Items filtered by date: October 2025

Doctors that treat various disorders and conditions of the feet are known as podiatrists. It is considered to be a specialized form of medicine, and research has indicated that certain foot ailments may be indicative of existing medical concerns that are present in the body such as diabetes. A podiatrist is responsible for furnishing patients with consultations, properly diagnosing foot conditions, and may also provide foot and ankle surgery. Mandatory schooling consists of earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by obtaining a doctorate from an accredited college. This is generally completed in four years, after which a three year podiatric residency must also be completed . Many podiatrists choose to practice in hospitals, become part of a group practice, or may work independently. For people that are interested in pursuing a career in podiatry, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to answer any questions you may have.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

Preventing falls at work is essential for safety and productivity. Workers should stay alert to hazards in their work areas, paying attention to conditions that may create risks. Parapet walls, ladders, and warning lines are in place to provide physical protection and help guide safe movement, but they are most effective when you actively use them as intended. Ask for training so you have the knowledge to recognize potential dangers, move through the workspace safely, and handle equipment the right way. By staying aware and applying training, you can protect yourself while completing tasks efficiently. Despite these measures, accidents can still happen, leading to foot and ankle injuries such as sprains, fractures, or tendon damage. These injuries can cause lasting pain and limit mobility, if not treated properly. A podiatrist can diagnose and provide effective care to restore function and prevent long-term complications. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling at work, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Puncture wounds on the feet occur when sharp objects such as nails, glass, or animal teeth pierce the skin and penetrate into deeper tissues. While puncture wounds may seem minor, they often create narrow entry points that drive bacteria and debris beneath the surface, which increases the risk of infection. Because the foot bears weight and is exposed to the ground, puncture wounds in this area can be more complicated than similar injuries elsewhere. Complications may include abscess formation, damage to tendons or bones, or serious infection requiring advanced care. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of the puncture wound, ensure that any foreign material is safely removed, and determine whether imaging or surgery is necessary. Proper medical care can help prevent long-term problems, such as tissue damage, joint involvement, or in severe cases, limb loss. If you have sustained a puncture wound on the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Strong and flexible feet play a vital role in balance, mobility, and reducing the risk of injury. Exercises designed for the feet, toes, and ankles can improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, which may help reduce stiffness and discomfort. When the muscles in the feet are strong, they provide better support for the arches and joints. This lowers the chance of experiencing strain during daily activities or exercise. Stretching movements can also keep tendons and ligaments flexible, easing pressure on the heels and arches. Without proper conditioning, your feet may be more vulnerable to heel pain, toe cramps, and reduced mobility. A podiatrist can assess foot function, recommend targeted exercises, and guide patients in strengthening weak areas to support overall foot health. Exercises are especially valuable for anyone who spends long hours standing, wears shoes such as flip-flops, or participates in high-impact activities. If you have frequent foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment, which may include specific exercises

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.