Items filtered by date: May 2023

The muscles in the feet can become overworked. This may result in foot pain, and it can happen from repetitive body movement. Foot pain may also occur from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day. People who are overweight may also experience foot pain from the extra weight the feet must endure. Additionally, existing foot conditions such as flat feet, bunions, or hammertoe may cause foot pain, and many patients seek relief from a podiatrist. It is beneficial to wear shoes that are made with quality materials, in addition to having good arch support and shock absorbers. Many people enjoy having regular foot massages performed to help reduce aches and foot pain. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested you are under the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause and offer treatment solutions that are right for you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Center. Our doctors 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 offices located in McAllen, and Weslaco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet can become strong when a consistent exercise regime is practiced. There are 26 bones, numerous tendons, and several ligaments that comprise each foot. Yoga has effective exercise and stretching techniques that target strengthening the feet. A heel sit is done by sitting on one foot at a time while kneeling on the other foot, and a stretch can be felt as the back foot is elongated. Calf raises can be equally as successful in keeping the feet strong. Many people enjoy having reflexology sessions, which are done by exerting pressure on various areas of the foot. This may be an effective method of strengthening the feet. Research has indicated that people who enjoy deadlifting may benefit by performing this type of strength training while barefoot. If you would like to learn more about what type of exercises can help the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the lower leg, and it connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is responsible for pointing and flexing the foot, which is done during routine activity. Having an Achilles tendon injury may cause difficulty in completing daily tasks. An injury can cause this tendon to partially or completely tear and often causes severe pain and discomfort. It can happen for various reasons, including increasing speed and distance too quickly while running and not stretching properly before running or jogging. The Achilles tendon may gradually weaken when shoes that are worn do not fit correctly or if some weight has been gained. Recovery can take several months for complete healing, and wearing supportive shoes may help to accelerate this. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with the correct treatment techniques.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

An injury can cause toe pain, making it difficult to complete daily activities. Toe pain may also occur due to an abnormal foot structure or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Existing medical conditions like hammertoe, bunions, or gout can also play a role. The big toe is affected by gout, and the pinky toe can hurt if a corn develops. Some people endure a broken toe, and buddy taping may be used as an effective healing method. The foot condition known as athlete’s foot can cause the toes and bottom of the foot to itch, which can be uncomfortable. Many diabetic patients have nerve pain, which can develop in the feet. This may lead to getting a foot ulcer, and pain relief is generally sought. An ingrown toenail is defined as a nail that grows into the skin instead of over it, and pus may ooze from it if it becomes infected. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective treatment methods.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that is noticeable as the second or third toe bends up at the middle joint, forcing the end of the toe to point down. Children may develop this condition from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe area. The child may complain their toes are painful, which may be a result of the toe rubbing against the shoe while walking. When shoes are worn that do not fit properly, the muscles and tendons in the toes may tighten. This can cause difficulty in straightening the toe muscles, and walking may be compromised. It is beneficial to address this condition as early as possible, and temporary relief may be found when larger shoes are worn. If the hammertoe toe is severe, it may help to wear toe splints, in addition to gently stretching your child’s toes. If your child has developed hammertoe, it is strongly suggested to speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you correct treatment methods.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.