Tuesday, 08 July 2025 00:00

Wearing high heels regularly can significantly affect foot structure and movement. Heels alter natural gait, forcing the body to lean forward and placing excess pressure on the ball of the foot. This unnatural position can lead to pain, calluses, and long-term joint stress. High heels also create ankle instability, increasing the risk of sprains or fractures from sudden twists or missteps. Over time, frequent use may lead to chronic foot discomfort and toe deformities. A podiatrist can evaluate foot health, provide relief strategies, and recommend supportive footwear alternatives. If you experience foot pain from wearing heels, it is suggested that you seek guidance from a podiatrist to restore comfort, improve balance, and protect your feet from further damage or injury.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

  • Ankle Joints
  • Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
  • Balls of the Feet
  • Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
  • Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Read more about Why High Heels Are Not Ideal for Healthy Feet
Friday, 04 July 2025 00:00

Do you work on your feet all day and find your feet in pain? Don't go to work in pain each day. Your foot pain can be treated, and we can help.

Tuesday, 01 July 2025 00:00

A blister on the foot is a fluid‑filled bubble that forms when the upper skin layers separate and fill with serum. Blisters most often occur on the feet, toes, or ankles due to friction from wearing ill‑fitting footwear, hotspots from repetitive pressure, moisture, or foot shape issues. The body creates blisters as a temporary shield to protect deeper skin and slow down activity by causing discomfort. Clean, dry socks, properly fitted shoes, and keeping the area clean and protected with a dressing or blister pad can speed the process. Popping a blister is unwise because it breaks the natural barrier, which increases the risk of infection and exposes sensitive skin beneath. A podiatrist can assess the extent of the blister, treat any infection, recommend appropriate dressings, and suggest footwear or pressure‑point adjustments to prevent recurrence. If you have problematic blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for safe and sterile treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM of Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Read more about Blisters
Tuesday, 24 June 2025 00:00

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition linked to psoriasis that often affects the feet and toes. It can develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints and tissues. Common causes include genetic factors and immune system dysfunction. Symptoms in the feet may include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and changes in toenails, such as pitting or separation from the nail bed. The inflammation can make walking difficult and painful. A podiatrist can help by evaluating joint function, managing inflammation, recommending supportive footwear or orthotics, and coordinating care with other specialists. If you experience persistent foot pain with a history of psoriasis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist to receive expert care, while improving your mobility.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis 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.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Brownsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Arthritic Foot Care

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