Items filtered by date: June 2023

Gout is a type of arthritis and can be uncomfortable. Gout generally affects the joints in the big toe and can cause debilitating pain. Additional symptoms can consist of swelling, redness, and the affected joints can feel hot. A condition that is known as hyperuricemia is defined as having excess uric acid in the body. This may happen from genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Gout is more prevalent among males, and it may affect women who are postmenopausal. It can also develop in people who are diabetic, have congestive heart failure, or have high blood pressure. It is helpful to implement prevention strategies that can consist of eating healthy foods, engaging in a gentle exercise routine, and drinking plenty of water daily. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage it and offer additional prevention techniques.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. 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 form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of 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 care needs.

Ankylosing spondylitis, or AS, is a chronic autoimmune disease that is rheumatic and causes widespread inflammation and pain in the joints and soft tissues, especially in the spine. More advanced cases of this condition can also impact peripheral areas like the heel and cause pain. If left untreated, the pain can be severe and accompanied by stiffness and immobility. The reason Ankylosing spondylitis develops is unknown but it can come from genetics. People that seem to be at higher risk for this affliction include those between the ages of 17 and 45 or people that have Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, or ulcerative colitis. If you have heel pain and it is severe or worsens, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to determine whether you have AS or another illness. Once the reason for your pain is identified, a podiatrist can provide the appropriate treatment.

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.

The feet are responsible for multiple functions of the body. These include balancing the body’s weight, and allowing mobility by walking and running. Many people do not pay attention to their feet unless they develop foot pain. There are various reasons why foot pain can happen, ranging from a broken bone to arthritis. Each foot has 26 bones, numerous ligaments, muscles, and tendons, and an injury or medical condition can cause foot pain.  For example, one common painful foot deformity is a bunion. This is a hard lump that forms on the side of the big toe may cause the other toes to shift together. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can pinpoint the cause, and treat it accordingly.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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.

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.