FAQs

What is a podiatrist, and what conditions do they treat?

A podiatrist is a licensed medical specialist focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. At In Motion Foot & Ankle, we treat a comprehensive range of conditions including plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, bunions, hammertoes, Achilles tendonitis, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, ankle sprains, foot fractures, diabetic foot complications, peripheral neuropathy, and much more. View our full conditions treated page for a complete list.

Where is In Motion Foot & Ankle located?

We have two convenient locations serving the greater Houston, TX area. Our Cypress office is located at 10425 Huffmeister Rd., Suite 260, Houston (Cypress), TX 77065. Our Memorial office is located at 9180 Katy Fwy., Suite 200, Houston (Memorial), TX 77055. Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and can be reached at (281) 955-5500.

How do I schedule an appointment at In Motion Foot & Ankle?

Scheduling is easy and convenient. You can call our office directly at (281) 955-5500 during business hours, or request an appointment online through our patient portal at any time. We are currently welcoming new patients at both Houston-area locations. Visit our New Patients page to download your intake form and learn what to expect at your first visit.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of any current medications or supplements, and your completed new patient intake form — available for download on our New Patients page. If you have previous X-rays or imaging related to your foot or ankle condition, bringing those along can be very helpful. Arriving prepared allows us to spend more time focused on your care rather than paperwork.

Does In Motion Foot & Ankle accept insurance?

Yes. We accept a wide variety of insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan and the specific services required, so we recommend calling our office at (281) 955-5500 before your appointment to verify your benefits and confirm that your plan is accepted. Our staff is happy to help you understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs before your visit.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

In most cases, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with our team. However, some insurance plans do require a referral from a primary care physician before covering specialist services. We recommend checking with your insurance provider in advance. If you have any questions about whether a referral is needed for your plan, call our office at (281) 955-5500 and we can help guide you.

What services does In Motion Foot & Ankle offer?

We offer a comprehensive range of podiatric services including custom orthotics, digital X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, sports medicine, wound care, laser therapy, Palomar Icon Aesthetic YAG Laser Therapy, peripheral nerve stimulation, and vascular testing. Visit our services page to learn more about each offering.

Does In Motion Foot & Ankle treat diabetic patients?

Yes. Specialized diabetic foot care is one of our core areas of expertise. We provide comprehensive foot exams, nail and skin care, wound care, vascular testing, and custom orthotics for patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes should have their feet professionally evaluated at least once per year — and more frequently if neuropathy or circulation concerns are present. Early and consistent care is the most effective way to prevent serious diabetic foot complications.

What is the difference between custom orthotics and store-bought insoles?

Store-bought insoles are mass-produced to fit a general foot shape and provide basic cushioning. Custom orthotics are fabricated from precise measurements of your individual feet to correct specific biomechanical problems — such as overpronation, arch collapse, or abnormal gait — that generic insoles cannot address. Custom orthotics are designed to fit your unique foot structure and your specific lifestyle, providing targeted support that contributes meaningfully to pain relief and injury prevention.

What causes heel pain, and how is it treated?

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the thick band of connective tissue supporting the arch of the foot. It typically causes sharp, stabbing heel pain that is worst with the first steps in the morning or after rest. Other causes of heel pain include heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, and nerve entrapment. Treatment at In Motion Foot & Ankle is individualized based on diagnosis and typically includes stretching protocols, custom orthotics, laser therapy, and footwear guidance, with advanced options available for cases that don’t respond to conservative care.

Do you treat children’s foot problems?

Yes. We provide specialized pediatric foot care for patients of all ages, from toddlers to adolescent athletes. Common childhood foot concerns we treat include flat feet, Sever’s disease (heel pain in growing children), in-toeing gait, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, and sports-related injuries. Early intervention during the developmental years can prevent minor concerns from becoming lifelong problems.

What is peripheral neuropathy, and can it be treated?

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage affecting the feet and lower legs, most commonly caused by diabetes, though it can also result from vitamin deficiencies, chemotherapy, and other systemic conditions. Symptoms include burning, tingling, numbness, and shooting pain — often worsening at night. While established nerve damage may not be fully reversible, its symptoms can often be significantly managed through targeted treatment. At In Motion Foot & Ankle, we offer laser therapy, protective footwear and custom orthotics, and peripheral nerve stimulation for patients with severe or refractory neuropathic pain.

