stretching your calf effectively alleviates heel pain by targeting the muscles in your lower leg. To perform this stretch find the wall or a sturdy surface for support. Sand facing the wall, placing both hands, place your hands against it at shoulder height and position one foot behind the other, keeping the back leg straight while bending the front knee. Keep your back heel flat on the ground. You should feel a gentle stretch in your calf in the back leg. Hold this position for 15-20 seconds, focusing on deep, steady breaths. Next, keeping the same position, bend your back knee slightly. You’ll feel the stretch shift from the muscle belly to the Achilles tendon. Again, hold this position for 15-20 seconds. Afterwards, switch legs and repeat both stretches. Always listen  to your body. If you feel sharp pain, ease off the stretch. 

One of the benefits of this stretch is increased flexibility in the calf muscles. Tight calf muscles can lead to increased tension in the plantar fascia, leading to heel discomfort. By regularly performing this stretch, you can reduce tension, promoting better mobility and decreasing pain. Additionally, enhanced flexibility helps to distribute forces more evenly through the foot and ankle. This minimizes pressure on the heel. And that’s especially helpful if you have plantar fasciitis. 

Incorporating calf stretches into your routine can also promote improved biomechanics when you walk run or jump. You may even notice an improvement in your athletic performance—or even your daily activities—as your calf muscles become more pliable. 

2.    Plantar Fascia Stretch 

Begin by sitting on the floor with one leg extended straight in front of you. Bend the other leg, placing the foot flat against the inner thigh of the extended leg. Grasp the toes of the extended leg with both hands, pulling them gently towards you. Keep your knee straight and make sure you feel a stretch along the arch of your foot and into your calf. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds. Remember to breathe deeply and avoid any jerking motions. After holding, switch to the other leg and repeat the stretch. Aim to perform the stretch on each side, ideally twice a day. 

Regularly practicing this plantar fascia stretch can significantly reduce heel pain by enhancing the fascia’s elasticity, thereby alleviating tension and reducing discomfort. Pain levels will decrease noticeably, particularly when you’re standing or walking. As you increase flexibility in the plantar fascia, you can also reduce your risk for future injuries, allowing for a more active lifestyle. In addition to pain relief, you may find overall foot biomechanics improvement, leading to better alignment and distribution of pressure across your foot, promoting ideal movement patterns. Not only will this stretch help treat heal pain, your ability to comfortably perform physical activities will improve. 

3.    Towel Stretch 

To perform this stretch correctly, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Grab a towel and loop it around the ball of one foot. Ensure your knee is straight as you hold the ends of the towel. Keep your foot flexed as you slowly pull the towel towards you. You should feel a stretch along your calf and the bottom of your foot. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds, breathing deeply. To enhance relaxation, switch legs and repeat the process, making sure to maintain proper form throughout. It’s important to avoid bouncing or forcing the stretch. This can lead to injury. Perform the towel stretch once in the morning and once before bed. 

Does it seem like this stretch targets similar muscles as the first two stretches? You’re right. Ideally, you should do them all. But you can also use the towel stretch as an alternative in case you find the first two stretches more challenging to do. 

As part of your daily routine, these stretches should prevent or treat heel pain. While you're doing them, you can also engage in low-impact exercise with plantar fasciitis, such as swimming or using the elliptical machine. (Avoid jumping or fast running while you're healing.) And if you are consistently stretching and still experience pain in your heel, Achilles tendon or your arch, we’re here to help. Just reach out to the office or click here to request an appointment with Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider. Or for more stretching tips, check out our helpful video on Dr. Schneider's YouTube channel! 

So, as part of our mission to deliver safe and effective foot care, especially for our pediatric patients, we're here to help debunk incorrect medical information, while also giving you some reliable, solid facts. Today’s topic? Ingrown toenails in children, that pesky ailment impacting digits all over the country, from infants and beyond. Let’s see if you can pass this quick, easy test and determine which are ‘facts’ about ingrown toenails and which are just old wives (or husband’s) tales. 

What makes ingrown toenails develop in children?

Alright, here we go: We're laying out some thoughts about what causes ingrown toenails in children. Your job is to guess whether or not they’re true (before scrolling down to check out the answers at the end of the post. Are you ready?

• Notion 1: "If you don't cut your nails, you'll get ingrown toenails."
   
• Notion 2: "If you don't cut your nails correctly, you'll get ingrown toenails."
   
• Notion 3:  "Cutting a 'V' into the nail will prevent ingrown toenails."
   
• Notion 4: "Picking your toenails can cause ingrown toenails."

So, do you have your guesses ready? Here come the real answers.

Notion 1: FALSE. The simple fact of being long usually doesn’t cause toenails to become ingrown. What’s true is that most ingrown nails occur when the nail plate is too wide for the nail bed. That means it is not the length of your toenails, but their width that are most likely to cause ingrown toenails in children.

Of course, there’s a caveat to this ‘false’ answer. Inflammation is caused by the pressure of tight shoes, and some people's toenails do grow with a downward curve. In those cases, growing nails long can cause them to become embedded into the end of the toe, a situation that will be made worse as soon as you slip into your footwear.

Notion 2: Sorry, folks, the answer is again FALSE. We try to blame nail cutting for causing ingrown toenails. Think of all those poor pedicure technicians who get thrown under the bus! It can be true, however, that cutting nails improperly can exacerbate ingrown nails. Conventional wisdom is to cut your nails straight across. When you slant the sides of your nails back, they can help an ingrown nail form. But, again, this cutting answer is not one size fits all. If your nail is especially curved, not rounding the corners of the nail can cause them to dig into your toe and cause pain.

Notion 3: We'll channel the late, great Chandler Bing on this one: Could this idea be any more false?  We continue to be amazed that people still cling to this ridiculous theory which suggests that the groove in the nail allows the center to decompress, relieving pressure on the toe. This idea could make sense if you consider a pressure grate on a bridge or road: the grate protects the pavement from cracking when the temperature changes, causing expansion and contraction. But, unfortunately for humans, the concept doesn't translate to our toenails.

Notion 4: Ding, ding, ding, this one is TRUE! When it comes time for toenail trimming, a clipper is the way to go. It may be easier just to tear at the nails—we've all done it at one time or another—but when you do so, the toenail will often go too low on the sides, potentially causing trauma that will result in an ingrown toenail. So, check your answers and make sure of just one fact: when it comes to toenail health, you’d better keep those clippers handy. And Do. Not. Pick.

What should I do about an ingrown toenail in children? 

Whether you passed our little test or not, there’s one more thing we need you to know. If you or your child ends up with an ingrown toenail, treating the condition at home is not an option you should ever consider. Bathroom surgery, as we like to call it, is: painful, un-hygienic, and an open invitation to skin and nail infection. 

That’s the bad news, but here’s the bright side: if you come into our Houston podiatry practice quickly, you could find relief for your child with fairly conservative treatment options, a fact confirmed by this study on ingrown toenail in children.  Typically, we'll start the procedure by gently numbing the affected area and addressing the ingrown toenail. The procedure is quick, safe, and virtually pain-free (the worst part of the process is typically the sting of our numbing injection.) And if your child is a repeat visitor with ingrown nails? We can also discuss treatments such as the Onyfix nail correction system, an option that works to address the number one cause of ingrown toenail in children: a nail that is too large for the nail bed size they were born with. 

So, if your child has an ingrown toenail, face the facts: Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider should treat this condition. Home remedies are not an option, no matter how many correct answers you racked up on our handy little quiz! Contact our office to schedule an immediate appointment.

You see, running a marathon is a big decision. You can't take it lightly. Training takes a lot of time and dedication. And it puts so much strain on your body. Not sure you can do it? Consider these three things: your health, your time, and your support system.

Am I Healthy Enough to Run a Marathon?  

This should be your biggest deciding factor. Talk to your doctor about training goals if you have diabetes, osteoporosis, or other chronic conditions. The same is true if you're obese, because the strain of training can lead to health complications. You also have to consider your past medical history. Had a stress fracture in your legs or feet? Prone to ankle sprains? Regularly daling with heel pain or plantar fasciitis? Before you start training, take careful precautions to prevent a recurring condition. It’s also a good idea to consult with your podiatrist before choosing your running shoes. In fact, you may want to add the support of a custom orthotic to help prevent injury.

Should Form Be a Focus of Your Marathon Training Plan? 

Many patients believe that changing their running form will reduce their risk for injury. Now, in some cases that's true: if you're prone to shin splints, for example, switching from a heel strike to a forefoot strike could save you a lot of pain. However, in most other cases, studies show that the way you run doesn't have a direct impact on your injury risk. In fact, changing your form in the middle of a marathon training plan could actually increase your risk for injury. As such, many experts believe you'd be better off sticking with your current form and running style, and simply taking the time to slowly build up your long-distance runs so your body has time to adjust to the new demands. Bringing us to the next question...

How Much Time Do You Need for a Proper Marathon Training Plan? 

Do you have enough time to train for the race? That's a good question! Maybe working from home has freed up your schedule. But the next question is, by how much? Training for a marathon is very time-consuming, especially in the last month. Start planning out times of day when you can fit in runs that take anywhere from 30 minutes to more than 3 hours!

You also need to spend months training. So good for you if you're starting now! Taking your time lets you slowly build up endurance. It means you have time for rest days. Plus, you can keep up with strength training. And be sure you have time for stretching before and after you run. Not to mention the time to stop running for a bit if your body doesn’t feel right. Aim for a months-long training period, especially if this is your first race. That way, you won't have to push through pain to reach your goals. 

This is true if you’re a seasoned runner or a newbie. You need to approach marathon training with caution. Don’t make every run a long run; don’t run every day. Rest is crucial for all runners, especially those of you who are logging long distances.

Cross Training for Marathoners

Now let's talk schedules. You have to build in rest days. And you should mix short runs with longer ones. But it’s also important to workout with weights and try other types of cardio.

