People who have bunions report it can be one of the most painful foot conditions to have. It is defined as a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe, and will gradually become larger if treatment is not received. A bunion can be caused by genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that have a tapered toe area. High heels can fit into this category, and it is beneficial to choose shoes that have a lower heel if these types of shoes need to be worn. Corns and calluses may form on top of the toes, as they touch the top of the shoe. This can be uncomfortable, and mild relief may be felt when the shoes that are worn can accommodate the bunion. If the bunion becomes severe and causes the inability to complete daily activities, surgery may be an option to consider for removal and permanent relief. If you see a bunion that is starting to form, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who offers you treatment options that are right for you. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

An avulsion fracture of the ankle occurs when an injured ligament or tendon brings with it a portion of the bone. This takes place at the site where the ligament or tendon attaches to the bone. Because symptoms of an ankle avulsion fracture are similar to those of a sprain, an X-ray or other imaging test may be needed to determine the cause of the problem. Symptoms include pain, immediate swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the ankle. The healing time for an ankle avulsion fracture is between six and eight weeks, but depending on the severity it may take even longer. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the joint with screws and metal plates. A cast will be required to stabilize and immobilize the ankle joint as the bone heals. When that is removed, a series of stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises will be needed. As with all ankle injuries, it is important that the joint heals completely to avoid further problems. For treatment of an ankle avulsion fracture or more information about this injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

We underestimate how much time we spend on our feet and how much wear and tear they go through. When we stop and think about just how much our feet do for us, we can more fully appreciate the need to spend some time and energy taking care of them. A foot care routine can easily be implemented, and the payoffs are substantial. A proper foot care routine starts with looking at the feet more frequently to assess whether there are cuts, cracked heels, corns, or blisters that need to be tended to. Those with diabetes need to use particular care in examining their feet for developments that can turn into infections. Good regular foot care includes washing, drying, and moisturizing the feet each day, wearing shoes that are comfortable and the right size, and keeping the toenails trimmed by cutting them straight across and rounding the edges with a nail file. A pampering foot massage and a pedicure are icing on the cake in foot care. If you want to know more about how you can take care of your feet, it is suggested that you talk to a podiatrist about what other things you can do to maintain their health and functioning.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

When you think of sprained ankles, athletes often come to mind, but anyone can incur this painful injury. Simply stepping unexpectedly off of a curb can cause an ankle sprain. A sprain is the overstretching, tearing, or rupturing of ligaments that hold the ankle together. Experts suggest immobilizing the affected ankle immediately, to stabilize the joint, and reduce existing swelling. If the sprain is mild, utilizing the rest, ice, compression, and elevation first aid techniques can help. If putting weight on the injured foot is extremely painful, the sprain is likely to be more severe, possibly causing recovery time to increase. Unfortunately, healing from a sprained ankle can generally take several months. An essential part of healing a sprained ankle is performing stretching and strengthening exercises to help the joint become more stable. In addition, wearing an ankle brace or using crutches may help with mobility. A podiatrist can offer more advanced treatment options, including prescribing anti-inflammatory medications, recommending appropriate orthotic devices, and performing surgery to repair the ligament, if needed. If you believe you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.