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September 2019

Monday, 30 September 2019 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Published in Blog
Monday, 30 September 2019 00:00

Possible Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain can occur for a variety of reasons. These can include having an enlarged nerve which is referred to as a neuroma, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from a possible injury to the heel. Additionally, medical conditions such as arthritis and diabetes can contribute to the onset of heel pain. This type of pain may be indicative of plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and is located on the bottom of the foot. If your child complains of heel pain, it may be a sign of Sever’s disease. This affects the heel’s growth plate, and may occur in teenage children who frequently participate in sporting activities. Moderate relief can be found when heel pain is present by resting and elevating the affected foot. It may be beneficial to have regular foot massages, in addition to practicing stretches that promote flexibility. If you have any type of heel pain, it is strongly advised that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this type of pain.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Read more about Heel Pain
Published in Blog
Monday, 23 September 2019 00:00

Is Gout Caused By Specific Foods?

The medical condition that is referred to as gout is often accompanied by severe pain and discomfort. The joint in the big toe is typically affected, and common symptoms include redness, tenderness, and difficulty in moving the toe. Many patients experience signs of gout suddenly without warning, and it frequently happens at night. This condition is caused by excess uric levels that are in the bloodstream, and may occur from specific foods that are eaten. These can include foods that have elevated levels of purines which may produce crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe. Mild relief may be found from this debilitating pain by taking anti-inflammatory medication. Additionally, it is helpful to incorporate healthy eating habits into your daily routine, and this may prevent severe gout attacks from occurring in the future. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage these attacks.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Published in Blog
Monday, 16 September 2019 00:00

Good Posture and Running

Running injuries can be painful when they happen, and they can be difficult to treat. Research has indicated there are methods that may prevent running injuries from occurring in the first place. These consist of running with proper form, landing on the middle of the foot instead of on the heels, and stretching thoroughly after the run is completed. Additionally, it is helpful to begin running at a slower pace, while gradually increasing the speed. The overall health of the feet will benefit when good posture is maintained throughout the run, and it is advantageous to wear new running shoes every 500 miles. Many runners set reasonable goals, and this allows them to enjoy the sport of running. If you would like additional information about how running injuries can affect your feet, please speak with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries
Published in Blog
Monday, 09 September 2019 00:00

Can Walking Help Poor Circulation?

The medical condition that is known as poor circulation occurs when blood flow is restricted in the body. Common symptoms that are associated with this condition can include cold feet, in addition to a tingling and numbing sensation. This risk of developing poor circulation may increase as the aging process occurs. Other existing factors that can lead to this condition can include smoking, lack of exercise, and eating unhealthy foods. There are noticeable symptoms that are present if poor circulation exists. The most common sign is feeling cramps in your legs as you walk, and some patients are aware of consistent aches in their legs and feet. Mild relief can be obtained when a gentle walking program is implemented, and this can be helpful in controlling poor circulation. If you feel you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 03 September 2019 00:00

Older Patients and Proper Foot Care

Many elderly patients may experience difficulty in taking care of their feet. They may find it challenging to bend down to properly trim their toenails, which could cause ingrown toenails to develop. Elderly people may find it helpful to use the services of caregivers to monitor the condition of their feet. They can help the patient to look for existing cuts, scrapes or bruises that may be on the bottom of the feet. This is beneficial if the patient is diabetic, and may be crucial in possibly preventing foot ulcers. The feet may feel better when they are soaked in warm water, followed by applying a moisturizer on them. Additionally, the feet can become stronger when gentle stretching techniques are performed. If you would like additional information about the importance of elderly foot care, it is suggested to seek the counsel of a podiatrist.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Elderly Foot Care
Published in Blog
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