People get hurt when they do the same exercise over and over again. That’s because you put pressure on the same muscles and bones without allowing any time for healing. (That's why we call problems like stress fractures overuse injuries.)

The good news is, they're usually preventable. If you strength train, you build up the muscles that support your runs. The same thing happens when you switch up your cardio. Why? When you switch to the elliptical for cardio, you redistribute the stress impact. And that gives your muscles extra rest between runs. All while building cardio endurance. Follow these tips and you'll go a long way to preventing running injuries.

Just don't forget about blisters. These nasty, fluid-filled bumps can also derail your training. So check out the video at the bottom of this page for tips to keep blisters from killing your marathon training plan.

Find Your Marathon Cheerleaders

The final thing to consider when deciding to run a marathon is your support system. Who is it that most wants to see you finish your race? Most people do not think about this when deciding to run a marathon but it is very important. If you're married, but your husaband doesn't want you to train, that's a problem. Whatever his reason, whether its the cost of your gear, or the time you spend training, his negitivity could derail you.

And that's the opposite of the positive mental motivator you need to keep you going. If you hope to run the full 26.2, you need support from your friends and family. You need to know they'll to be there through your training and on the big race day. Deciding to run a marathon is a big decision. So consider your health, time, and support system when you make it. Marathons are very challenging endeavors. And they aren't for everyone.

Not ready to go the full distance? That's nothing to be ashamed of. We'd rather see you carefully build up your endurance and work up to distance running. That's a safer option than going full out on a race you shouldn't run.

Now, if you are ready to train, that's great! But let us leave you with one thought: before you start training, come into the office. We can analyze your gait (how you move while you run) so we locate your areas of weaknesses. Once we have your movement map, we'll help you select the right shoes for your body. We'll know if orthotics will help you. And we'll figure out a safe training plan that will prevent running injuries. But we can't help if you don't come in, so schedule your consult today!

How Soon After Foot Surgery Are You Able to Walk Unassisted?

Not all foot surgery is created equally when it comes to walking instructions. Some procedures, like removing a small skin lesion or treating a superficial infection, might allow you to walk normally within days. Other procedures, like complex reconstructive surgery or procedures involving bone healing, might involve weeks or months of restricted weight bearing. Basically, it comes down to what structures are involved in your surgery, and how much healing time they require.

Soft tissue procedures generally heal faster than bone procedures. Procedures that don’t disrupt major weight bearing structures allow an earlier return to walking than those that do. In contrast, when we operate on bones, we’re often cutting, moving or fusing them together. Those bones need time to heal, and this process can’t be rushed. Putting weight on a bone that’s still healing can disrupt the process and lead to complications like a non-union or a malunion. Soft tissue procedures, on the other hand, often heal much faster. Removing a neuroma, releasing a tight tendon, or treating soft tissue infections typically allows for a much earlier return to weight-bearing activities.   

Some examples of walking return timeline by procedure include:

1. Minimally invasive bunion surgery. Many patients can walk, with a boot, within a week.
   
   
2. Plantar fascia release, which involves cutting a tight ligament on the bottom of the foot, allows partial weight bearing quite quickly, often allowing you to walk with support within days of surgery.
   
   
3. Fracture repairs with plates and screws typically involve several weeks of non-weight bearing. The bones need time to heal around the hardware and premature weight-bearing can cause the hardware to fail or the bones to heal improperly.
   
   
4. Complex reconstructive procedures, like those needed for severe arthritis or deformities, often require the longest recovery times as they involve multiple bones, joints and soft tissue structures.

When Can I Walk After Surgery: Understanding the Options

Surgeons use specific terms to describe how much weight you can put on your operated foot, and understanding these terms helps you follow instructions properly.

1. Non-Weight Bearing

   This means you need crutches, a scooter or a wheelchair to get around because you can’t put any weight on the operated foot. This is typically required for 2-6 weeks for procedures involving bone healing. This period can be challenging, especially for those who aren’t used to assistive devices; you may tire more easily than usual. Planning your daily activities around these limitations is important for a successful recovery.
   
   

2. Partial Weight-Bearing

   This means you can start to put some weight on your foot, but not your full body weight. This instruction often coincides with transitioning to a walking boot and physical therapy. You might still need a walker or crutches for support, but you can begin to put some pressure on your affected foot. The transition to partial weight-bearing is often a relief for people because it marks the beginning of returning to more normal activities. However, it’s important not to rush this phase, as putting too much weight on your foot too soon can set back your recovery.
   
   

3. Full Weight-Bearing

   This means you’re back on your feet and can walk without restrictions, though you might still need supportive footwear or custom orthotics. This is the stage at which unassisted walking becomes safe and stable, though you may still experience some discomfort or swelling.

How Surgical Approach Affects Walk Time After Foot Surgery

If you undergo foot surgery using traditional open procedures, you will require a longer recovery time than someone who was operated on using minimally invasive techniques. The amount of soft tissue disruption, the size of incisions and the complexity of repair all influence how quickly you can walk again after foot surgery. Minimally invasive procedures often allow for a faster return to weight-bearing because there’s less trauma to the surrounding tissue. However, not all conditions can be treated with this surgical technique, so the choice of approach will depend on your specific problem.

When Will I Walk After Surgery? Your Body’s Healing Ability Matters

Age affects healing speed with younger patients generally healing faster than older ones, though this is not an absolute rule. Still, conditions like osteoporosis can significantly slow bone healing and may require longer periods of restricted weight-bearing. Diabetes can also affect healing, particularly if blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled—circulation problems can slow healing and increase the risk for complications. Good blood flow is essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen to healing tissues. If you have circulation problems, your surgeon may need to modify your recovery plan accordingly.

Compliance with Post-Operative Instructions Speeds Recovery Time

Following weight-bearing restrictions, keeping your foot iced and elevated, wearing your boot, taking medication as prescribed and attending all follow-up visits all contribute to optimal healing. Elevations helps to control swelling, which can impede healing if it becomes excessive. Icing reduces inflammation and pain, making the recovery process more comfortable. Using your protective boot as instructed protects the surgical site to ensure proper healing. Conversely, ignoring instructions can delay your recovery significantly.

When Can I Walk After Surgery? Final Thoughts

There are proven strategies that can help speed up these natural healing processes. While you can’t rush bone healing, you can create optimal conditions for recovery with these key tips:

1. Start physical therapy on time once cleared by your doctor to do so—this will help restored strength, flexibility and normal walking patterns. (Learn all about the benefits of physical therapy for chronic foot pain here.)
   
   
2. Use orthotics in footwear when cleared to return to shoes. Custom orthotics can address underlying biomechanical issues that may have contributed to your original problem and help prevent future issues.
   
   
3. Add technology such as Shockwave Therapy to stimulate bone and soft tissue healing, in appropriate cases.

Ready to begin your surgical journey and looking for support from the initial consultation to your complete recovery? Contact our office to request a consultation. We are here to answer all your questions and ensure optimal results.

Don’t you love having options? All joking aside, foot injuries can kill your runs! So, today, I’ll explain one foot injury that runners often develop—but are not so quick to identify and treat—an injury to the cuboid bone!

Hold On: What is a Cuboid Bone?   

If you haven’t heard of this particular bone, don’t worry. You’re not alone. The cuboid bone is small. It’s shaped like a wedge and it sits on the outside of your foot (see the diagram on the right).  

Its cubical body also has a boney profile. (It's called the tuberosity of the cuboid. And it sticks out of the bone, pointing towards the sole of your foot.) 

But don’t let the cuboid’s size fool you—it’s got a big job! The cuboid bone supports the outside of your foot; it’s crucial to every move you make. It serves as an attachment point for some of your foot muscles. It acts as a pulley system where your foot meets your ankle, letting you flex your foot downwards. And it also helps support the outer column of your foot. This is what makes it possible for you to stand and balance. 

Sounds like a lot of work, doesn't it? Especially for such a small bone? Well, that's because it is! Which is why, if you’ve irritated or injured your cuboid, you're in trouble. Because now, running, walking or, really any movement at all will not feel great.

What injures the cuboid bone?

As it turns out, there are a bunch of different ways to bother your cuboid bone. They include, but aren’t limited to:

• Faulty biomechanics (when your natural gait is not optimal, due to the physical makeup of your body)

• Stepping on something hard
   
• Dropping something heavy on your foot. (In this case, you'd probably break your cuboid and another foot bone. And you may hear your injury referred to as a nutcracker fracture. But, helpful tip: your podiatrist won't be talking about the ballet. Just about your fractured cuboid and mid-foot bones.) 

• Spraining your ankle

• Restricted movement in your ankle

• Uneven weight distribution in your body.
   
• Cuboid syndrome. (This is a rare condition where the bone partially dislocates. It's usually caused by an ankle sprain. Or by feet that pronate too much, which means they roll inward when you move.) 
   
• Car accidents may lead to cuboid injuries, especially if compression is involved. 

Any one of these factors can cause your cuboid bone to drop down, restricting its ability to move with your foot.

What are the symptoms of a cuboid injury?

If your cuboid bone is injured, your foot won’t splay well. So it will be hard for you to spread your toes. But the problems don't stop there.

When you can't splay your toes, walking and running become extremely painful. That's because an un-splayed foot doesn’t absorb shock very well. That's why, if you have a cuboid injury, you may also feel like you stepped on something, even if you haven’t.

Of course, those aren't the only symptoms of a cuboid injury. As with most other foot injuries, you'll also notice bruising and swelling. And your foot's range of motion may be limited. Even beyond the limits of your toe movements. 

Diagnostic Challenges

If this tiny bone is the source of your pain, getting the right diagnosis can be tricky. In fact, researchers studying cuboid injuries say it's hard to detect. For that reason, they now recommend several different diagnostic layers, to avoid missing your injury. These include: 

• A detailed physical examination
• X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 

Often, we can't detect a cuboid fracture on a traditional X-ray. And that's why this study suggests a follow up MRI if x-rays don't explain why you're experiencing pain on the outside of your foot. 

