Items filtered by date: December 2022

Sweaty feet can be a temporary problem caused by having your feet enclosed in shoes and socks all day, or from high temperatures. But if having sweaty feet is an everyday occurrence, the chances are that you have a condition known as hyperhidrosis. This condition is thought to be genetic in nature. Some people are born with overactive sweat glands, and the moisture produced goes well beyond sweating from hot weather, exercising, or stress. Several underlying health conditions and certain foods may also cause hyperhidrosis. In some cases of hyperhidrosis, bacteria forms around the feet, causing them to emit a foul odor. It is a good idea to use antibacterial soap regularly to keep the feet clean and healthy. Wearing moisture-wicking socks or open-toed shoes or sandals is a good way to keep your feet dry. A podiatrist can offer more advanced treatment options, including several prescribed antiperspirant medications. In extreme cases, surgery to block the nerve passageway that tells the feet to sweat can be performed. For more information, please contact a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM of Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment 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.

One of the best ways to heal from an ankle sprain is by using a brace. These orthotic devices not only accelerate healing, but they may help to prevent re-injury. An ankle sprain brace allows you to move the ankle, which is deemed important to the healing process, while providing stability to the joint. Research shows that moving the ankle joint stimulates the repair of injured tissue. A brace allows you to move the joint while simultaneously protecting the ligaments from becoming over stretched. These types of devices help to reduce swelling and pain, in addition to increasing the joint’s ability to know where it is, called proprioception. At the same time, a brace allows the ankle to move up and down, but prevents it from moving inward or outward. As a result, you can walk without reinjuring the sprained ligament. Because there is not a one-size fits-all ankle sprain device, choosing the one that is best for you can be a challenge. In order for your sprained ankle to safely heal, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance in choosing an ankle sprain bracing device. 

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 and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot blisters usually happen from friction, caused when shoes that are too tight or restrictive are worn and rubbed against the foot. While one can pop a blister and disinfect the area, it is a good idea to leave it alone. In addition, it is suggested you cover blisters with a padded bandage for protection and to prevent further irritation, so the body can reabsorb it. To prevent blisters, wear shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable with socks that provide padding in common areas of blister development. If a foot blister does not heal after the irritant is removed, looks infected, or is extremely painful, it is suggested that a podiatrist be seen for proper evaluation and treatment. Individuals with diabetes should be especially cautious since a blister could turn into a foot ulcer.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Heel pain is a common foot condition that is felt by many patients. People experience plantar fasciitis at some point in their lives, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can happen when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, which is the band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot. It connects the heel to the toes and can become irritated or torn for various reasons. These can include standing on hard surfaces for most of the day, or wearing shoes that do not have adequate heel support. Additionally, people who frequently run may have heel pain that may be a symptom of plantar fasciitis. Mild relief may come from performing specific calf stretches that can ease heel pain. Elevating the feet may bring temporary relief, and it is suggested to refrain from running and walking long distances. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that is treated by a podiatrist. If you suffer from heel pain, it is suggested that you contact this type of physician who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective treatment remedies.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.