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Fall Prevention at Home to Protect Your Feet and Ankles

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Preventing falls at home is essential for maintaining safety and protecting foot and ankle health in seniors. Keeping objects off steps, fixing uneven surfaces, and ensuring proper lighting at the top and bottom of stairs can reduce the risk of accidents. Repairing loose carpet and securing handrails adds stability, while installing grab bars in the shower provides additional support in slippery areas. Falls can lead to injuries such as ankle sprains, fractures, and soft tissue damage that affect mobility and independence. A podiatrist can assess balance, evaluate foot structure, and recommend supportive footwear or orthotics to improve stability. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions, and guide you on additional fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
Utilizing a walker or cane
Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.

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

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Wednesday, 06 May 2026

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Comparing Sprains and Strains in the Feet

Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries in the foot, but they affect different structures. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and help stabilize joints, such as the ankle. A strain involves a muscle or a tendon, which connects to bones and helps create movement. Strains may develop from sudden movements, heavy loading, or repeated stress while walking, running, or playing sports. Both injuries may cause pain, swelling, bruising, weakness, and difficulty moving the foot or bearing weight. Because these injuries can resemble fractures or other foot problems, a podiatrist performs a careful exam and may order imaging to confirm the diagnosis. This is followed by formulating a treatment plan that protects stability and long-term function as the injury heals. If you have injured your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. 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 Corpus Christi, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle Swelling Can Indicate Serious Problems

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Swollen ankles are often caused by a buildup of fluid in the lower legs, a condition known as edema. This occurs when excess fluid collects in body tissues, leading to visible puffiness that may affect the feet, ankles, and even the calves. While swelling is common in older people, it can also be linked to standing for long periods, long travel, pregnancy, or being overweight. In some cases, ankle swelling may signal more serious problems, including poor vein function, blood clots, or disorders involving the heart, kidneys, or liver. Certain medications can also contribute to swelling. A podiatrist can evaluate the pattern and severity of swelling, examine circulation, and order diagnostic tests to identify the cause. Early diagnosis is important to prevent complications and protect long-term foot and ankle health. If you notice foot or ankle swelling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet.

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Corpus Christi, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters Can Become a Bigger Problem

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Blisters on the feet develop when friction, heat, or moisture causes the upper layer of skin to separate and fill with fluid. They are common after long walks, wearing new shoes, or increased physical activity. Although they may seem minor, blisters can become painful and interfere with normal movement. The area often appears raised, clear, and tender to the touch. If the blister breaks, the exposed skin underneath can feel raw and sensitive. In some cases, redness, warmth, or drainage may signal infection. People with diabetes or circulation concerns should be especially cautious, as even small skin injuries can lead to complications. A podiatrist can evaluate the blister to determine whether it should be drained safely, protected with proper dressing, or treated for infection. Treatment may also include guidance on footwear, moisture control, and targeted exercises to reduce friction and pressure. If you have painful or persistent blisters on the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and care.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

Bubble of skin filled with fluid
Redness
Moderate to severe pain
Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

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