Treating a cuboid injury 

Before we can treat your cuboid injury, we have to figure out why you got hurt. So, the first line of defense for a cuboid injury should be a gait analysis. That way, we can see if your biomechanics are triggering the pain. And, if your bone isn't broken, custom orthotics may also help take pressure off the bone, making it possible to run again.

And, as with any runners’ foot injury, you should always see your podiatrist to make sure you aren’t dealing with a stress fracture in the cuboid or any other foot or ankle bone. You may need an MRI to see if your bone is broken, as I just mentioned. Then, if we do find a fracture, we'll take the weight off your foot with a cast or walking boot. 

Now, immobilization only works if your fracture isn't displaced. Because, if the bones moved, we'll have to recommend surgery. Otherwise, your foot won't heal properly. And your mobility could be compromised for good. 

Luckily, even if you need an operation, the cuboid heals quickly. That's because it's got a good blood supply. (Unlike your fifth metatarsal bone. Which is why Jones' fractures take forever to heal. And are notorious sports injuries.)  So, even with a broken cuboid, you'll likely get back to running in a relatively short time frame. 

Of course, it's still better to address cuboid pain early on. Having pain when you're running? Whether it's your cuboid bone or something else, come in today, so we can keep you running without pain. Contact Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider for an immediate appointment.

What is Pickleball? 

The sport was the 1965 brainchild of Joel Pritchard. (He's a former Congressman from Washington state.) Legend has it, the idea sparked when he tried to play badminton with a friend, but could only find ping-pong paddles. After that initial match, played with a badminton net at tennis heights, the sport evolved. 

But what’s behind that odd-yet-enticing name? All sorts of rumors are swirling. Pritchard’s wife claims credit. She says, because players combined elements of different sports, she thought of crew, where leftover oarsmen go in the pickle boat. Others say the sports’ namesake was Pickles, Pritchard’s pet dog. Either way, the name is firmly in play today. 

Rules of Engagement 

Like tennis, you can play Pickleball inside or outside, but the court is smaller, measuring 20 feet by 44 feet. The net is also lower, at 34 inches instead of 36.  And the court includes a “kitchen,” a seven foot no-volley zone that runs the length of the court on either side of the net. 

The sport is played as a singles or a doubles game. The goal? To score points by hitting a wiffle-like ball over the net. And you do that with a paddle that’s larger than the ones used for ping-pong but smaller than a tennis racket. Using an underhanded serve, your ball must land outside the receiving team’s kitchen. But it has to fall inside the remaining court boundaries. 

After returning the serve, both sides volley. Players keep serving until they fault. (That happens if you serve into the kitchen, hit a ball out of bounds, fail to clear the net, or volley before the ball  bounces.) Players can only score during service. After a fault, service passes to the other team. Most games end at 11 points, and players must lead by at least two points to declare victory. 

Why are There so Many Pickleball Injuries? 

Each week in our Houston podiatry practice, we’re seeing quite a few Pickleball players coming in with injuries. And our city is not unique. In fact, according to insurer UnitedHealth Group, more people than ever are using healthcare benefits...and, according to the financial experts at UBS, that uptick is because of pickleball injuries. (They even suggested that the sport will cost the healthcare system $377 million this year!) But why is this sport causing so many people pain? There are several reasons we’ve identified. 

First, Pickleball is one of the fasted growing sports in the country. Back in 2017,  there were over 2.8 million Pickleball players in the U.S., according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). (That reflected a 12.3% participation rise from the year before.) Clearly, the sport is attracting tons of new players each year. So, it’s not surprising that each year also sees new people complaining of sports injuries. 

But that doesn’t paint the full picture of the problem. Instead, the average player age could help us see a driving cause of Pickleball injuries.  After all, the SFIA also reports that 75% of Pickleball players are 55 or older. And, since aging can already take a toll on our feet, jumping into a new, active sport could help explain the rise in injuries. 

Finally, because the sport is so social, many players enjoy daily matches. And, as with any physical activity, daily training can lead to overuse injuries. Which, as it turns out, are some of the most common Pickleball injuries we’re seeing in the office. 

Pickleball Achilles Tendonitis and Other Common Injuries

What are some of the most common aches and pains Pickleball fans experience? One major concern is tendinitis, or inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Unfortunately, many players keep picking up their paddles and playing through symtpoms such as calf pain and tightness. So, Achilles tendon ruptures are also problems for frequent pickleballers. Add in an increased risk for ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, along with a range of elbow, knee and shoulder problems, and it becomes more important than ever to focus on injury prevention. 

Preventing Pickleball Injuries 

Most of the Pickleball injuries we see are related to the Achilles tendon, ankles, and plantar fascia. Players are developing Achilles tendonitis and strains. And that's likely because of the stop-and-go movements associated with gameplay. Ankle sprains are also a problem, and the heel pain of plantar fasciitis is a common complaint. 

Can we prevent all these problems? Probably not, but we can certainly reduce your risk. First, if you’re playing regularly, invest in special Pickleball shoes. If not, look for shoes with lateral stability thanks to a wide base and a heel cup. You may also look for stiff-framed shoes for extra stability.

The shoes should also have lots of cushioning, especially under the ball of your foot. That will help soften landings as you jump for balls or run across the court.  Make sure the shoes have lots of traction, and treads designed for moving in many directions. Finally, look for well-ventilated shoes. That will help avoid fungal infections or smelly feet that develop during a sweaty game of Pickleball. 

Sports Injury Care in Houston, TX  

Whether it’s tennis, basketball, running or Pickleball injuries, it’s important to address foot or ankle pain as soon as possible. Too many athletes play through minor discomfort…and are then surprised when a major injury develops!  

Why is that so important? When you’ve already strained a muscle or tendon, and you keep going through the same motions on the court, you place more pressure on weak spots. As a result, mild inflammation can increase, and your pain becomes chronic instead of intermittent. Or, in a worst case scenario, a mildly strained tendon can rupture, leaving you with no treatment options aside from surgery. 

Want to avoid turning a mild Pickleball injury into a major one? At the first sign of discomfort, take a break from the court. Try icing the area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, and see if your pain improves. If so, you’re free to get back in the game—following the injury-preventing tips we shared above. But if pain doesn’t improve in a day or two, schedule an appointment in the office. And don’t workout until you’ve been cleared by Dr. Schneider. 

Now, that’s how you can address Pickleball injuries caused by overuse. But what should you do if you step wrong or trip on the court, and you experience sudden pain? Reach out to our office and schedule an immediate appointment. Using our in-house x-ray machine, we can rule out a fracture and properly diagnose your injury. With a prompt, appropriate treatment plan, we’ll get you back to the kitchen as soon as possible. 

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For any sports fan--or athletic podiatrist--the increase of this type of injury is heartbreaking. All these world-class athletes want to do is help their teammates keep their seasons alive. And what was their rewards? Potentially career-altering injuries! Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common outcome for athletes. They tend to rest injuries for the bare minimum waiting period, often returning to the game before it is truly safe to do so. And, unfortunately, those decisions often result in new injuries, or in the worsening of existing problems. Let's take a closer look at the rise of Achilles tendon injuries in NBA players to see if we can help curb this epidemic. 

The Rise of the Achilles Tendon Injury in Basketball

Given the dramatic number of Achilles injuries in this year's NBA post-season, the experts are speculating about why so many stars are getting hurt. Some people think that playing intense games every other night after an 82-game regular season contributes to the increase in this overuse injury. Others believe the nature of the game is the problem: in basketball, you go from standing relatively still to explosively changing directions at a run. And that, some people say, increases the pressure on your tendon. Naturally, all of these factors can contribute to the rise in injury risks. But if you look a little closer, the problem also lies in failing to fully rehab prior, less intense injuries. 

What Happens When Athletes Rush Recoveries 

Case in point: this year's drama with Tyrese Haliburton. Before rupturing his Achilles tendon, Haliburton suffered a calf strain in an earlier game. Still, he played in the next two games of his series, remarking at the time: “If I can walk, then I want to play.” Unfortunately, this mentality resulted in his torn Achilles tendon, an injury he needed to repair surgically, and one that will now likely keep him out of the game for the entire upcoming season. 

All of this should sound eerily familiar to Kevin Durant fans. Prior to the game in which he injured his Achilles tendon, Durant had gotten plenty of rest. His team doctors cleared the star for gameplay. And, they still insisted after his devastating injury, his Achilles injury was a new problem, distinct from the injury that he was previously resting. But that seems impossible. It's quite clear that the two injuries must have been related, just as they were for Haliburton. 

First of all, Durant had rested and healed, but he'd only gotten in one practice before Game 5. This means that, even if his body was healed, it was still not back to the performance level he'd developed before getting hurt the first time. This fact alone made him more likely to sustain an in-game injury. 

Additionally, it wasn't a coincidence that Durant and Haliburton were first having calf problems before ending up with torn Achilles tendons. After all, the Achilles tendon runs through your calf muscle. If you have a strain in your calf muscle, swelling and inflammation can press on your tendon. Your tendon may also be working harder and get stretched tighter in order to make up for weaknesses in your muscles. When you add explosive athletic play to that tenuous situation, injury is quite likely. In fact, giving the growing trend of rushing the return to gameplay after injuries, the only surprising thing is that only three superstars suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the 2025 NBA post-season. 

Having treated so many Houston athletes, we truly understand the drive to return to game play and help your team to victory. But we have also vowed to always put the health of our patients above all else. So, with that in mind, we urge people to remember the devastating injuries suffered by stars like Durant, Haliburton, Lillard and Tatum. And, with their unhappy endings at the forefront, we hope you will take the time to heal injuries properly, regardless of the stakes for your team. 

