Items filtered by date: December 2017

Thursday, 28 December 2017 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 26 December 2017 00:00

Possible Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

A disease involving the immune system in which the joints are inflamed is rheumatoid arthritis. Standing and walking may often become difficult, as these movements involve use of the joints. Recent research has shown that common treatments for this condition may include anti-inflammatory drugs or surgery if no other option is available. Occasionally the feet may produce symptoms indicative of rheumatoid arthritis, such as stiffness and pain in the ankle that spreads throughout the foot. It has been shown that there may be a link between higher body weight and this particular form of arthritis developing faster than other forms. Certain remedies may bring comfort, including choosing shoes that have proper arch support. Stretching may be another option, possibly relieving pain and providing joint mobility. Consult with your podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment if you think have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

Read more about Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet
Thursday, 21 December 2017 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Ingrown toenails are nails that have grown into the surrounding skin due to a variety of reasons. Some of these include cutting the nails too short, wearing tight-fitting shoes, and damaging the toe through trauma. In most cases, an ingrown toenail is not too serious and can be treated at home. Toe protectors, antibiotic ointments, and washing your feet can all help speed up recovery and stave off infection. To help prevent ingrown toenails, be sure to wear shoes that are properly fitted and provide enough room for your toes. When you clip your toenails, cut them straight across to help prevent them from growing into the skin. Seeing a podiatrist is highly recommended, as a podiatrist can provide better treatment options .If you are diabetic, it is strongly recommended that you see a podiatrist as the risk of infection is greatly heightened.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.

Read more about Ingrown Toenail Care
Thursday, 14 December 2017 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Monday, 11 December 2017 00:00

How to Tell if You Have a Broken Toe

While it might seem obvious when and if you have a broken toe, this is not always the case. While some may experience crippling pain that causes them to stop walking, others may not experience pain at all. Pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common signs of a broken toe. You may experience pain for weeks; if you do, you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Another sign can be if you hear a popping sound at the moment you hit your toe against something. The most obvious sign is if bone is protruding out of the skin. In any case, it is important that you get checked out if you believe you have a broken toe, as the toe requires proper care if it is going to heal properly.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Monday, 11 December 2017 00:00

How to Tell if You Have a Broken Toe

While it might seem obvious when and if you have a broken toe, this is not always the case. While some may experience crippling pain that causes them to stop walking, others may not experience pain at all. Pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common signs of a broken toe. You may experience pain for weeks; if you do, you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Another sign can be if you hear a popping sound at the moment you hit your toe against something. The most obvious sign is if bone is protruding out of the skin. In any case, it is important that you get checked out if you believe you have a broken toe, as the toe requires proper care if it is going to heal properly.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Thursday, 07 December 2017 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 05 December 2017 00:00

Causes of Morton's Neuroma

If you experience pain in between the toes or in the bottom of your feet, there's a chance that you may have Morton’s neuroma. The condition is a result of the irritation or thickening of a plantar digital nerve located between the toes. It typically starts with a tingling sensation, then may gradually worsen until it becomes a sharp, shooting pain. The foot may feel numb, and some people also experience pain while walking. Morton’s neuroma may also cause damage to the nerves in the foot. Causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes and athletic activities, like running. Both of these put pressure on the foot which can lead to Morton’s neuroma. Flare-ups can be frequent and may occur over a period of weeks before going away again. Treatment can include simple lifestyle changes such as wearing comfortable shoes and reducing high-impact activities. Only a podiatrist can provide a proper diagnosis however, so be sure to contact yours if you experience pain in the feet.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM of South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Read more about Morton's Neuroma

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