- Warts
- ArthritisArthritis is an inflammatory condition that can have a profound impact on joints in the body, including the toes. The two forms of arthritis that affect the toes are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is often a result of wear and tear on the joints, where the protective cartilage at the ends of bones gradually deteriorates. When this occurs in the toes, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion. Walking and performing everyday tasks can become difficult. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, including those in the toes. This autoimmune response triggers inflammation and swelling, and can even lead to deformities in the affected toes. Over time, the toe joints may suffer significant damage, further diminishing their functionality. This may cause chronic pain and mobility issues that can affect overall foot health. Basic activities such as walking, standing, or even wearing certain types of shoes can become challenging and painful. To address these issues effectively, it's suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis, create a personalized treatment plan, and offer advice on managing symptoms.Â
- Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis is an overuse injury of the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. It is caused by repetitive and excessive stress being placed on the heel, usually from participating in sports that involve a lot of running or jumping. The heel pain is usually described as a sharp, stabbing pain and is at its worst when you take your first few steps after a long period of rest, such as upon getting out of bed in the morning. Similarly, Achilles tendonitis is also an overuse injury, but of the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. The heel and back of the leg may be tender, painful, and swollen. Bursitis is an inflammation of the heel bursa, small fluid-filled sacs located inside the heel. It can cause redness and swelling in the fat pad of the heel. Sever’s disease is an overuse injury of the growth plate in the heel which most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. Nerve pain in the heel, while less common than pain from overuse, is often indicated by burning, stinging, or tingling sensations in the heel. These are usually caused by a compressed nerve.
- Primary CareOur staff is committed to creating a warm and friendly environment in order to provide a relaxed and comfortable experience for you. We will take the time to thoroughly understand your concerns and make certain you comprehend all aspects of the treatment plan we formulate specifically for you. We work closely with primary care physicians and all other specialists to create a comprehensive care plan that takes all aspects of your health into consideration. Please reach out if you would like more information about any of the procedures that we offer or to schedule an appointment.
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Diabetes Care
- MRITo figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
- X-Rays
- Wound CareDr. Hancock was raised in Texas and completed her undergraduate degree at The University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. She then received her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami. She completed a three year residency program at the Houston Podiatric Foundation in Houston, TX where she received her surgical training and focused extensively on forefoot and rear foot surgery as well as diabetic wound care and limb salvage. She has been in practice since 2005.
- Ankle SurgeryKarsten S. Weber, DPM is a podiatric physician with 20 years of experience and a board certification in foot surgery and reconstructive rear-foot/ankle surgery.
- BunionsA bunion is a bone deformity usually occurring at the base of the big toe. This is a progressive condition that is made worse by inward pressure from tight shoes. Bunions can be very painful, and in some instances surgery may be necessary to remove them.
- Ingrown ToenailsMost ingrown toenails are caused by improper trimming of the nails. Trimming your nails into a rounded shape or cutting them too short can lead to ingrown toenails. When trimming the toenails, it is suggested that you use nail clippers to trim the nails straight across. The nails’ length should be roughly even with the tips of your toes. Wearing shoes that are too tight and narrow in the toes can also lead to ingrown nails, as the tight shoes compress your toes and can cause the nails to dig into the skin. To avoid this, opt for shoes with a wide toe box.
- CornsCorns and calluses are hard layers of skin that usually form due to friction. Generally, they will be in areas of the foot that are bearing weight, or areas that frequently rub against the shoe. Soft corns are typically found between the toes.
- CallusesDoing a daily foot inspection, which can be done with the help of a mirror, is vital. This practice can help you detect any abnormalities in your feet early on so that they can be treated promptly. Each day, sit down in a chair and check both of your feet for any cuts, scrapes, sores, bruises, blisters, cracks, corns, calluses, swelling, or discoloration. Also, take note of how your feet feel. Is there any pain or discomfort? Burning, stinging, numbness, or itchy sensations? If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible. A podiatrist can help you by diagnosing and treating any foot problems when they arise, thus maintaining the health of your feet.
- FungusToenail fungus can change the appearance of the toenails. They may become thickened, brittle, or crumbly. The nails can also become discolored and turn yellow, white, or brown. They may begin to lift and separate from the nail bed and emit a foul odor. The infection is usually not painful unless it has progressed and become severe. People who have diabetes, poor circulation, a weak immune system, excessively sweaty feet, toenail injuries, or Athlete’s foot are at an increased risk of contracting toenail fungus and experiencing complications.