If you have an Achilles tendon injury, or have another kind of basketball injury, don't wait to get it treated. And especially don't return to the game too soon! Instead, we encourage you to Schedule a visit with Houston sports podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider. In the office, we can provide X-rays and a comprehensive consultation, providing a quick diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. Working together, we'll get you back in the game as soon as it is safe to do so! 

Can Menopause Cause Pain in Your Feet?

Yes, both directly and indirectly, often due to many of the hormonal changes in your body. You see, many of the changes in your hormones that occur after you enter menopause (defined as not having a menstrual period for one full year) can impact your foot health. Decreased collagen production can hurt your feet because, with less collagen in your skin, it loses elasticity as well as resilience. That can make it harder for your body to heal from an injury, and it can also increase your risk for joint pain. Increased ligament damage is also quite common in post-menopausal women. And even the erosion of your feet's natural fat padding due to aging can contribute to sore feet after menopause. 

What is the Connection Between the Pelvic Floor and the Feet? 

There are many connections between these two crucial body parts. When your feet over or under pronate, your body's alignment can be affected, putting extra pressure on the muscles in your pelvic floor. Additionally, when your feet aren't functioning optimally, they may not effectively absorb shock as you move through your day. This puts additional pressure on your pelvic floor and the rest of your body. 

Menopause, Sore Feet and Pelvic Floor Health

Menopause increases your risk for foot pain in a variety of ways, as reviewed above. But as it turns out, unaddressed foot pain in women can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction at any age. And here's why: fascial lines that run through your body create a direct connection between your feet and your pelvis. As such, dysfunction in one area can lead to problems in the other. In fact, estimates suggest that 30% of women with untreated foot pain also experience pelvic floor dysfunction. So, for that reason, focusing on women's foot health becomes even more important once you have entered menopause. 

Specific Connections and Areas of Concern

After menopause, weakened ligaments can increase your risk for developing flat feet. In turn, your pelvic floor health could be directly impacted as your hips and feet rotate inward, increasing tension in the pelvis. Moreover, if foot pain changes your gait, your pelvic floor health could also be impacted. And that's because getting out of biomechanical alignment at the base of your body can negatively affect all of the other structures relying on your feet for proper support. 

Helping Yourself 

How can you prevent menopause from impacting your foot and pelvic floor health? Start in your shoe closet, making sure you are wearing supportive footwear with plenty of padding. If you have custom orthotics, you should wear them as instructed in order to optimize your body's biomechanics. And if you don't yet have these customized, medical-grade shoe inserts, now is a great time to discuss this and other treatment options with our podiatrist in Houston, Dr. Andrew Schneider.  

How Your Podiatrist Can Address Menopause and Sore Feet 

When you come into our Houston podiatry practice with foot pain, we will always take a look at your gait. This can help us detect biomechanical challenges that could contribute to your discomfort, and that can be corrected with custom orthotics. We can also treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis that are more common after you have entered menopause. If you have lost some of your feet's natural padding, we can explore fat pad restoration to help improve their shock absorption, reducing the impact on your pelvic floor in the process. If you've developed bunions or hammertoes, we can provide a range of treatment options, from non-invasive all the way to surgical procedures. And suppose your foot pain is generalized and has not responded well to other treatment options. In that case, we can explore the power of regenerative medicine with procedures such as Shockwave Therapy and PRP injections. 

We know that menopause can be a trying time in life. But this period of change does not have to translate into foot pain, or increased pressure and stress on your pelvic floor muscles. Want to take control of your foot health? We're here to help. Simply call the office at 713-785-7881 or follow this link to request an appointment. 

Stars, They're Just Like Us...The Broken Foot Edition

Recently, Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo showed up at the Tribeca Film Festival rocking a walking boot. During an interview with Katie Couric, she was asked for the story behind her injury.  And here's what she had to say: "I wish it was, like, a cool, sexy or exciting story, like I was doing some cool stunts or something.” Instead, she revealed the far less glamorous truth: “I just, you know, was half asleep and jumped out of bed too quick and landed on my foot the wrong way. Somewhat clumsy of me.”

Even worse? Pompeo readily admitted that she's a repeat offender: “This is almost like my party trick… his is my second time doing it that way, being asleep and jumping out too fast." Luckily, she at least knows the drill for recovering from a broken foot. And we'll tell you what to expect in a minute, right after we share Kelly Ripa's tale of woe. 

 A few years back, when Kelly Ripa walked onto the ABC set of Live! sporting a walking boot and crutches last, you just KNEW she’d have a great story to share explaining her new accessories. And boy did she NOT disappoint.

Apparently, Ripa was taking part in a dance class when it all went down. As she tells it, “I did a jump and in my mind, I am an incredible dancer, graceful as can be, and I landed on (a stray weight left on the floor) and my foot went over and under the weight.”

The accident resulted in Ripa breaking four bones in her foot and, as she tells it, the moment of impact, “sounded like bubble wrap.”

Fortunately for Ripa, she won’t need surgery; she just has to stay in her boot for the next six weeks (Although, in an aside this Houston podiatrist can’t condone, she’s jokingly remarked that she doesn’t “plan on being in this thing that long.”

Here’s hoping all that talk is just bluster, and that Kelly follows doctors orders, rests up and enjoys a full and quick recovery! Want a better idea of what recovery from a broken foot looks like outside of Hollywood? We've got you covered!

Broken Foot Recovery: How Long Will I Be in a Walking Boot?

After breaking your foot, you can expect to keep the injured limb immobilized for six to eight weeks, depending on the location and severity of the fracture. For some people, that will mean wearing a walking boot that allows you to still maintain your mobility with ease. However, if you have an unstable or displaced fracture, you may need foot surgery prior to that immobilization. In such cases, you may need a cast, and you may have to keep all weight off the affected foot. Plus, your recovery period may extend beyond that six-week mark. 

Who Should Treat My Broken Foot? 

Your podiatrist in Houston is the perfect provider to diagnose and treat a broken foot. First of all, you'll need an x-ray in order to diagnose a foot fracture. If you come to our podiatry practice in Houston, we can provide in-house x-rays with minimal wait time. If you go to the ER, on the other hand, you may be left waiting for hours, only to have your imaging performed by someone who's unfamiliar with the complexities of the foot structure. 

Next, we'll determine your treatment plan based on the location and severity of your injury. If the broken bone has maintained it's position, we'll probably put you straight into a cast boot, allowing your injury to heal while helping minimize the disruption to your daily life. (You can even remove this boot when you're sleeping or in the bath.)

But if the bone fragments have moved out of alignment (this is called a displaced fracture) you may need surgery prior to casting. Otherwise, the injury won't heal properly. Then, after your surgery, we'll need you to take all weight off the injury as you recover. Whether you're in a boot or a cast, we'll keep you off the foot entirely with the use of a knee scooter for a broken foot or, less frequently, with crutches. Now, of course that will be more disruptive to your lifestyle. But it's important that you follow all recovery instructions closely while your broken foot heals. Otherwise, your injury could fail to heal, or even worsen. And that would keep you off your feet for much longer than necessary. 

When to See a Doctor

Remember, even if you can walk on your foot, it could still be broken. Also, remember that even something as silly as getting out of bed in the wrong position could leave you with a foot fracture. So, if you make a wrong move, and your foot just isn't feeling right, don't wait to see if things start feeling better without intervention...they won't! 

What should you do instead? Whether you're at the breakfast table or fresh out of dance class; whether you're Ellen Pompeo or just a person in pain, call us as soon as you experience foot pain. When you come into the office, we can screen you for a broken foot and get you started on your path to recovery. 

So, how does Ms. Obama's approach to making high heels comfortable differ from Kylie's? Here's the lowdown. 

Michelle Obama Making High Heels Comfortable

According to Footwear News, Obama has made a MAJOR policy change at White House events: high heels are optional! Spanx founder Sara Blakely recently recalled how she’d been standing in line at the White House, waiting to take a picture with Michelle Obama, when her feet finally gave in to the pain of squeezing into sky-high Christian Louboutin stilettos.  

Apparently, when Blakely reached the front of the picture line, things got real: “My feet are killing me,” became her opening line to meet the first lady. Thankfully, Mrs. Obama responded, “Girl, my feet are killing me too.”

Blakely then proceeded to ask if she could remove the offending heels, and the former first lady responded, ‘Yes, and you can tell anyone who tells you to put them back on that Mrs. Obama said you can take them off.’ ” Blakely spent the rest of the night barefoot and foot-pain free!

Now, this is one White House initiative I think everyone  can get behind! Let’s put some bi-partisan effort into helping women stand up to foot pain and ditch their high-heels! But if you're not ready to leave your heels in the dust, here's a different approach to making high heels comfortable. 

Forget Foot Taping and Use These 5 Tips to Wear High Heels in Comfort

Kylie Jenner tried foot taping to keep her feet from slipping around in her barely-there Ferragamo stilettos. But our podiatry practice in Houston can't endorse this high-heel hack. Instead, we suggest taking a more logical approach to wearing high heels (when you must) without enduring intense foot pain. 

1. Ensure a proper fit. If your feet are hanging off the back of your shoe, or your toes are sticking out over the front of the shoe, find a different pair: the ones you are wearing are too small. At the same time, if your feet are sliding around in your shoes, chances are that they are too big. So, instead of resorting to foot taping to keep your feet in place, try going down a half or whole shoe size. You'll reduce your risk for blisters, and you won't have to worry about those shoes getting stuck on your feet at the end of the night! 
   
   
2. Reduce your heel height. To avoid foot pain after wearing high heels, try to limit heel height to two inches or less. This minimizes shifts in your gait and center of gravity. In turn, your weight is distributed more evenly across your entire foot. And you're less likely to have ball of foot pain at the end of your evening in high heels. 
   
