Going shoe shopping can certainly be daunting. When one walks into a shoe store, the seemingly endless rows of boxed shoes can be intimidating even to experienced shoe shoppers. Obtaining shoes that fit the feet properly is of paramount importance, and it might be useful to make this your priority when shopping. To ensure a good fit, a shopper might bring a pair of socks to wear while trying on the shoes that they would normally wear. If an individual shops for shoes without wearing a pair of socks, it is possible that the shoes might feel tighter when worn with socks. Another thing to keep in mind is that although shopping for shoes online can be convenient, you can not try shoes on in the store when doing so. Therefore, it might be more difficult to obtain shoes that fit properly. Contact a podiatrist today to learn more about finding shoes that fit properly.

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 contact our office located in Brownsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

For diabetics, foot health care is an important part of daily life. Problems, such as diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, that stem from long-term high blood sugar levels can make a daily foot care regimen essential. If sores, wounds, and cuts are not treated, they can develop ulcers that could, over time, lead to more serious problems. One major way a diabetic can ward off potential foot problems is to carefully wash and dry the feet each day. First, use warm, not hot, water. Using mild soap, wash every part of the foot, including the bottom and between the toes. Next, gently pat the feet dry. Avoid rubbing the skin. Finally, carefully dry between each toe. If you have difficulty reaching your feet or performing this task, it is a good idea to ask a family member or health aide for help. Then apply lotion to keep the skin from cracking and to help soften calluses, but be careful to avoid putting lotion between the toes. If you have diabetes-related foot problems, it is wise to seek regular checkups from a podiatrist who is trained to deal with the effects of this disease.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is defined as the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs along the sole of your foot. Some individuals are more susceptible to plantar fasciitis because of the nature of their employment. Bartenders fall into this category. Throughout their shifts, it is common for bartenders to be on their feet throughout the day and to move constantly between different points along the bar. All of this activity can cause micro tears in the arch of the foot, which can result in heel pain and calf pain. Bartenders have several potential solutions at their disposal to mitigate pain from plantar fasciitis. For example, bartenders might invest in a highly supportive pair of shoes. Some bartenders prefer shoes that have a good grip but are also supportive in the arch of the foot to prevent plantar fasciitis. Consult with a podiatrist today if you are a bartender.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Throughout life, the soles of the feet bear the greatest force. The skin on the soles of the feet is thicker and has extra fat padding, but when it becomes dry it is prone to cracking. This is something that anyone can suffer from, but since padding on the feet gets worn and the gait changes due to age and disability, seniors are particularly prone to cracked heels. The condition can become serious, cause great discomfort, and hamper mobility. If one does not tend to the cracking, it can bleed and the chance of infections setting in is higher. Beyond dry skin, obesity, standing for long periods, and wearing open-back shoes can cause cracked heels too. Also, some diseases that can result in cracked heels include diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and hypothyroidism. The key to treating cracked heels is reducing the pressure on the soles of the feet. Supportive, well-fitting shoes and heel pads may help. If you are elderly or caring for someone older, consult a podiatrist for advice on proper footwear as well as other remedies for cracked heels.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.