Items filtered by date: May 2022

Focal hyperhidrosis is when the palms of the hands or soles of the feet sweat excessively. This condition can be inherited, be due to an underlying health problem (such as menopause, obesity, or diabetes), be a side effect of medications, or have no known cause. Though not serious itself, hyperhidrosis can lead to other uncomfortable skin problems or infections and can cause anxiety and embarrassment. This condition usually starts in adolescence. Clammy or wet soles of the feet can be reduced by wearing footwear made of natural materials, like leather, wearing moisture absorbing socks, and using foot antiperspirants.  People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may be afraid to seek help or may not know that several other treatment options exist. Consulting with a podiatrist will help you identify if there is a possible underlying cause for this problem, and to assist you with obtaining a more effective treatment plan.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Tin Quach of Foot Center. 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 offices located in McAllen, and Weslaco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

During the propulsion (toe off) stage of walking, toes bear the weight of the body as your heels rise. During this process, the toes are supported by the long, fibrous plantar fascia ligament on the bottom of the foot that connects the toes with the heel. The plantar fascia also absorbs weight and support the toes and arch when running, jumping, and dancing. Repeated stress due to overuse, obesity, improper footwear, structural anomalies in the feet, and other factors can cause the plantar fascia to become irritated, torn, and inflamed. This is a painful condition known as plantar fasciitis. The pain felt with plantar fasciitis is typically at its worst in the morning when you first wake up and begin to take your first steps. Because it is the most common form of heel pain, podiatrists see plantar fasciitis patients regularly and have a variety of options to treat it. If you are having heel pain, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam to get properly diagnosed and treated. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Tin Quach from Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in McAllen, and Weslaco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If your family members cringe when you remove your shoes, you may have a case of stinky feet. This unpleasant odor usually develops between the toes from the growth of micro-bacteria that thrive in damp, warm conditions. While stinky feet are unpleasant and can become chronic, there are some measures that can be taken to reduce the problem. The first and easiest suggestion is to develop a rigorous foot care regime to be practiced daily. Wash your feet with antibacterial soap, carefully washing between your toes. Dry the feet carefully and sprinkle them with corn-starch or absorbent foot powder. Wear wicking socks that draw the moisture away from the feet rather than trapping it, which can happen with 100% cotton socks. Change socks several times a day. Give your feet a chance to breathe by going barefoot for a while each day. Check that your shoes also give your toes room to breathe and consider alternating different pairs of shoes each day to let the sneakers dry out thoroughly. If the stinky feet problem persists or worsens, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist who will have more advanced treatments available.    

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Tin Quach from Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in McAllen, and Weslaco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Babies' feet will grow and develop normally regardless of whether shoes are worn. It is beneficial to have your child walk barefoot while inside as this can help to strengthen the overall foot. The toes grip the floor to maintain balance, and this may help to accelerate the walking process. Warmer weather may encourage you to allow your child to walk outside without shoes. This may provide the opportunity of feeling the sand or grass on the feet. Many parents choose to have their children wear non-slip socks in the house when they have tile or wood floors, and this can be helpful in preventing unnecessary falling. When the weather turns chilly, it is important that the first pair of shoes have a sturdy but flexible sole, and the foot can be properly supported with traditional laces or velcro straps. If you would like additional information about what type of first shoes to buy for your baby, please confer with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Tin Quach of Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in McAllen, and Weslaco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain in children and young teenagers can indicate the existence of a condition that is known as Sever’s disease. It is defined as an inflammation of the growth plate that is located in the heel. It can happen as a result of repetitive stress on the heel during a growth spurt, and can be common among male children who participate in sporting and jumping activities. Patients who develop Sever’s disease may find their heel pain can make it difficult to walk. Relief can be found when the activity that caused the condition is temporarily stopped, and stretching exercises are performed. Research has shown there may be preexisting conditions that can lead to Sever’s disease, including weak ankles, and poor shock absorption. If your child is limping, and you notice he has heel pain, it is strongly advised that you confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can recommend correct treatment options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Tin Quach from Foot Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in McAllen, and Weslaco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.