   
3. Be savvy about construction. Kylie Jenner's shoes were made with very little material to keep them on her feet. And that's why she had to try foot taping for the Met Ball. But if you look for well-constructed high heels that have backs or straps that keep your shoes in place, you won't have to try hacks for high heel comfort. And you're less likely to grip with your toes to keep those shoes in place, reducing your future risk for hammer toes. 
   
   
4. When in doubt, pad it out. If you know that high heels hurt your feet, but you just have to wear them, try adding gel pads to the shoes to reduce the impact on your feet. If you don't know where to place the pads, or even where to find effective products, our Houston podiatrist is happy to help guide you. 
5. Always engage in after-care. Even when you follow all our hacks to make high-heels comfortable, your feet may feel tender when those stilettos finally come off for the night. Want to show them a little TLC? Instead of heading straight to bed after a night out, give those achy feet some love with a Tolcylen Therapeutic Foot Soak. Available in our office, this product can be added to water for a pampering and restorative experience. Infused with cleansers that remove dirt, oils, and sweat to protect you from foot fungus, and skin protectants that leave your feet feeling silky, these ingredients penetrate deeply beneath the surface of skin and nails to revitalize and refresh your feet after a night in high heels. 

Forget Foot Taping and Call the Experts

When your shoes don't fit properly, your feet will suffer, even if you come up with creative hacks that provide temporary fixes to serious problems. Unfortunately, the brief period or relief will increase your risk for serious, chronic foot pain. Want a better solution? Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider is here to help make your high-heels safer and more comfortable for your feet. Plus, he can help provide relief for foot problems that may already have developed? Tired of ending your day with swollen achy feet? Don't waste another minute searching for shoe-fitting hacks on the internet. Instead, call our office at 713-785-7881 or follow this link to request an appointment. Together, we'll come up with a plan that keeps you walking safely and comfortably in all of your favorite shoe styles. 

When Kim Kardashian broke her foot, she posted an Instagram update stating that she's getting around on crutches. (The video was posted to the tune of a song called 'Clumsy,' which could give us a clue about how the accident happened, since she isn't sharing too many details.) A few months before that, Britney Spears made headlines for getting into an altercation at Chauteau Marmont. In the aftermath, she was seen dealing with a foot injury. At first, it seemed like she just might have an ankle sprain. But now, it seems like the foot is broken. And yet, despite her injury, Britney is walking around on the broken foot (in high heels, no less), hoping that her injury will heal itself without surgery. Which, if she keeps up with this kind of behavior, is unlikely to happen. 

Now, Brit is by no means the only celebrity to suffer a public foot injury. In fact, a few years back, Jane Fonda was seen wearing a walking boot and elevating her broken foot while on the set of her now wrapped up Netflix show, Grace and Frankie. But unlike Britney, Jane's injury was not caused by an acute incident. Rather, it was the result of internal forces working against her bone health. Because, unfortunately the actress, who was diagnosed with osteoarthritis at the age of  65, and who also suffered from bulimia and breast cancer in the past, is no stranger to broken bones; she’s admitted to the Daily Mail that, “My bones are fragile…I’ve broken one foot four times and the other foot once and I’ve broken a lot of other bones too.”

Regardless of the cause of a broken bone, rest is crucial to recovery. But, depending on the severity of your injury, treatment plans may differ. So, how do we treat broken bones in our Houston podiatry practice? And can arthritis-related fractures like Ms. Fonda's be prevented? Keep reading for all the important details. 

Types of Foot Fracture

Whether caused by arthritis, injuries, or overuse, a broken bone's treatment is determined by the type of fracture you sustain. And the location of your broken bone matters, too. You see, when you injure your foot bones, you could merely suffer a stress fracture. (That's a small break in the bone.) Or, you could suffer a full break, but the pieces of bone stay in alignment. Finally, if your bone fragments shift out of alignment (a displaced fracture) your treatment will be more involved. Usually, in these cases, your treatment will involve surgery, followed by immobilization. 

Broken Bone in Foot: What are the Causes?

In our office, most patients who come in for foot x-rays have suffered an injury. Or in some cases, they are runners who suspect they've got a stress fracture. And both are common causes of toe, foot and ankle fractures. 

But when it comes to older patients like Jane Fonda, there's another common cause of broken bones: foot and ankle arthritis. Or, more specifically, osteoarthritis. But what is osteoarthritis? Well, it's the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. The condition is both progressive and incurable. As a result, complications of arthritis grow worse as you grow older. (Although you can often slow progression with early intervention.) And, when you combine this condition with other bone-weakening factors like Jane has, it is no surprise that she has suffered multiple fractures. But that doesn't mean that broken bones are guaranteed to be part of your future. 

Preventing Broken Bones Caused by Arthritis

Now, having arthritis will pre-dispose your body to breaking bones. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take preventative measures to protect yourself. In fact, there are several ways to protect yourself from foot fractures. Even if you have arthritis.

First of all, here's some great news. You can actually strengthen your bones through exercise, reducing your risk for stress and other fractures. In fact, engaging in regular, moderate exercise for at least six months can actually help you build bone density. And, if you go on and add calcium and Vitamin D into your diet? These simple moves will further support your bone strength. In turn, you may be able to prevent further deterioration and injuries like foot fractures.

Of course any such workout program must be supervised by your doctor in order to make sure your aren’t at risk of injury. So, if you have weak bones or have repeatedly suffered fractures in your feet, you should schedule an appointment with our Houston podiatrist. Together, we can come up with a plan to protect the delicate bones in your feet while still allowing you to stay active. 

But if you suspect you may already have a foot fracture? Don't pull a Britney and keep walking around like nothing's changed in your life. Instead, stop everything and come into the office for an immediate x-ray. Then, if we detect any kind of fracture to your bones, we'll come up with the right treatment plan to ensure proper healing. And, whether that involves rest and immobilization, or leads you to surgery, following your recovery plan will speed healing and get you back on your feet as soon as possible. 

But why, you may ask, is this the body part on which we're focusing? Well, not only can an unhealthy toenail lead to fungus, infection and generalized foot pain, your toenails can also show signs of a heart condition; diabetes; or kidney, lung or liver disease. 

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Beach Toenails

Now that you know how important healthy toenails are, let’s review the best way to keep them in tip-top condition. Proper maintenance is the key to toenail health; when you shower, carefully clean your feet, toes and toenails individually.  Always trim your nails in a timely and careful fashion to avoid problems like ingrown toenails.  Make sure to look at your toenails regularly and take note of any abnormalities in color or shape.

If you want to polish your nails so that they look fun and fresh at the beach, be picky about the products you use. Of course, you are welcome to try some of Summer 2025's trending nail polish shades. (These include Ocean Blue, Sunset Coral, and Butter Yellow, all of which would make for perfect beach toenails.) Just make sure the color you pick comes from a better-for-you brand such as Dr.'s Remedy nail care. These nail polishes don't have the toxic chemicals contained in most other brands. Even better? They are packed with ingredients that promote nail health. That way, you won't get yellow, discolored nails in between pedicures. 

Now, when you do swap out your nail polish, or if you're giving those toenails a break, it's important to really examine them. Then, If you notice anything strange on or around your toenail, call our office immediately. Even if your toenail doesn’t hurt yet, any type of discoloration or abnormality could lead to foot pain or be a sign of more serious problems.  

Don’t just shrug off a strange color or spot on your nail—if it’s black or blue, it could mean you’re bleeding underneath the nail. If you have a dark spot that doesn’t move as your nail grows, you may have an infection underneath the nail; surgery could be the best way to correct the problem.

Of course, surgery sounds scary. But let's examine what's really involved in toenail or foot surgery. 

How Long Will I Be out of Commission After Foot or Nail Surgery?

When it comes to surgery on your toenails, your downtime will likely be limited: expect to be in a soft boot for several days, avoiding strenuous physical activity for up to a week. But what about when surgery is performed on your toes, feet or ankles?

The answer depends on the scope of your injury or surgery.  Bones takes 6-8 weeks to heal. It's a physiological process and is just the way it is. Even at 8 weeks, the bone isn't fully healed. It is clinically healed well enough for you to start to return to normal walking and ultimately exercise. It really takes bone a full year to completely heal back to full strength. Yet so many people think that they'll be back to running three weeks after surgery. It is just not realistic!

When you come to our office with an injury, such as a sprained ankle or foot fracture, or we are discussing surgery, I will tell you the real estimate for recovery and healing. I will not tell you what you want to hear. That will only frustrate you when reality sets in and healing takes longer. My patients tell me that they appreciate knowing the actual timeframe, since it allows them to prepare properly for being out of commission. My surgical patients tell me that they know what to expect around every corner, because we covered it so thoroughly when we discussed it before surgery.

Of course, if you want to avoid surgery, proper foot and nail care is of utmost importance. The bottom line is that your toenails are more than just retainers for nail polish or pesky appendages that need to be trimmed all the time. They are an important part of your body deserving of care and attention; with that said, if you suspect you have a toenail infection or notice anything unusual about your toes, schedule an appointment at Tanglewood Foot Specialists to keep the ‘window of your body’ in healthy working order.  Together, we'll get your beach toenails looking and feeling their best. That way, you can confidently walk through the rest of your summer without worrying about what lies beneath your nail. 

How to Pick a Running Shoe 

Choosing the right running shoe is essential. It’s not just about esthetics. Rather, your shoe choice can significantly impact your performance and help prevent injury. So, where should you begin the process? Before you step into any pair of shoes, it’s important to understand your foot type. Start by looking at your arch, since it plays a significant role in your running mechanics. 

There are 3 main arch types: low, ‘normal’ and high arches.  Low arches (also called flat feet) are caused by overpronation, where your foot rolls inward excessively. Normal arches typically lead to neutral pronation and high arches tend to cause under-pronation, or an insufficient roll of your foot as you move. 

Identifying your arch type is easier than you think. To get started, wet your foot and step on a piece of paper. If you see almost your entire foot print, you’ve likely got a flat foot. See half your foot? That’s normal. And if only the heel and ball of your foot are visible? You guessed it—that means your arches are high. 

