Items filtered by date: January 2023

When an individual is involved in a car accident, usually any negative impact on the feet is not the first concern that might come to mind. However, being involved in a car accident when driving can lead to damaging effects on the feet that one ought to be aware of. For example, ankle injuries, and more specifically broken or fractured ankles are a common consequence of being involved in a car accident. Ankle fractures are defined as a condition of the foot when one or more bones around the ankle (i.e. the ankle joint) become broken. When only one bone is broken, this condition is not always as severe as when multiple bones are fractured. Ankle fractures are nothing to take lightly and if you have suffered an ankle fracture due to a car accident, it might be best to reach out to a podiatrist today to receive any treatment that is necessary to address the problem. Contact a podiatrist today to schedule an appointment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Recent studies have shown that approximately 10 percent of the American population has diabetes. Many of these are seniors, and other health issues may arise from the disease. Diabetic patients need their feet to be looked after and cared for daily, and this can begin by examining the bottom of the feet using a mirror. A family member or health care provider may be able to accomplish this exam, which is effective in noticing existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes that are on the feet. A common condition that diabetic patients can develop is a foot ulcer, and this happens when a cut is unnoticed as a result of neuropathy. This is the inability to feel sensations on the feet, which may cause a small cut to become infected, and often requires prompt medical treatment. An open sore may require an X-ray to be performed, to observe if it has spread to the bone. Washing and drying the feet in addition to cutting the toenails properly are part of good diabetic foot care habits. If you would like more information about diabetic foot care tips, please consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Gout, a form of arthritis, is a painful foot condition caused by excess uric acid in the blood, and it may happen from having a genetic disposition to it. It may also occur from eating foods, such as shellfish and red meat, that have large amounts of purines. Also, diabetic patients and people who have a kidney disorder may be prone to developing gout, and it is beneficial for these people to pay extra attention to the type of foods that are eaten. The pain commonly occurs in the joints of the big toe as a result of crystals that become lodged there from excess purines. The symptoms associated with gout can include debilitating pain, swelling, and the affected joints can become inflamed. Many people have difficulty in walking, and prompt medical attention is often sought. If you suffer from gout, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from The Foot Institute. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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 care needs.

The foot bears the weight of the entire body with every step taken. Most foot sprains occur in two main areas, the midfoot, which includes the arch, and the 1st metatarsal joint, which is the base of the big toe. Midfoot sprains are generally the result of a sports-related fall or collision. Another cause of a midfoot sprain is the twisting of the area common among snowboarders, windsurfers, and divers. Ballet dancers and horseback riders are also at a higher risk for midfoot sprains. The joint at the base of the big toe, known as the MPJ or metatarsophalangeal joint, is the site of a sprain often called turf toe. It is the result of the repetitive action and sudden burst of energy that causes the ligaments in this joint to become overstretched. This type of MPJ sprain is common among football players and ballet dancers. Symptoms of a foot sprain are pain, swelling, and tenderness. Some bruising may also take place, and with serious sprains, bearing weight becomes difficult. For guidance on how to deal with sprains in the foot, please consult a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Foot Institute. Our doctors 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:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

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 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.

A plantar fibroma is a firm lump that appears on the sole of the foot. These nodules are benign but can cause some pain in the arch when you are standing or walking. Plantar fibromas are about an inch in diameter, and sometimes develop into clusters. These growths do not usually go away on their own, and may need to be removed surgically if they inhibit your daily activities. The cause of plantar fibromas is largely unknown, but a number of conditions may be linked to their formation. A family history of plantar fibromas is the most common risk factor. Men are twice as likely to develop plantar fibromas than women. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and liver disease, are believed to be associated with fibroma development. Long term alcohol consumption is considered another risk factor. Healing from repetitive stress to the plantar fascia is thought to be a factor. A number of non-surgical as well as surgical treatments are available to remove plantar fibromas. It is suggested you visit a podiatrist for an exam and the treatment options that are best for you. 

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.