Flat feet, often referred to as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet are low or absent, allowing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This condition can be present at birth or develop gradually. It affects both children and adults and may influence posture and movement. In infants and toddlers, flat feet are considered a normal stage of development because the arch has not yet formed. As growth continues, the arch usually develops, although some individuals retain a low arch due to structural or genetic factors.

Several causes contribute to flat feet. Loose or weakened tendons and ligaments may not provide enough support to maintain the arch. Genetic influence is also significant, as inherited foot structure can determine arch height. Additional factors such as injury, repetitive stress, and prolonged standing may weaken supportive tissues over time. These changes can place increased pressure on the feet and alter overall alignment, especially during weight-bearing activities.

Symptoms commonly include achy feet, fatigue, and discomfort that worsens after extended periods of walking or standing. Some individuals notice a change in gait, where the feet roll inward during movement. This altered pattern can lead to uneven weight distribution and increased strain on the ankles, knees, and lower back. Eventually, untreated symptoms can contribute to further discomfort and reduced mobility.

Risk factors include obesity, aging, previous foot injuries, and occupations that require long hours on the feet. Without proper support, symptoms may progress and interfere with daily activities. Management often includes wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and strengthening exercises that promote stability. Podiatric care can help improve alignment and reduce strain on the feet. If you have flat feet that are painful, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of 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 care needs.

Kohler disease is a rare childhood foot condition that affects one of the small bones in the middle of the foot, known as the navicular bone. It most often develops in children between the ages of 4 and 7, especially boys, although girls can also be affected. The condition occurs when the blood supply to the bone is temporarily reduced, causing the bone to become irritated before it gradually heals. Children with Kohler disease may begin limping or avoid putting weight on the affected foot because of discomfort. Since many childhood foot problems produce similar symptoms, a professional evaluation is important for an accurate diagnosis. Early assessment can also help rule out fractures, infections, or other conditions that may require different treatment.

Symptoms of Kohler disease usually involve pain along the inner part of the foot where the affected bone is located. Many children experience tenderness, swelling, or discomfort while walking. Others may avoid running or playing, because activity increases pain. In some cases, a child may begin walking on the outside of the foot to reduce pressure on the painful area. Symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for a minor injury at first. Prompt evaluation is important because persistent foot pain in children should never be ignored. Identifying the cause early helps guide appropriate treatment and supports healthy foot development.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating both common and rare foot conditions, including Kohler disease. During an examination, the podiatrist reviews symptoms, evaluates the child's foot, and may recommend imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment focuses on relieving discomfort, protecting the affected bone, and monitoring healing as the foot develops. Regular follow-up visits also help ensure the condition is improving and that normal foot function is returning. If your child is experiencing foot pain, limping, or swelling that may be related to Kohler disease, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.

A calcaneal fracture is a break in the heel bone, often caused by a hard fall or other high-impact injuries. Because the heel supports much of the body’s weight, recovery can take time and walking may be difficult at first. In some cases, healing may include a special brace designed to reduce pressure on the heel while allowing earlier walking. This type of support shifts weight away from the injured area so the bone can continue healing with less strain. Early guided movement may help reduce stiffness, support circulation, and make the return to daily activities smoother for some patients. Not every heel fracture is treated the same way, since the exact break pattern and severity matter when planning care. If you have a heel fracture or ongoing heel pain after an injury, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

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

A hammertoe develops when a smaller toe bends at one or two of its joints instead of remaining straight. The bent toe can rub against shoes, creating painful corns, calluses, or irritated skin. As the deformity becomes more severe, the toe becomes harder to straighten and daily activities become less comfortable. When other treatments no longer provide enough relief, hammertoe surgery can correct the toe's position and reduce pain. Surgery also removes the bony bump that forms from the bent joint. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. A podiatrist determines which type of surgery is best. This is based on the shape of the toe, the condition of the joint, and overall foot health.

Hammertoe surgery usually takes about 30 minutes and is commonly performed with a local anesthetic, which numbs the foot while the patient remains awake. One procedure removes part of the joint while allowing some movement to remain. Another procedure removes the entire joint and straightens the toe. The goal is to create a straighter toe, improve comfort, and make wearing less painful. Like any operation, hammertoe surgery includes possible risks. These include infection, delayed healing, or the toe becoming stiff. A podiatrist explains these risks before surgery and answers questions so patients understand what to expect.

Regular follow-up visits with a podiatrist help ensure proper healing and monitor progress. A special surgical shoe protects the foot after the procedure, and the podiatrist checks the incision, removes any temporary wire, and determines when normal activities can safely resume. Most patients notice improved toe alignment and greater comfort once healing is complete. Correcting the deformity also reduces pressure that previously caused painful corns and calluses. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this type of foot surgery with you.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.