Items filtered by date: May 2025

Swollen feet are a common concern and can result from a variety of underlying causes. One frequent cause is edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the tissues. This may occur due to prolonged standing or sitting, particularly in warm weather or during travel. Medical conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver disease can also contribute to fluid retention. Injury, infection, or inflammation in the feet or ankles may lead to localized swelling. Certain medications, including those for blood pressure or diabetes, may have side effects that include swelling. Pregnancy can also cause fluid buildup due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the veins. Identifying the cause of swelling is important for effective treatment. Swollen feet can be uncomfortable, and may signify health issues. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine if it is from an underlying health issue, and offer effective treatment solutions.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Running places repeated stress on the foot, often causing pain in the hindfoot, midfoot, or forefoot. Each section plays a vital role in absorbing shock and propelling the body forward. Foot pain from running may arise from overuse, improper footwear, or biomechanical imbalances. Hindfoot discomfort often involves the heel or Achilles tendon, while midfoot pain can result from stress to the arch or ligaments. Forefoot pain is commonly linked to conditions like metatarsalgia or neuromas. Sprains and fractures may also occur from repetitive impact or uneven terrain. Sports injuries are common, especially when training is intense or form is poor. If you like to run and are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions that can get you back to enjoying this sport.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Finding the proper shoe size is important for comfort and foot health. A simple way to measure at home begins by placing your foot flat on a piece of paper while standing. Carefully trace around the outline of your foot to capture its natural shape. Use a ruler to measure from the heel to the longest toe to determine the length. Then measure across the widest part of your foot to find the width. These measurements can help guide your shoe selection, but having your feet professionally measured at a store often provides more accurate results. Feet can change in size over time, so it is helpful to check measurements regularly. Wearing the right size helps prevent discomfort and supports healthy movement throughout the day. If you have developed foot pain from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, and provide more guidance on how to obtain your right shoe size.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.

Poor circulation in the feet may signal an underlying medical condition that limits blood flow to the lower extremities. This issue is often seen in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or peripheral artery disease. Symptoms of poor circulation may include cold feet, numbness, slow-healing wounds, skin discoloration, or a diminished pulse in the feet or ankles. In severe cases, poor circulation may cause muscle cramps, skin ulcers, or tissue damage due to reduced oxygen delivery. A podiatrist can perform a thorough vascular assessment and may recommend diagnostic imaging to evaluate blood flow in the feet and ankles. Medical treatment may involve prescription medication to reduce clotting, or lower cholesterol and blood pressure. In cases where arteries are blocked, surgery may be considered to restore blood flow. Addressing the root cause early can prevent serious complications like infection or gangrene. A podiatrist can also monitor your foot health over time to reduce the risk of long-term damage. If you have symptoms of poor circulation in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM of Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.