Same Day or Next Day Appointments Available Laredo (956) 726-9797 Se Habla Español
Same Day or Next Day Appointments Available Laredo (956) 726-9797 Se Habla Español
When the toe joint that connects with the foot becomes fixed in an upward position, and the toe is permanently bent downward, this is known as hammertoe. A Hammertoe can be painful, inflamed, and irritated when a shoe rubs against it. Hammertoe may be caused by wearing improper shoes, trauma, or by having certain illnesses. A podiatrist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as try to correct the bent toe by splinting it, having the patient do certain exercises to restore balance in the muscles, create custom orthotics, or have the patient wear metatarsal pads. If these conservative methods do not yield the desired results, your podiatrist may suggest surgery to loosen the tissues that connect with muscles and bones, or possibly even remove the joint in an effort to straighten the toe, and insert wires to keep it straightened. If you believe you have a hammertoe, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Hammertoe
Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.
Symptoms
Causes
Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible
Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur
Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe
Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe
Treatment
Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it
Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used
Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option
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.
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.
The peripheral nervous system transmits signals between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the organs and limbs. For example, peripheral nerves would send a signal to the central nervous system regarding pain in the foot and the brain would direct the body to respond accordingly—that is, when this messaging system works correctly. In peripheral neuropathy there is damage to the peripheral nerves, which impedes normal messaging between the peripheral nerves and the central nervous system. Peripheral neuropathy is commonly caused by diabetes, but may also be present due to heredity, side effects of chemotherapy, and other illnesses. Peripheral neuropathy can trigger symptoms in the feet such as numbness or an inability to perceive pain or temperature, cramping, muscle weakness, or tingling. Diabetic neuropathy can be particularly problematic as even minor cuts or abrasions can go undetected and turn into wounds and ulcers. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed here, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for a full examination and evaluation to determine if you may have peripheral neuropathy.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in 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 for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then 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.
Many children are active, and enjoy walking, running, and jumping activities. It is important for parents to properly monitor the care of their children’s feet, and this can help to ensure minimal foot conditions. Research has indicated that babies' feet will become stronger when they can crawl and walk barefoot while indoors. This can be a result of the toes gripping the floor, and can positivity affect the overall foot. When it is time to purchase shoes for walking outside, it is beneficial to make sure the soles are flexible, and the shoes are constructed of breathable materials. It is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can answer any concerns you may have pertaining to your child’s feet.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
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.
A numb or burning sensation in the ball of the foot or toes is sometimes referred to as metatarsalgia. The pain emanates from squeezed nerves between the metatarsal bones, and is sometimes caused by arthritis, a bunion, or other conditions which forces a misalignment in the toes. Engaging in activities which apply excessive pressure on the ball of the foot or wearing narrow shoes that force the ball of the foot and the underlying nerves to squeeze together can also contribute to metatarsalgia. Podiatrists can offer many types of therapies and treatments, and create customized orthotics to help ease the pain of metatarsalgia.
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:
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 Corpus Christi, and Laredo, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
