Items filtered by date: February 2023

Tendonitis is common among people who incur an Achilles tendon injury. Heel and calf pain often accompany this ailment, and it can be uncomfortable. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel and may become torn from an injury. These can include overuse injuries from running on hard surfaces or increasing speed and distance too quickly while running. People who have arthritis may be prone to Achilles tendonitis, and it can affect older and middle-aged patients more than younger adults. Common symptoms are immediate heel pain and difficulty pointing and flexing the foot. Additionally, the area may be warm and tender to the touch. A proper diagnosis is needed to rule out the possibility of a fracture. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted who can effectively help you manage this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.

When you hurt your big toe, it can affect your life dramatically. The big toe absorbs much of the force of every step you take. A sore big toe does not want to be enclosed in a shoe, which can also be a great inconvenience. Big toe pain has numerous causes, including trauma. For example, stubbing the toe on a piece of furniture or dropping something heavy on the toes. Other causes are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Bunions, ingrown toenails, and fungal toenail infections may also cause big toe pain. The typical symptoms of big toe pain are discomfort while standing or walking, tenderness to the touch, and redness or swelling. If you believe you have broken a bone in the toe or if it appears that an infection has set in, it is essential to get medical help as soon as possible. It is suggested to consult a podiatrist about big toe pain if it has lasted for more than two or three weeks or if it goes away but keeps coming back. A podiatrist can examine the toe and determine the correct treatment plan for a speedy recovery.

Toe pain can 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

A common symptom among pregnant women is swollen feet. It may become worse during the warmer months, and can worsen as the pregnancy progresses. This may be a result of changes in the blood chemistry, causing the fluid to shift into the tissues. The blood becomes thicker to accommodate the growing fetus, pooling in the feet, and can cause the feet and ankles to swell. The medical term for swelling is edema, and it may affect one foot more than the other. There are effective methods that can be implemented that can help to prevent swelling. Reducing sodium intake, frequently elevating the feet, and drinking plenty of water can help to manage swollen feet. Research has shown that many women notice swelling has reduced in their feet approximately 24 hours after delivery, and will continue to improve. If you would like additional relief methods from swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Foot Institute. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

Simply put, nobody wants to develop a case of toenail fungus. This is because toenail fungus can negatively impact the color, texture, and odor of the toenails. When a patient has a case of toenail fungus, they often want to know what signs they should be looking for that might indicate that the toenail fungus is dying. It is important to remember that just because these signs might be present, this does not mean that a patient should immediately discontinue using any medication that their medical professional provided them. Some of these signs include a decline in the discoloration of the toenail. The toenail might slowly start getting less and less yellow, white, black, or brown. Additionally, another important sign to look for is the diminishing thickness of the toenail. Lastly, a sign that a case of toenail fungus is dying is that a new nail is growing in a healthy state. Contact a podiatrist today if you want to treat your toenail fungus.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.