Items filtered by date: November 2017

If you sweat often, even in circumstances where it isn’t necessarily hot or you aren’t physically active, you may have hyperhidrosis. It is estimated that around three percent of the U.S. population suffers from hyperhidrosis. While usually not a major health concern, it can generate discomfort and feelings of embarrassment and anxiety. Hyperhidrosis can affect the entire body, but it is very common to experience symptoms on the feet. Palmoplantar hyperhidrosis is the term used to denote hyperhidrosis that is localized in the hands and feet. The primary symptom of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that occurs frequently. Infections and skin irritation may occur from all the sweating as well. Many who experience hyperhidrosis also feel self-conscious and anxious due to all the sweating and look for any way to prevent it. Over-the-counter treatment options for hyperhidrosis mostly include antiperspirants. If your feet sweat heavily and frequently, it is recommended to see a podiatrist who can prescribe a stronger antiperspirant or another treatment for hyperhidrosis.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

While generally only a minor health concern, a foot blister can cause enough pain and discomfort to stop one from doing any activity that puts pressure on it. There are some effective methods one can take to help prevent blisters from appearing on the foot. Wear shoes that are comfortable and provide enough room to prevent friction against the foot. Synthetic socks are generally better at preventing friction and wicking away moisture than cotton socks are. Be sure to keep any debris out of your shoes, as this can also cause friction. Foot powders or lubricants can help as well. Finally, keep your feet dry by changing socks when they are wet. If you have a blister on your foot and you are a diabetic, it is recommended to see a podiatrist who can keep an eye on the blister so that it does not become an ulcer.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis, a condition caused by the tearing and inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue in the bottom of the foot, is a relatively common foot problem. Symptoms are characterized by pain in the heel of the foot. If you are experiencing plantar fasciitis, it may hurt in the morning when you take your first steps. Anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce the pain and inflammation, and rest is a good way to help treat the condition. However, it is recommended to see a podiatrist who can diagnose and provide more thorough care. A podiatrist may offer custom-made orthotics to help provide cushion and support for the foot. A change in footwear can also help as well, as can losing weight if you are overweight. If you stand a lot for your job, it is advised that you take more breaks to help take the pressure off your feet throughout the day.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM  from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 our office located in San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Although flip flops may be convenient and easy to wear, your foot has to work much harder while walking. Sometimes the toes will curl up to keep them on, which may cause an imbalance in the foot. Since many flip flops have nothing but a flat piece of rubber for a bottom, there is very little support and the tendons can be overworked. This can lead to foot pain, so it may be to your advantage to buy high-quality flip flops made from more supportive materials. This may also help prevent sprained ankles from falling and tendinitis. Although most inexpensive flip flops are available in fun colors and designs, they are typically not very foot-friendly.
 

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in San Antonio, TX .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.