Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation that damages the joints in the feet, leading to visible disfigurements and pain. Over time, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, weakening soft tissues and causing bones to shift out of place. This may result in toes drifting toward one side, collapsed arches, bunion formation, or claw-like deformities. These changes often make walking difficult and finding comfortable shoes challenging. Early treatment helps slow joint damage and reduce discomfort. Supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications can relieve pressure and improve stability. In advanced cases, surgical correction may be needed to restore function and alignment. If you suffer from painful rheumatoid arthritis in your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief options.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM of Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

Itchy feet, also known as pruritus, can be an uncomfortable and distracting condition. Causes may include dry environments that strip the skin of moisture, infectious bacteria or fungi that irritate the skin, and underlying skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Symptoms often include redness, flaking, swelling, or persistent itching that may worsen at night. These issues can interfere with sleep, daily comfort, and overall foot health, if left untreated. A podiatrist can identify the cause of the itching through examination, testing, and tailored treatment plans to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence. If you are struggling with itchy feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To 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.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form on the skin, often caused by friction, heat, or irritation. On the feet, blisters commonly appear due to wearing ill-fitting shoes, excessive walking or running, or prolonged exposure to moisture. Symptoms include raised, fluid-filled bumps that may be clear or cloudy, accompanied by redness, pain, and tenderness. Blisters can feel tight and uncomfortable, making walking difficult. If left untreated, blisters can rupture, leading to possible infection or increased pain. A podiatrist can help diagnose the cause of persistent or severe blisters and recommend appropriate treatment. Treatments may include protecting the blister with specialized dressings, draining larger blisters safely, and addressing the underlying issues such as footwear or gait problems. Preventive advice and care can reduce the risk of future blisters. If blisters are frequent, painful, or show signs of infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure proper care and healing.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. 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 are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition in which the plantar fascia ligament, which connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed, typically due to injury from overuse. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel and the arch of the affected foot. If you have this condition, performing certain stretches may help aid in your recovery from plantar fasciitis. The gastroc stretch helps stretch out the gastroc muscle and Achilles tendon. The soleus stretch helps stretch the soleus muscle and Achilles tendon. The flexor hallicus longus stretch helps stretch the bottom of the foot, inside of the ankle, and back of the calf. To learn more about how stretching can help you in your recovery from plantar fasciitis, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.