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July 2019

Monday, 29 July 2019 00:00

All About MLS Laser Therapy

MLS laser therapy is an innovative method for treating pain. The concentration of lasers that are used, stimulate the body’s own healing process. The wavelengths may be able to replace surgery or medication, or they can help people recover quickly after surgery. This form of therapy has been known to help with arthritis, sprains, and inflammation. If you have Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or another foot injury, MLS laser therapy could be a solution. For some patients, this therapy is the only treatment they use, claiming that a series of appointments keeps their pain manageable. For people with arthritis, this could help ease the long-term effects of the ailment. The lasers do not burn or hurt the skin, with most patients only feeling a slight warming sensation at the site of the treatment. If you have a foot or ankle condition that you believe may improve with MLS laser therapy, be sure to contact a podiatrist.

MLS Laser Therapy is a successful alternative for treating any pain you may be experiencing related to certain podiatric conditions.  If you are interested in MLS Laser Therapy, 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.

MLS Laser Therapy

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy is a patented, FDA-cleared technology that helps relieve pain and inflammation from a number of podiatric conditions, including:

  • Heel Pain
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Sports Injuries
  • Wounds
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Neuropathy
  • Neuromas

MLS Laser Therapy is an ideal alternative to surgery and prescription medication, as it has no negative side effects and encourages accelerated healing. Among its many clinical benefits, MLS Laser Therapy also:

  • Reduces swelling due to bruising or inflammation
  • Blocks pain
  • Reduces formation of scar tissue
  • Improves nerve function

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

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There are many different types of ankle pain that are caused by a variety of factors. Stiffness of the ankle joints is a common symptom in a condition that is known as osteoarthritis. It is known to be a degenerative joint disease, and affects millions of people in the United States. Many people will suffer from an ankle sprain at some point in their lives. This is the result of damaged ligaments surrounding the ankle, and typically occurs as a result of twisting the ankle the wrong way. A strain to the ankle can occur when the muscles and tendons have become overstretched. The symptoms that are often associated with ankle strains can include reduced flexibility, pain and discomfort around the affected joint, and swelling. If you have any type of ankle pain, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat a variety of conditions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

 

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Monday, 15 July 2019 00:00

How Do Cracked Heels Develop?

Many patients experience dry skin on the heels, and this is often the result of a lack of moisture in the skin on the feet. There are several reasons why this condition may develop. These consist of standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, wearing shoes that have an open back, or from being overweight. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions that may contribute to the onset of cracked heels, which can include psoriasis, diabetes, or hypothyroidism. Mild relief may be found when the feet are washed and dried daily, followed by using a good moisturizer. If the cracks on the skin become severe, and appear to be deep, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can recommend proper treatment options.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

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Research has indicated that most babies are born with flat feet. This is typically the result of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that have not fully developed yet. When the child starts to walk, it is encouraged to walk barefoot while indoors. The toes will grasp the floor naturally, and this is beneficial in strengthening the entire foot. When walking begins, the foot should be properly measured so the correct size shoe can be determined. It is important for the soles to be flexible, in addition to confirming there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Some children will walk with their toes pointing inward or outward. If this pertains to your child, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can properly examine your child’s feet.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

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Tuesday, 02 July 2019 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 02 July 2019 00:00

How Do Foot Injuries Occur?

Stability in the foot is provided when the foot and ankle work together. There are injuries that can occur to the feet while participating in sporting activities. These can include issues with the Achilles tendon and ankle sprains. The former may produce pain in the back of the calf and heel area, in addition to swelling and stiffness. Additionally, there may be reduced strength, and limited range of motion. Ankle injuries may occur as a result of participating in high-impact activities. Many patients can sprain their ankle if they step off a curb unexpectedly and this can force the ankle to turn beyond its normal range of motion. This injury is typically treated by elevating the foot, which may be helpful in reducing any existing swelling. It is then followed by wrapping the affected ankle in a tight elastic bandage, which may provide the necessary stability as the healing process takes place. If you have injured your foot or ankle, it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, 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.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Muscle strains
  • Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
  • Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

  • Bruising
  • Inflammation/ Swelling
  • Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

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