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October 2020

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain on the inside of the ankle or heel. This pain often radiates into the sole of the foot. The pain can have a sharp, shooting, electrical, dull, or burning sensation, and is frequently accompanied by numbness. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for tarsal tunnel syndrome. Non-surgical treatments include wearing more comfortable shoes or orthotics to better support the foot and to disperse force more evenly across the foot, performing stretching and strengthening exercises, losing weight, modifying daily activities to limit repeated injury to the foot, and getting corticosteroid injections into the affected area or taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. To find out which treatment option is best for you, consult with a podiatrist today.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.

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Saturday, 24 October 2020 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Published in Blog
Monday, 19 October 2020 00:00

Symptoms and Causes of an Ingrown Toenail

When the toenail grows into the outer edges of the skin, it generally indicates that an ingrown toenail has developed. There are several causes of this ailment, including genetic factors, wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or trimming the toenails incorrectly. The symptoms that patients experience can include redness, swelling, and sensitivity surrounding the affected area. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent ingrown toenails from developing. Cut the toenails straight across, avoiding cutting down into the corners of the nail. It is also beneficial to have your feet routinely measured, as this can help you to purchase the correct size shoe. If you have an ingrown toenail, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

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Published in Blog
Monday, 12 October 2020 00:00

Tips for Reducing Ankle Pain

Is your ankle aching? Ankle pain can have a variety of causes, including a slight sprain or osteoarthritis. If you suspect a slight sprain, you may find relief by using the RICE method. RICE is an acronym that stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevate. Rest your ankle by avoiding putting weight on it. Ice your ankle with an ice pack for 20 minutes. Compress your ankle by wrapping it with an elastic or tensor bandage. Elevate your ankle by propping it up with a pillow so that it is raised higher than your knees. If you suspect osteoarthritis, then keeping your joint mobile may be the best course of action. Loosen up the joint by doing mobility exercises such as ankle circles, moving your ankle up-down and side-to-side, and doing toe raises. To get an accurate assessment of what is causing your ankle pain and how to treat it, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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
  • Bursitis
  • 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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Published in Blog
Monday, 05 October 2020 00:00

Stretching for Peroneal Tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis refers to an inflammation in one of the tendons in the back of the foot, which can cause pain in the foot and ankle. Stretching these tendons can help improve their flexibility and range of motion. One stretch that is commonly suggested to try is the towel stretch. Sit on the floor with your feet straight out in front of you. Take a towel and wrap it around the toes of one foot, then gently pull back. You should feel a stretch from the bottom of the foot up to the back of the lower leg. Hold this stretch for between 30 seconds and a minute, then switch to the other foot and repeat. Do this stretch two to three times on each foot daily. For more information about stretches that can benefit your foot health, consult with a podiatrist. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

  • Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
  • Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
  • Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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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