Now, one arch type isn’t necessarily better than another. But your arch type plays a significant role in your running mechanics, so you have to know what you’re working with before you pick a running shoe. If you’ve got high arches and underpronate (also called supination), this can lead to excess pressure on the outside of your feet and legs. In turn, it may cause shin splints or even stress fractures. 

Flat feet are more likely to cause plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis or knee pain. And neutral feet tend to provide the most balanced and efficient running style. And so, given that information, you can take into account likely areas of weakness when you go to pick out your next pair of running shoes. 

How to Pick a Running Shoe: Ask for a Gait Analysis 

Even if you know and understand your arch type, you can make a more informed shoe purchase if you’ve had a gait analysis in our Houston podiatry practice. This in-office test provides information on how your foot functions when you’re walking or running. During a gait analysis, we also look at the stride length, foot alignment and overall mechanics. Understanding these aspects can help you choose shoes that offer appropriate support, cushioning and structure. Don’t underestimate the power of a proper gait analysis. It’s the foundation of finding the right running shoes, helping boost performance and reducing the risk of injuries.

Types of Running Shoes to Pick From

Remember, the right shoe for someone else may not be the right shoe for you. Running shoes come in 3 basic categories: motion control, neutral and stability sneakers. Flat-footed runners who overpronate will want to select a motion control shoe. Runners with a neutral foot or average arch height will be best suited to a stability shoe. And if you have a high arch foot and underpronate? Look for a neutral shoe, since it offers extra cushioning and shock absorption. Also, heel construction is very important. This study shows that an over-or-under cushioned sneaker heel actually increases your risk for running injury. So sticking to the basics, comfort and fit, can help ensure that you find your perfect pair. 

Consider the Training Surface, Too 

Additionally, you’ll want to think about the surface on which you’ll be training. Running on city streets? You may need to pick a running shoe that differs from the one you’d wear on rough mountain trails. It’s essential to pick a running shoe that’s tailored to the terrain you’ll be covering. Road running shoes are designed for pavement and packed surfaces with only slight irregularities. They’re generally lightweight, but still cushion your feet from the impact of training on hard surfaces. 
On the other hand, trail running shoes are designed for off-road routes with rocks, mud, roots and other obstacles. They’re designed with aggressive tread for solid traction and fortified to offer stability, support, and underfoot protection. 

How to Pick a Running Shoe That Really Fits

Now that you understand how to select the proper category of running shoe for your foot type and training preferences, let’s focus on getting a proper fit. Sounds simple? It’s actually not, and here’s why. Shoe sizes have become arbitrary. Obviously, you can use your shoe size as a starting point when trying on sneakers. But you have to choose the right shoe based on how that specific sneaker fits your foot. And you may need to size up on your running shoes, since your feet tend to swell and expand from increased blood flow when you run. 

What does a well-fitted sneaker feel like? The right shoe should hug your foot, snugly but not too tight. You should be able to wiggle your toes freely. Check for the width of your index finger between your longest toe and the end of your shoe. This gives room for your foot to move forward as you run. Also, the heels should fit firmly, without slipping or causing blisters. The upper part should feel secure and comfortable, not causing any pressure points. 

Before you purchase a shoe, test it out by running around the store. If anything feels off, it probably is. Remember, the best shoe for your foot is the one that fits perfectly and feels comfortable right away, without the need for a breaking-in period. Don’t buy a shoe thinking that it will feel better after you’ve worn it for a while. If it doesn’t feel right when you’re trying it on in the store, move on to another pair. 

And about that shoe store. You have to consider the timing of your visit if you want to pick a running shoe that really fits your foot. We always recommend shopping toward the end of the day, after your foot has endured typical minor swelling. This will ensure that your shoes fit your foot at it’s largest, helping prevent problems down the road. 

Need more help learning how to pick a running shoe that works for your foot shape, gait and training terrain? That’s one of our specialties! Click here to request a runner’s shoe consultation with Dr. Andrew Schneider! 
 

Want to get rid of pain for good, and not worry about tendinitis showing up again? Today, we're sharing some information with you about this painful condition. (And other types of tendonitis that hurt your feet.) That way, maybe you'll avoid making the mistake of staying on the Achilles-pain hamster wheel!

Why Achilles Tendons are So Tricky to Treat 

Once there's inflammation in your Achilles tendon, it doesn't take much to make it worse. Something as simple as running through the Houston airport trying to catch a flight (Thanks TSA!!!) in shoes is a frequent trigger. (It's even worse if you also spend some time walking barefoot after the security line. Because barefoot feet are unsupported feet. Plus, they're at risk of getting suitcases dropped on them. Or of picking up a fungal infection or plantar wart.) The result? By the time you get up to deplane at your destination, you're hurting. And popping some Aleve, hoping for some relief.

Of course, that is a temporary salve. So, when you get home, you'll need more permanent help. But here's yet another problem: it's hard to treat the Achilles tendon. Really hard. After all, oral anti-inflammatory medications are not always effective. Plus, we've got limits on we can inject into and around the Achilles tendon, too. For instance, we can never use a cortisone injection to treat the Achilles tendon. That's because of the risk that the injection would weaken and rupture your tendon. Now, restricting the motion around your tendon is another option. When tendinitis gets bad, you can wear a gauntlet ankle brace to give it some rest. Or try some topical Biofreeze to treat the tendon at the sight of the problem.

Then, if that doesn't work, a fracture walker rests it even more. Next up? Physical therapy and possibly some shockwave treatments. After those treatments, most people  will lick their Achilles tendon pain. Sounds involved? Sounds complicated? Sound frustrating? It is! But that's the story with this part of your body. Treating Achilles tendinitis requires tremendous patience and strict adherence to the treatment plan. Not in the market for such an involved process? Not tow worry! Check out this homeopathic treatment option instead. It's proven to be effective at relieving Achilles pain, without creating the risk of a rupture!

Homeopathic Treatments for Achilles Pain 

Our podiatrist went through rigorous medical training, and also reviewed the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons' studies on Traumeel. (It's an anti-inflammatory medication that comes as an ointment, gel, tablet or injectable.) ​

Traumeel combines a number of homeopathic components to provide an anti-inflammatory effect. Many people who hope to limit their prescription medication use prefer this option. Because it's a more natural solution. And, studies show that Traumeel is a safe and effective alternative for a prescription topical NSAID.  

For that reason, we've been able to use the injectable form of Traumeel with great success in our Houston podiatry practice. Now, many physicians use cortisone injections when you've got soft tissue structure inflammation, such as tendonitis. And, in most cases, it addresses and gets rid of that inflammation and pain.

But as we said before, you can't do that with your Achilles tendon. Even though it's one of the strongest tendons in the body, cortisone can weaken the tendon and cause a rupture. And I promise, that will be even worse than the intense back of heel and ankle pain you're already facing.  That's where Traumeel comes in. In its injectable form, it's safe to use this non-cortisone homeopathic anti-inflammatory around the Achilles tendon. All with no risk of rupture. In fact, its a great way to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with this stubborn and frustrating injury.  You may even want to explore it with other forms of tendonitis in your feet.

PRP for Achilles Tendon Concerns

In our practice, we also offer Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), another injectable treatment that can help with tendonitis recovery. Uunlike a cortisone or even a Traumeel injection, PRP uses the platelets from your blood to speed up healing. How? PRP increases the flow of blood to the inflamed areas, directing healing elements where they are needed most. This offers faster, more effective pain relief. And it does so with natural elements from your body, which is why it's considered regenerative medicine. (Learn more about PRP for Achilles tendonitis here, and keep reading for info on other forms of tendonitis we can address in the office.)

Other Tendon Pains: Peroneal Tendonitis

You've got two peroneal tendons, and they run together along the outside of your ankle and foot. But they stop in a different place. One ends in your midfoot; the other connects to the bottom of your arch.

And their job? They stabilize the joint below your ankle. This keeps your foot in line, so you don't get hurt by your ankle twisting inward.

Symptoms and Treatment

Peroneal tendonitis gives you pain on the outside of your foot or ankle. It's most likely to show up at the bottom of your fifth metatarsal bone. But it could also come from behind your ankle bone. And you may also notice swelling in the area.

Often, this tendonitis pain gets triggered when you're active. But some activities are worse than others. The biggest offenders include running or walking on uneven surfaces, or moving sideways.

We often see complaints of peroneal tendonitis when running patients change their training patterns. That could mean switching your shoes, or adding miles or speed to your runs. Even running on a different surface could cause problems.

Your own biomechanics or medical history can also increase your risk. If you've recently sprained or injured your ankle, your peroneal tendons are more likely to act up. And, if your feet roll out when you walk or run (supination), it's also far more likely.

Luckily, we can manage those concerns with shoes and orthotics. Special motion-control shoes can limit the rolling of your feet, which can limit stress on your tendons. Then, if you're still experiencing pain, we can always fit you for a custom orthotic.

Of course, these solutions may not solve your tendonitis pain immediately. But we've always got more options to try.

Want more creative solutions for nagging foot problems? Come see us at the first sign of discomfort! Relieving your discomfort is our top priority! 

Remove These Shoes from your Closet ASAP

Here’s a novel thought: just get rid of those shoes that are too small, too big or whose crazy-high-heels just can’t be good for you?

This is a short-list of the worst culprits we’d like to see you toss:

1. Flip-flops: You may be thinking that now is the season to start bringing these babies out again, but the lack of arch (or any other) kind of support is murderous for your feet. Plus, they’re totally open, leaving you vulnerable to germs and fungus. And gripping with your toes just to keep them in place can lead to hammertoes. So, do us all a favor and toss them out (or relegate them to your swim bag, at least.) 
    