- Sports MedicineDr. Stirling's areas of particular interest include limb salvage and the complexities of the diabetic foot, wound care, flatfoot conditions, traumatic injuries of the foot and ankle, and leg and sports medicine. His overall approach to patient care is to treat an individual in their entirety with consideration not simply to the foot, ankle or leg but to the overall mental and global well being of each individual.
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Ankle SprainIf you are an athlete, you may be tempted to ignore the symptoms of a foot or ankle injury in favor of continuing to train and participate in your sport. This is ill-advised, as the pain or discomfort you are experiencing is the first sign that something is wrong and needs to be checked out by a professional. Left untreated, even seemingly mild injuries, such as a grade one ankle sprain, can progressively worsen, become chronic conditions, and increase the likelihood of reinjury. Common symptoms of a foot or ankle injury that should never be ignored include pain, swelling, and bruising.
- Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy
- General PodiatryTo ensure your convenience, below is the information you need about our podiatry office, including our hours, location, appointment scheduling and insurance acceptance.
- Achilles TendonitisHeel pain is a frequent complaint among people who visit a podiatrist. It can have a variety of causes, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, Sever’s disease, and nerve pain. The location and type of pain that you are experiencing helps guide diagnosis.
- Ankle SprainIf you are involved in sports and experience any foot or ankle pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist. A podiatrist can determine the nature and extent of your injury, offer treatment options, and advise you on how to prevent sports-related foot and ankle injuries in the future.
- Arthritic Foot CareArthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
- Bunions ProblemsHave you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot CareLakeside Foot and Ankle Center is available to treat foot and ankle ailments such as diabetic foot care, ingrown toenails, fungal toenails, warts and painful calluses.
- Flat Feet
- Fungus ToenailsOnychomycosis, or fungal infection of the toenails, is a very common condition. The fungi that cause this infection live and thrive in warm and moist environments. Unfortunately, this makes the feet and toenails an ideal home for them. Toenail fungus is highly contagious and can be contracted from walking barefoot in places like public pools and communal showers, sharing personal items like towels and shoes, and coming into direct contact with an infected person.
- HammertoesHammertoe is a characterized by one or more of the toes having a bend in the middle joint. This occurs because of weakening of the muscle due to poorly fitted shoes or a genetically inherited trait.
- Heel SpursA heel spur is a bony protrusion that occurs on the heel. It is often confused with plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament. When a heel spur is painful it can make it quite difficult to walk.
- Heel Pain
- Foot Pain
- Ingrown ToenailsIngrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, rather than over it. This can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness of the surrounding area. In more severe cases, the area can become infected and lead to bleeding, oozing of pus, and fever, among other symptoms.
- Foot Injuries
- MetatarsalgiaDescribing the location and type of foot pain that you are experiencing is the key to an accurate diagnosis. Pain in the heel is often caused by plantar fasciitis, Sever’s disease, bursitis, Achilles tendonitis, a heel spur, or a stress fracture. Pain in the middle of the foot may be due to an overuse injury, stress fracture, sprains, flat feet, or arthritis. Pain in the front of the foot is frequently the result of a sprained or broken toe, Morton’s neuroma, bunions, hammertoes, or metatarsalgia. Stinging, burning, or numbness may be indicative of damage to one or more nerves in the feet. Stabbing or sharp pain may be caused by an acute injury. Stiffness and a reduction are usually characteristic of a joint problem, such as arthritis.
- Plantar FasciitisYour feet can reveal vital insights about your overall health. Often overlooked, they serve as a unique barometer for your well-being. Foot pain is a key sign that something is amiss. Frequent foot cramping can signal dehydration or nutritional deficiencies. A sore that will not heal might be a sign of diabetes causing nerve damage in the feet. These wounds can go unnoticed and lead to severe complications. Swelling, pain, and enlargement of the big toe may indicate issues such as gout, inflammatory arthritis, infection, or trauma. Heel pain may be indicative of plantar fasciitis, often caused by footwear choices or a strain on the ligament supporting your arch. If you have foot pain of any sort and you are not sure of its source or how to get relief, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist at your earliest convenience.
- Podiatric SurgeryNicole D. Hancock, DPM is a podiatric physician and is a board certified surgeon. She is a board certified foot surgeon by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.