How does laser therapy work for foot and ankle conditions?

Therapeutic laser therapy (photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of light energy to penetrate deep into tissues, stimulating cellular healing, reducing inflammation, and accelerating tissue repair — all without any incision, medication, or downtime. It is effective for conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis, soft tissue injuries, and peripheral neuropathy. Sessions are brief and painless, and most patients describe a gentle warming sensation during treatment. A series of sessions is typically recommended for optimal results.

What is peripheral nerve stimulation, and who is it for?

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a minimally invasive, drug-free therapy for chronic nerve-related foot and ankle pain that has not responded to conservative treatments. A small device is placed near the affected nerve and delivers gentle electrical impulses that interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. It is particularly effective for peripheral neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, and post-surgical nerve pain. Candidates are typically patients with chronic pain lasting three or more months who have not found adequate relief through medication, injections, or other conservative measures.

What is Sever’s disease, and is it serious?

Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is the most common cause of heel pain in children aged 8 to 14, caused by irritation of the heel bone’s growth plate from the pull of the Achilles tendon during periods of rapid growth. It is especially common in active children participating in running or jumping sports. Despite the name, Sever’s disease is not dangerous and causes no permanent damage when managed appropriately. Treatment typically includes activity modification, calf stretching, heel cups, and in some cases custom orthotics. Most children fully recover once the growth plate matures. If your child is experiencing heel pain, call (281) 955-5500 to schedule an evaluation at In Motion Foot & Ankle.

Can foot problems cause knee, hip, or back pain?

Yes — more often than many patients realize. The feet are the foundation of the body’s kinetic chain, and when they function abnormally — due to flat feet, overpronation, bunions, or other structural issues — the altered mechanics travel upward through the ankle, knee, hip, and lower back. Many patients who present with chronic knee or back pain find that addressing their foot mechanics with custom orthotics and appropriate footwear provides meaningful relief throughout their entire lower extremity chain. A thorough biomechanical evaluation at In Motion Foot & Ankle can help determine whether your foot mechanics are contributing to pain elsewhere in the body.

How do I know if my foot is broken or just sprained?

Both fractures and sprains can cause significant pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight — making clinical distinction challenging without imaging. Signs that raise suspicion for a fracture include localized pain directly over a bone, significant swelling or bruising that develops rapidly, and inability to bear weight at all. The only reliable way to differentiate a fracture from a sprain is through in-office digital X-rays. If you’re unsure, come in — it’s always better to confirm. Call In Motion Foot & Ankle at (281) 955-5500 for a prompt evaluation.

What can I do to keep my feet healthy between appointments?

Good foot hygiene and preventive habits go a long way. Inspect your feet regularly for any changes in skin, nails, or structure. Wear properly fitted, supportive footwear — and replace athletic shoes before the cushioning breaks down. Keep feet clean and dry, moisturize the heels and soles daily (but not between the toes), trim toenails straight across, and wear sandals in communal areas like pools and locker rooms to reduce fungal and viral exposure. If you have diabetes, daily foot inspection is non-negotiable. And if you notice anything unusual — pain that persists, nail changes, skin breakdown, or swelling — contact In Motion Foot & Ankle at (281) 955-5500 rather than waiting it out.

Do you perform foot and ankle surgery at In Motion Foot & Ankle?

Yes. Dr. El-Khashab is a board-certified podiatric physician and surgeon with extensive training in both general podiatry and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Surgical options are available for conditions including severe bunions, hammertoes, fractures, chronic ankle instability, and tendon repairs. Surgery is always considered only after conservative treatment options have been appropriately explored. Our team will discuss all surgical and non-surgical options with you thoroughly so you can make an informed decision about your care.

How long has In Motion Foot & Ankle been serving Houston?

Our practice has been proudly serving the Houston community for over 40 years. Over the course of four decades, we have treated thousands of patients across all walks of life — from pediatric patients taking their first steps to older adults seeking pain-free retirement years. That longevity reflects the trust our community has placed in us and the results we consistently deliver. To learn more about our practice and our team, visit our About page or call us at (281) 955-5500 — we’d love to welcome you as a patient.