2. True stilettos: While the writers over at Slate are mourning the end of the Sex-and-the-City inspired era of high heels, it's really not the tragedy they've proclaimed. The key to wearing high heels is to do it infrequently and, when slipping them on, choosing a pair with a less-than-three-inch heel. Anything higher than that does too much damage to your feet, not to mention completely compromising your balance and center of gravity, leaving you vulnerable to sprains and breaks.
    
3. Uggs: Well, maybe don’t toss them (they’re warm and toasty and cost big bucks) but do think about the way you wear them. Always wear with socks to prevent athlete’s foot infections as the warm boots cause your feet to sweat. And don’t wear for extended periods of time. Just like flip-flops, these boots provide no arch support and will cause foot pain when worn all day.
    
4. Any shoe that doesn’t fit: Too big? Your feet will slide around, leading to blisters, corns and calluses. Too small (especially in the toe box)? Your feet will be pinched and compressed. Can lead to Morton’s neuroma, bunions and numerous other problems. And no, shoes that leave your toes hanging over the edge DO NOT FIT!

Alright, perhaps your shelves are looking a little bare by now…fear not! You can start stocking these to fill the spaces left by those bad-for-you shoe options.

Super Sneakers Fight Heel Pain

When you spend all day on your feet, you just need a shoe that will pad and support your feet. Of course, we all love a great sneaker, but not every running shoe is created equally. If you're just walking around, or spending a long time standing for your job, look for support. One of my favorite options? Nike shoes with Air Max technology. These supportive shoes help absorb shock, taking pressure off your feet and arches. 

In turn, this will help stop your arches from collapsing, as they do in flip-flops (see above.) And that can stop unwanted tugging on your plantar fascia. So, in place of heel pain, styles like the Vapormax or Nike Air Max will keep your foot plesantly padded. All day long. And all while lending a credible streetwear style to your OOTD. 

Now, not every day can be a sneaker day, especially in Houston. So if you need a great summer option, just keep reading!

Slip into Slides 

While flip flops are murder on your feet, supportive sandals such as Birkenstocks are actually pretty good for your feet. We know that these old-school sandals weren't in style for a lot of years. But today, they're super trendy, especially among the hip young mom crowd. Even better? These slides are built with tons of arch support. Unlike thinner sandals or flip-flops, the Birkenstock foot bed is soft, and the foam cushioning makes them more responsive to your own feet. Plus, instead of a rubber foot bed, these slides are made with leather. Which means your feet will sweat less, and you'll lower your risk for pesky summer foot infections such as athlete's foot. A win in my book, and yours too I'm guessing. Need a more formal option? No problem: I've got you covered with my next suggestion. 

Making a Claim for Clogs

Luckily, this shoe shape is back in style: here's why we love it! For the most part, clogs have roomy toe beds so they won't pinch your toes. Plus the beds of the shoes tend to be more supportive than other styles with some lift to them. Plus, many have stiff rockers in the forefoot, and that can help reduce stress on your calves and feet, resulting in less pain and inflammation. 

The Power of Square-Toed Shoes

Once dubbed by Vogue Magazine as “the new Power Flat,” why not grab a pair of square-toed shoes this fall. Here’s why I’m all for this style of shoe:  

Pointy-toed shoes are problematic. They pinch your toes into unnaturally tight positions, putting pressure on the delicate bones in your feet. They are especially tight at the widest point of your feet, where the ball meets the toes. That kind of pressure can impact the joints of the big toe, even altering their growth and potentially leading to the development of bunions.

Now, while pointy-toed shoes may lead to bunion growth, or make small bumps even bigger, they’re basically non-starters for people who already have bunions. Enter the square toed shoe. According to bunion sufferer (and fashion blogger) Nicole Kliest of Who What Wear, “Aside from their subtle, unexpected nature, [square-toed] shoes also happen to be less narrow than pointed-toe options. Translation: My podiatrist says they give your feet more room and are less likely to create foot pain. Sure, they're not as ideal as open-toe sandals, but small improvements, right?”

Benefits of Roomier Toe Boxes

Your toes need the ability to move within your shoes. If they stay static and trapped, trouble ensues.  Here are some of the problems you may be able to avoid by leaving yourself some wiggle room in the toe-box of your shoes:

Corns: Corns appear as a thickening of the skin on your toes. Hard corns are usually located on the outer surface of the little toe or on the upper surface of the other toes. These hardened areas of skin form as a result of repeated pressure—from tight-fitting shoes or other external factors. Your skin becomes thicker as a protective measure, to prevent the pressure from damaging sensitive areas beneath the skin. Calluses can also form as a result of external pressures. Like corns, they appear as hardened areas of skin; typically, however, they appear over a wider area of your feet.  

Neuromas: Neuromas are enlarged nerves that can cause you to experience terrible foot pain. When the enlarged nerve is located between your third and fourth toes, it’s called a Morton's neuroma.  Extra pressure on the front of your feet can exacerbate the pain of a neuroma, and potentially make the problem more difficult to treat.

Hammertoes: External pressures can build up over time, eventually changing the appearance  of your toes permanently. Bent, crooked and crossed toes can all begin to develop—or be made worse—by shoes that fit tightly in the toe box.

Now that you know roomier shoes are a:in style and b: saving you from a whole slew of pretty painful foot problems, we're sure you’re going to head out and buy a styling new pair of square-toed shoes. But in case you need more inspiration, we hear that Dear Frances and FarFetch have some great styles in stock. Go check them out, and be sure to let them know your podiatrist sent you!

After all, your feet are too precious a commodity to be ruined in the name of cute shoes. We urge you to toss out foot wear that causes you pain and schedule an appointment with Dr. Andrew Schneider to address any foot, toe or ankle concerns.

Then, a few years after that, another foot trend took the world by storm: the #BarbieFeet hashtag on Instagram. And, while the name was less than ideal, and has since morphed into something dangerous, we were actually ok with that trend. But, before you start freaking out, let us explain exactly why that was the case then, but not now that the Barbie Foot Challenge and Stiletto Botox have taken TikTok by storm.  

What's the Barbie Feet Trend All About?  

Anyone who knows Barbie knows that her feet are disproportionately tiny. And permanently stuck in the high heel position. Thankfully, neither of those factors were involved in older hashtag trends. 

Instead, women just copied the pose of Barbie's feet. For the sake of a selfie, these ladies went up on their tip toes (like Barbie), snapped a pic and sank down to safety. The idea was to capture all the bonuses of wearing high heels (added height, longer looking legs, the toned appearance of flexed muscles) without actually putting on stilettos. 

And therein, ladies and gentlemen, lies the reason that we liked that trend. We truly understand why women love high heels. Heck, we know lots of very smart women with closets full of them. And yes, we even agree, many women look phenomenal in them. But if woman wear them for too long or too often, problems will start cropping up. 

It may start with aching feet. Later, it could progress to back and knee pain. Bunions may start to form The Achilles tendon could shorten up and cause heel pain. The toes could twist into shapes not intended by nature. Basically, so many unpretty things could happen. 

If, however, you stick to temporary Barbie Feet poses, you'll capture the look you love without any of the lasting, unpleasant side effects. So go ahead, ladies (and gents): snap those #BarbieFeet instas. But steer clear of that Barbie Foot Challenge on TikTok. Because, as it turns out, that little trend is very problematic. 

Tthe Barbie Foot Challenge: Why TikTok is Murder on Your Feet

Unfortunately, after the Barbie movie came a new Barbie that was far less innocuous than the #BarbieFeet trend we just signed off on. 

You see, early in the film, Margot Robbie's Barbie slips off her shoes to get in the shower. And, when she takes off her gorgeous high heels, her feet stay in that perfectly  arched position. Of course, this scene is a podiatrist's nightmare. But the TikTok world thinks it's awesome, and has turned this unnatural anatomy into a viral challenge.

How does the challenge work? It basically encourages followers to channel their inner Barbie by standing on tip toes and trying to walk. So far, the trend is catching on quickly. Even starts like Chrissy Teigen are trying it out. But that's a bad idea. And here's why. 

You see, earlier #barbiefeet challenges had people standing still, even if they were on tip toes for a picture. But now that video is part of the equation, the Barbie Foot challenges involves movement. Or, more specifically, it involves walking on your tip toes. Without even the benefit of a stiletto to absorb some of the shock to the balls of your feet, or to your metatarsal bones. And so, if you take the challenge, you could be in for a world of hurt. 

Going Barefoot on Tip Toe: The Trouble with the Barbie Foot Challenge

The latest incarnation of the Barbie Foot Challenge poses a serious risk of immediate injury. After all, when you walk on tip toe, without support, you're more likely to trip and fall. And that could lead to sprains or even fractures. 

Want to know what's even worse than the immediate risk of injury? Walking with Barbie feet poses long term health risks. (Just like walking in high heels does, over time.) You see, walking in stiletto position destabilizes your ankles, and that takes a toll on your ligaments. Plus, putting all that pressure on the balls of your feet can leave you with painful conditions like metatarsalgia or Morton's neuroma. And either of those conditions can make walking in any shoes, let alone high heels, feel like torture. 

On their own, these risks are pretty serious. And they should convince you NOT to take the Barbie Foot Challenge. But if you're not yet convinced to steer clear of this trend, consider this. Barbie herself didn't actually keep her feet in that position. In fact, she admitted to Australian TV that, off-camera, “I kind of held onto a bar so I was steady. We just put double-sided tape on the floor so my shoes would stay still.” In other words, even Barbie can't pull off the Barbie Foot Challenge without assistance. So we certainly don't think you should try to out-Barbie the master. Especially since doing so could leave you with nothing but trouble. 

Stiletto Botox: The Latest Troubling Trend

Want proof that we're correct about the pain caused by walking in stilettos? TikTok is now obsessed with the idea of Stiletto Botox, a 20-minute procedure that injects the balls of your feet with a blend of Botox and dermal filler to numb the pain of walking in high heels for hours on end. 

