Items filtered by date: August 2024

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, often leading to complications in the feet. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves, reducing circulation and sensation in the feet. This makes individuals with diabetes more susceptible to foot injuries and infections, as they may not feel wounds or pressure sores developing. If not properly treated, even minor foot injuries can lead to serious complications, such as ulcers, infections, or in severe cases, amputation. Proper diabetic foot care includes regular inspection of the feet for cuts, blisters, or sores, keeping the feet clean and dry, and wearing properly fitted shoes to avoid friction. Preventive measures like controlling blood sugar levels, regular foot check-ups with a podiatrist, and proper foot hygiene are imperative to avoiding serious complications and maintaining overall foot health. If you have diabetes and notice a foot wound, it is essential to see a podiatrist promptly to prevent an infection.

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 and ankle needs.

Football players are particularly prone to ankle and foot injuries due to the sport’s high-impact nature and frequent lateral movements. Common injuries include sprains, where ligaments are stretched or torn, often from sudden changes in direction or contact. Fractures, such as those of the metatarsals or the ankle bones, occur from direct impacts or severe twists. Tendon injuries, like Achilles tendinitis, also pose a risk due to repetitive strain. Symptoms of these injuries typically include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area. Prevention strategies include wearing appropriate footwear with good support, incorporating strengthening exercises into training, and practicing proper techniques to reduce the risk of injury. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while playing football, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for treatment, and offer you effective injury prevention techniques.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that primarily affects the feet. The fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, such as pools, locker rooms, and gyms. Although anyone can get athlete's foot, it is more prevalent in men. The fungi causing this infection live on the surface of the skin, particularly in sweat-prone areas, like between the toes. Symptoms of athlete's foot include dry skin, itching, and burning sensations, especially between the toes, along with red, scaly rashes. Blisters may form, which can peel or crack open, leading to exposed, raw tissue. Inflammation and a foul odor are also common signs. The infection spreads through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or skin and is more likely in people who wear closed shoes or sweat a lot. If you have a troublesome athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for advanced treatment.

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.

Obesity significantly impacts foot health, often leading to chronic foot pain due to the excessive weight exerting pressure on the feet. This added strain can result in conditions like plantar fasciitis, where the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, causing intense heel pain. Additionally, the excess weight can contribute to flat feet, where the arches collapse, leading to further discomfort and instability. To manage foot pain associated with obesity, weight reduction through a balanced diet and regular exercise is important. Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling can help shed pounds without placing additional stress on the feet. Supportive footwear that provides adequate arch support and cushioning is also essential. If you carry excess weight and have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you seek advice from a podiatrist. This medical professional can offer custom orthotics, recommend specific exercises to strengthen foot muscles, and provide guidance on managing foot health, ultimately enhancing mobility and quality of life.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.