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July 2024

An ingrown toenail, a common and often painful condition, may require surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. The surgical procedure, known as partial nail avulsion, involves numbing the toe with a local anesthetic. Once numb, the podiatrist carefully removes the portion of the toenail that is ingrown, ensuring to leave the healthy nail intact. In some cases, the nail bed may also be treated to prevent future ingrowth. The procedure is typically quick, taking only a few minutes, and patients can often return home the same day. After surgery, it is essential to keep the toe clean and dry, following any post-operative care instructions provided by the podiatrist. If you have an ingrown toenail that is causing you chronic pain and discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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
Tuesday, 23 July 2024 00:00

What to Do About Heel Pain

Heel pain, often linked to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, is a prevalent complaint that affects the bottom or back of the heel. This pain typically results from inflammation, overuse, or injury to the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Factors contributing to heel pain include excessive walking or standing, wearing improper footwear, obesity, and age-related changes. The pain is usually sharp and most intense during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. It can significantly interfere with daily activities, making walking, exercising, and even standing difficult. Diagnosis involves a physical examination, patient history, and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to rule out fractures or other issues. Treatment typically includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and stretching exercises. Custom orthotics and targeted stretching exercises may also be recommended. If you have persistent or severe heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for specialized care and treatment.

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.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 16 July 2024 00:00

Managing Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones, which are two small bones embedded in the tendons beneath the big toe joint. These bones help to absorb the weight placed on the ball of the foot and assist with movement. Sesamoiditis occurs when these bones are subjected to excessive stress or repetitive pressure, often seen in activities like running, dancing, or wearing high-heeled shoes. Athletes, dancers, and individuals with high foot arches are particularly prone to sesamoiditis. Symptoms include pain in the ball of the foot, swelling, and difficulty bending the big toe. The pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. Preventing sesamoiditis involves wearing properly fitting, supportive shoes, avoiding high heels, and using orthotic inserts to distribute pressure evenly across the foot. Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays. Treatment options include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and cushioning pads to alleviate pressure. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend a period of immobilization or even surgery. Complications from untreated sesamoiditis can include chronic pain and difficulty with movement. If you have pain in this area of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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
Wednesday, 10 July 2024 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

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.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 09 July 2024 00:00

Podiatrists Are Here for Runners

For runners, incorporating effective stretches into their routine is vital for performance and injury prevention. The downward dog stretch provides a full-body stretch, focusing on the calves and hamstrings, which helps prevent Achilles tendon injuries. Ankle mobility heel lifts help in strengthening and increasing the flexibility of the ankles, vital for running stability. Besides stretching, wearing proper running shoes cannot be overstated as it ensures adequate support and reduces the risk of injury. It is also important for runners to ease into their routines gradually, allowing their bodies to adjust and build endurance safely. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot issues and guide you on effective running injury prevention techniques.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. 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

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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
Tuesday, 02 July 2024 00:00

Bunion Relief

A bunion, medically known as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate toward the others. It occurs due to pressure on the big toe joint, often from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, genetics, or foot stress. Bunions can cause pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty in walking. They may also lead to other foot problems such as calluses, corns, and hammertoes. Management options depend on the severity of the bunion and the pain it causes. For mild cases, a wait and see approach can be effective, with changes in footwear to alleviate pressure. Orthotic devices, such as custom shoe inserts, can provide support and relieve pain. When conservative treatments fail and pain or deformity is severe, surgery may be necessary to realign the bone, ligaments, and tendons. If you have a bunion that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment approach is for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • 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.

Read more about Bunions
Published in Blog
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