Now, here in the office, we know that the fatty pads in the balls of your feet wear down as you age. So we do offer a fat pad restoration procedure to bring back your foot's natural cushioning, making walking in any kind of shoes more comfortable. But that procedure does not involve injecting your feet with botulinum toxin just so you can bear the pain of wearing spiked heels. So we beg you to think twice before asking about this procedure. Because if you need to inject your feet with foreign substances just to wear a certain pair of shoes, may be you need to rethink that shoe choice instead! 

What's a better way to show off the beauty of your feet? Try pampering them the right way, with the help of our guide to safe, at-home pedicures. Then, show off your pretty summer toes on Instagram, Tik Tok, or wherever the mood strikes you. Got foot pain or discomfort when you wear your shoes or high heels? Come into the office at the first sign of a problem. That way, we can keep small problems from becoming big ones. So you can keep on showing off your feet on your favorite social platforms. And, while you're at it, go ahead and give our Tanglewood Foot Specialists account a follow. We promise lots of #footspiration and plenty of safe, happy fun! 

Personally, we love seeing kids in our office. But we don't see them often enough, and that's often because children don't always tell you that they’re having foot pain. In some cases, they may be too little to express it. In others, they just don't have the right words to explain what's wrong. So, to help fill the gap, here are five ways you can read their mind and know when it's time to see a pediatric podiatrist. 

5 Ways to Know Your Child Needs a Pediatric Podiatrist

Not sure if you need to make an appointment with pediatric podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider? Here are five warning signs to look for: 

Your child falls a lot

We see this a lot of times with young children who are pigeon toed. They trip over their own feet. This happens even more when they run. You may find that your child doesn’t want to run because she doesn’t want to fall. She doesn’t want to get embarrassed, especially in front of her friends.

Cases like these are easily managed. I use a specialized foot insole called a gait plate to help the feet straighten out. No more pigeon-toes, no more tripping and falling. Here’s the thing, gait plates work the best with younger children. So, don’t delay coming into the office to see if it is the right solution.

Your child wants to sit out of sports

Kids do really well with pain. They’re often able to power through it. There are times, however, where the pain gets so severe when they’re playing sports. It reaches the point where they would rather not play. To us, there’s nothing worse than a child stopping themselves from something they love. Especially because of pain.

There is a very common form of heel pain in children called Sever’s Disease. It affects kids ages 8 to 14. It’s the number one reason why we see kids keeping themselves out of playing sports. If you look online, the prevailing treatment for it is to wait it out because it self-resolves.  But with proper treatment from a pediatric podiatrist, your child should feel better in a matter of weeks, if not sooner.

Your child is having trouble keeping up with his friends

Kids love to run around in packs. It’s wonderful to see a group of kids playing together. But sometimes you see a child who always at the back of the pack. He wants to keep up but struggles to do it. We can write it off as the child not being as athletic, but sometimes there’s more to it.

If that child has flat feet, it takes more energy to run around. So, running makes him tire more quickly and that’ll slow him down. Ask him if his feet are bothering him. You may be surprised that he is having foot pain. Even if his feet are getting tired, bring him into the office. We’ll be able to watch him walk and run to see if there is a cause for his feet feeling the way they do. Most of the time, there is a cause with a very easy fix.

Your child is hiding her feet

Children are prone to developing plantar warts and ingrown toenails. When they get bad, they look pretty ugly. Often, a child will hide these issues thinking that she did something wrong. Of course, it’s nothing that you would blame her for. But she doesn’t know that!

Look for your child wearing socks all the time. Or maybe she won’t let you see her feet because she’s worried about what you’ll think. But look for signs of pain, like limping. Both plantar warts and ingrown toenails can be very painful when they get bad. Also, don’t hesitate to ask to look at your child’s feet. Just know that whatever you find can be treated in our office.

Ingrown toenails are treated with a simple, in-office procedure that provides immediate relief. For warts, we are using our innovative treatment called Swift. Not only does it eliminate warts, it stops them from coming back. Swift has less than a 1% recurrence rate!

Your child is complaining of pain

As parents, we must have a filter. We have to determine if our child is complaining because of something legitimate. We know that sometimes they complain to get out of doing something else.  But when it comes to foot pain, if your child is complaining over and over again, you need to listen to them and request an appointment with our Houston pediatric podiatrist. 

We don’t think about children having foot pain. But it is more common than you’d think. Every day, we have kids in the office with foot pain. The bad news is that it's almost never a 'normal' part of growing, or something that will just go away with time. But there's good news too: almost all cases are solved with conservative treatment by your pediatric podiatrist in Houston. No surgery needed! 

At Tanglewood Foot Specialists, we are set up for kids. We run on time. We listen to them. We make sure they understand what the issue is and how, together, we are going to solve it. We have digital x-rays in the office and diagnostic ultrasound as well. Don’t hesitate to bring in your child for an immediate appointment.

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?  

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds. Ulcers occur in approximately 15% of patients with diabetes. These wounds typically develop on the bottom of your foot. 

Ulcers are a significant health concern. If left untreated, they can lead to severe complications. Worse, they often develop unnoticed due to neuropathy, a condition that can dull your sense of pain and often accompanies diabetes. 

But why do ulcers form? They result from the breakdown of skin and underlying tissues. When that happens, they can expose your foot’s inner layers, making you susceptible to infection. In severe cases, the wound can reach the bone.
As such, their severity is classified by depth, the presence of infection, and the amount of tissue damage involved. 

Typical Ways to Treat a Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Ulcer treatment usually involves cleaning and dressing the wound and managing your blood glucose levels. Sometimes, surgery is necessary. If you suspect a diabetic ulcer is forming, get medical attention right away. Early intervention can prevent serious complications. But can honey help speed up your healing process? 

Can Honey Ulcer Treatment Heal a Diabetic Foot? 

Honey, especially Manuka honey, possesses strong anti-bacterial properties. This natural ingredient is rich in antioxidants and has an acidic pH, creating a hostile environment for bacteria. According to a Journal of Wound Care study, it has osmotic effects, which can help draw fluid out of your wound. And all of that can promote a faster healing process. 

It can also help by releasing low-level hydrogen peroxides, a known disinfectant. This helps boost existing anti-microbial properties. But don’t just take our word for it. Studies prove that honey can help treat a diabetic ulcer. In fact, in one study, wound size and bacterial levels were significantly reduced after applying honey to the ulcer dressings.  Another study in the International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds showed that honey could reduce ulcer inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. And this study in Cureus showed that beyond honey ulcer treatments for diabetics, it can help heal traumatic wounds such as bedsores in older adults, 

How Honey Ulcer Care Works its Magic

How can a sweet sticky substance serve so many medical functions? It all comes down to the compound’s unique chemical composition. Honey is rich in glucose oxidase, a unique enzyme produced by bees. When it comes in contact with a wound, it breaks down to produce hydrogen peroxide, a potent anti-microbial agent. This reaction creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria, preventing their growth and proliferation. 

Moreover, honey has a low pH and high sugar content. This combination draws water out of cells via osmosis, dehydrating them and leading to their demise. Finally, honey contains polyphenols, potent antioxidants with antibacterial properties. These compounds can inhibit the activity of certain bacteria, including two that are commonly found in foot ulcers. 

It’s clear that honey’s ulcer healing power is also tied to its high viscosity. This allows the substance to form a protective barrier that prevents infection and locks in moisture, forming an ideal environment for healing. You see, a moist environment promotes granulation while helping epithelial cells migrate. Furthermore, honey has an acidic pH between 3.2 and 4.5, creating an unfavorable environment for bacteria and reducing infection risk. The acidity also helps release oxygen from hemoglobin, enhancing wound oxygenation to promote healing. Finally, the compound’s high sugar content draws out lymph fluid to dilute bacteria, keeping them from growing and multiplying. The sugar content also provides lots of energy for tissue regeneration. 

Finally, honey has an anti-inflammatory property that reduces swelling and pain. And its anti-oxidant properties help scavenge harmful free radicals. In combination, all of honey’s properties promote wound healing in a uniquely effective way. 

Choosing the Right Honey to Treat a Diabetic Foot Ulcer 

As it stands today, Manuka Honey has the most potential in the medical world. Originating from the nectar of the Manuka tree, found only in New Zealand and parts of Australia, it’s not your average honey. It’s set apart by higher concentrations of a compound called MGO, or methylglyoxal, that gives the honey its strong antimicrobial properties. 

MGO is what’s measured when determining Manuka honey’s unique manuka factor—a higher score indicates a higher MGO concentration, along with more potent anti-microbial properties. Moreover, Manuka honey can also contain high levels of anti-oxidants to fight inflammation while promoting tissue regeneration. 

Combining Honey Ulcer Care with Other Treatment Options

Despite all its wound-fighting properties, honey is not always the right choice to treat a diabetic foot ulcer. There are always certain precautions and considerations to keep in mind. For instance, if you’re allergic to pollen or other bee-related substances, using honey on your ulcer could trigger an allergic reaction. As such, it’s important to test a small patch of skin before broadly applying honey to your body. 

Also, if your ulcer is deep or draining heavily, honey may not be your best choice—as a topical treatment option, it may not penetrate deeply enough to be effective. Plus, with a draining wound, honey’s high sugar content could promote a moist environment that is counter-productive for healing. 
Furthermore, you shouldn’t use honey to replace conventional treatments unless advised to do so by a healthcare provider. While honey has anti-microbial properties and can support wound healing, it’s not a one size fits all solution, and should not be used as a stand-alone treatment. Finally, you can only use medical-grade honey to ensure your product has no additional or harmful additives that will adversely affect wound healing. 

Remember, regardless of the nature of your ulcer, seeking timely treatment is the best way to ensure complete healing. So, at the first sign of a diabetic foot concern, contact our office and request a consultation with Dr. Andrew Schneider right away. When you tell us you're worried about a foot ulcer, we will fit you into the schedule as soon as possible.