Items filtered by date: December 2022

The foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis is considered to be the most common cause of heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, which is the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. It is located on the bottom of the foot and can become weak and swollen when torn or irritated. This condition can happen for various reasons, including standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. People who frequently run may be prone to developing plantar fasciitis, as a result of the consistent pressure the plantar fascia endures. Additionally, existing medical conditions may gradually lead to getting this ailment, consisting of obesity, having tight calves, or a shortened Achilles tendon. Some patients find relief in performing the heel raise stretch, which is done by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle pull is felt. Rolling the foot on a tennis ball may help to stretch the bottom of the foot while strengthening it at the same time. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can help you to find relief.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from The Foot Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Westside, Northeast, Eastside, and Northwest, El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, presents with an inflammatory fungal infection of the skin between the toes, soles of the feet, or on the heels. It can cause itchy, red, or raw skin, and sometimes wounds that are weepy. This is a contagious infection and can spread to the toenails, hands, and other people. Athlete's foot generally breeds under warm and moist conditions. It can easily be caught from contaminated surfaces, such as flooring in public gyms, locker rooms, and nail salons. Additionally, it can be passed between people from shared clothes or towels that have been in contact with infected feet. Athlete’s foot can be hard to cure, and it can recur. If you think you have athlete’s foot, see a podiatrist as soon as possible for the correct treatment options.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Institute.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Westside, Northeast, Eastside, and Northwest, El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels are a common occurrence. Heels can become cracked from dry skin brought on by bathing for too long in water that is too hot, using harsh cleansers, not moisturizing enough, and having poor circulation. Foot problems can take longer to heal, and it is harder to keep feet free of infections. It is important for everyone, but especially diabetics, to check their feet regularly, wash, dry, and moisturize them daily, avoid going barefoot, trim toenails properly and carefully, and wear well-fitting shoes. If you have cracked heels that are not responding to routine foot care along with having diabetes as a complication, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and a treatment plan.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Institute. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Westside, Northeast, Eastside, and Northwest, El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

You don’t need to be an athlete to sprain an ankle. It can happen to anyone, simply by landing wrong when stepping down on a curb or staircase. However, those who play court games or team sports are far more likely to incur this type of injury. The majority of ankle sprains occur when the foot rolls inward, thereby overstretching the ligament on the outer side of the ankle. There are three main grades of an ankle sprain, which is caused by the overstretching or tearing of the lateral ligament that helps hold the ankle in place. In a Grade 1 sprain, only a few tissue fibers are torn. With a Grade 2 sprain, a far larger amount of tissue is torn. A Grade 3 sprain is a complete tear, or rupture, of the ligament. With a mild sprain, home treatment for a period of time may reduce the pain and allow the ligament to heal. However, if a sprain makes bearing weight difficult or impossible, it is wise to visit a podiatrist for a full diagnosis and suggested treatment plan.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Westside, Northeast, Eastside, and Northwest, El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.