Items filtered by date: May 2024

Sever's disease is often experienced by active children aged nine to 14. It occurs when the child’s calf muscle and Achilles tendon excessively pull on the growth plate of the heel bone, or calcaneus, which is still developing until about age 15. Sever’s disease typically arises in young athletes, whose vigorous activities put additional strain on their heels. Children may experience pain along the sides of their heels, which intensifies when they stand on tiptoes or run. Some may also notice warmth and swelling in the affected area. A diagnosis is usually based on these symptoms, as X-rays, while helpful for ruling out issues like bone cysts or stress fractures, cannot confirm Sever's disease. Relief options include using heel pads to reduce tendon strain, night splints to stretch the calf muscles, or in severe cases, a cast to immobilize the area. If your active child is experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and appropriate treatment for Sever’s disease. 

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 your second toe seems to protrude a bit farther than your big toe, you might have what is commonly known as Morton’s toe. This condition may seem like a minor foot quirk, but it can lead to some uncomfortable problems. One of the primary issues associated with Morton’s toe is the increased likelihood of developing calluses on the sole of your foot and experiencing various types of foot pain. This happens because the longer second toe can alter how weight is distributed across your foot, putting extra pressure on certain areas. The condition is named after Dudley Joy Morton, who first described it in the 1930s, and is unrelated to Morton’s neuroma. In some cases, Morton’s toe can lead to more severe foot conditions, such as hammer toe or bunions, especially if your footwear does not accommodate your foot shape properly. If you are experiencing discomfort or noticing changes in your foot due to Morton’s toe, it is essential to seek help from a podiatrist who can offer various conservative treatments. These can include shoe modifications, custom orthotics, exercises, and medication, all of which can help to alleviate pain and prevent further complications. If you have Morton’s toe or are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Plantar fasciitis can be a result of inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. This condition typically occurs from repetitive strain or excessive pressure on the feet. It is commonly experienced by athletes, runners, and individuals who stand for extended periods. The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain that is particularly sharp and stabbing, and often worsens with activity or after prolonged periods of rest. Additionally, individuals with plantar fasciitis may experience discomfort along the arch of the foot. While the severity of symptoms can vary, untreated plantar fasciitis can significantly impair mobility and quality of life. Early recognition and appropriate management, including rest, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and in severe cases, surgical intervention, are important for effective relief and prevention of long-term complications. Plantar fasciitis is treated by a podiatrist. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can successfully provide treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. 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 one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal skin infection that can affect anyone regardless of their athletic pursuits. This highly contagious fungus spreads easily from person to person, and thrives in moist environments such as pools, locker rooms, and public showers. The fungus responsible commonly affects the feet, causing redness, itching, and skin flakiness between the toes. Other symptoms of athlete's foot include burning or stinging sensations, blisters, and thick or discolored toenails. Symptoms may differ, depending on the type of athlete’s foot infection. Toe web infection typically results in skin peeling and cracking between the fourth and fifth toes. Moccasin type infection presents as thick, cracked skin on the bottom of the foot, often near the heel. It is sometimes accompanied by a foul odor. Vesicular type infection leads to blisters on the sole of the foot. If you suspect you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you seek prompt treatment from a podiatrist to limit the spread of infection.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.