Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Athlete's Foot in Swimmers

Athlete's foot is a particular kind of fungal infection that impacts the feet. When an individual has athlete’s foot, they may experience redness and flakiness at the site of infection, which is typically between the toes. Some groups of people might be more susceptible to athlete’s foot than others. For example, swimmers are one such group of people. The fungus causing athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist environments, like the sides of pools and in shower areas of locker rooms. Additionally, since many swimmers walk around pool sides barefoot, they can easily pick up the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. If you are a swimmer that is looking to prevent the onset of athlete's foot, it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Athlete's Foot

Possible Reasons for Ankle Pain

The ankle is a complex joint. It is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is connected to two bones in the lower leg called the tibia and fibula at the ankle joint or talus. The tibia is the shinbone, and the fibula is the lower leg bone. Ligaments and tendons connect the talus to the heel and other foot bones. There are also blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues in the ankle area, which can be impacted by different diseases. Ankle pain is a symptom often felt by active people and athletes. However, all people may experience ankle pain. Reasons for such pain vary. It is important to understand its root cause to be treated properly. Ankle pain is unlikely to be a result of a bone fracture. Such pain can be associated with edema or leg swelling, nerve-related issues, arthritis, or a sprain, strain, or tendonitis. If you are suffering from ankle pain that does not resolve itself with rest or worsens, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Read more about Ankle Pain

Risk Factors of Gout

Certainly, no one wants to develop a case of gout. This pesky affliction of the foot is essentially a type of arthritis in the foot. There can be inflammation as a result of the condition, and pain is another common symptom associated with gout. Many patients are interested to know what risk factors typically put an individual at an increased risk of developing gout. The answer is that several different things can cause gout. For example, certain risk factors that are associated with gout include being an older man, being obese, and having a genetic disposition to the foot condition. Additionally, many of the gout risk factors concern dietary choices, specifically, the consumption of red meat, such as pork and beef, which might put one at an increased risk of developing gout. Other foods such as seafood, alcohol, and liver are also associated with gout. If you are suffering from gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for treatment and prevention options. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Read more about Gout

Two Methods to Measure the Feet

There are many reasons why people buy shoes. They may be needed to perform in high-intensity activities or for casual everyday walking. Whatever the reason, wearing shoes that fit correctly and adequately support the feet is beneficial. Research has shown that approximately two-thirds of people worldwide may have poor foot health from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. It is helpful to have an accurate foot measurement before purchasing shoes. This can be done by measuring the feet at the end of the day when they are at their largest and while wearing socks. Stand on a piece of paper taped to the floor and begin by tracing the outline of the foot, which may be easier if done by another person. After measuring the length and width, the correct shoe size can be found using a conversion chart. Alternatively, many shoe stores have a Brannock device, which is generally successful in determining the correct shoe size. If you have additional questions about buying shoes that fit correctly, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you find the knowledge you seek.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

  • When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
  • Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
  • Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
  • Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
  • If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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.

Read more about Getting the Right Shoe Size

Connect With Us

Request Appointment Patient Portal