Items filtered by date: July 2022

Osteomyelitis is an infection and inflammation that can happen when a bacterial or fungal infection gets into a bone from the bloodstream or surrounding tissue. This condition can happen in the feet and can come on quickly or slowly and be severe or chronic. While it can occur at any age, older adults are more prone to osteomyelitis because they can experience health issues that increase their risk for infection that require surgery. Long bone infections, affecting arms and legs, are more common in children. Hematogenous osteomyelitis involves an infection to the bone from the bloodstream. It might enter the body through IV treatment. Non-hematogenous osteomyelitis can result from trauma, such as a fracture or open wound that requires surgery. Surgery that involves prosthetic materials, like metal pins, screws, or plates, can carry bacteria or fungi and cause this. Having diabetes or circulation problems can hamper treatment of this condition. Symptoms of osteomyelitis depend on the location of the infection, its severity, one’s age, and general health. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, fatigue, irritability, fever, chills, sweating, drainage, skin discoloration, and changes in walking. A delay in diagnosis and treatment can be serious, even fatal. Antibiotics or antifungal medication are usually administered to those with osteomyelitis. In some cases, surgery is needed to repair bone damage. If you have foot bone pain that is not related to a known issue, see a podiatrist immediately for an accurate diagnosis and swift, proper treatment. 

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.

About 6.5 million people in the United States over the age of 40 have peripheral artery disease (PAD). It is a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the extremities, but the condition is more common in the feet and lower limbs. Risk factors for peripheral artery disease include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and high cholesterol. People over 60 are at further risk. The most common symptom of PAD is pain in the legs while active, but that subsides after resting. Sores in the legs or feet that don’t heal and cold or numb toes are other symptoms as well. If you believe you may have PAD, please consult a podiatrist for an examination and testing.  

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

There is a growth plate in the heel of the foot that is known as the calcaneal apophysis. This is the area that connects the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia to the heel. The foot condition that is known as Sever’s disease occurs as a result of excess tension on the Achilles tendon, or possibly from an injury to the heel. This generally affects children and young teenagers who participate in sporting activities. Common symptoms can include gradual heel pain, and many patients describe it as feeling like a bruise. Pain may be felt in the heel area only. Sever’s disease often develops from participating in high-impact sports such as basketball, football, or baseball. To confirm a diagnosis of Sever’s disease, a physical exam will be performed, and occasionally, an X-ray may be ordered to determine how advanced the growth plate is, in addition to observing if a stress fracture has occurred. Relief begins with temporarily stopping the activity that caused the condition, and performing specific heel stretches, which may ease the pain. If your child is affected by Sever’s disease, it is advised that a podiatrist be contacted who can begin the correct treatment process.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

If you spend the greater portion of your workday standing, your feet may become severely affected. Many jobs that require excessive standing – such as teaching, hairdressing, and waiting tables – can cause foot pain that also affects the knees and lower back. Wearing the wrong shoes may make matters worse. High heels are one of the main contributors to pain and other ailments caused by extreme pressure on your foot bones. Working on a concrete floor, in warehouses or factories, also takes a toll on the feet. Every step you take is like taking a hammer to your heel. If the floors where you work are slippery, it is good to wear non-skid shoes. Experts recommend several other preventative measures for workers who stand frequently or for long periods. Bring a spare pair of shoes to work and change when your feet begin to hurt. Invest in custom orthotics made by a podiatrist to help cushion your feet within your shoes. Wear shoes that breathe, which can help avoid a buildup of moisture. Limit the height of your heels and wear shoes with a wider toe box. A podiatrist can give you more information on ways to protect your feet if work is causing excessive foot problems. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.