Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Road-Running Shoes and Trail-Running Shoes

If you are a runner, then you are undoubtedly familiar with the importance of selecting the right kind of running shoes. The shoes that you select for runs can have a significant impact on your gait and running form. Selecting shoes that are ill-fitting may lead to injuries or foot complications. One important consideration to keep in mind when shopping for a pair of running shoes is what kind of terrain you will be running on. For example, if you run on roads or sidewalks, you can select road-running shoes. These shoes can be used to run on pavement, and they are built with cushioning that keeps the feet balanced when repeatedly striking hard surfaces. It is important to note that this type of shoe is made for running on mostly even surfaces. On the other hand, if you run on trails, then you might consider purchasing trail-running shoes. This kind of shoe is made to traverse uneven terrain and it has cleats on the outsole for gripping purposes. The midsoles on this kind of shoe tend to be stiffer to help navigate these uneven surfaces. If you are a runner, contact a podiatrist for tips on selecting the best pair of running shoes. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Nerve Compression in the Ankle May Cause Pain, Burning, and Numbness

There is a narrow passageway called the tarsal tunnel, which is located on the inside of the ankle. The tibial nerve, starting at the back of the leg, runs down through the tarsal tunnel, along with veins, arteries, and tendons. Because so many structures pass through the tarsal tunnel, the interior space is very confined. This space becomes even more constricted if an ankle injury occurs that causes inflammation or a swollen vein or tendon, or if a cyst develops within the tunnel. This can cause the tibial tendon to become squeezed, or compressed, and result in pain, burning, tingling, or numbness along the nerve’s path. This condition is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. Flat feet, and inflammation due to arthritis and diabetes may also contribute to this condition developing. It is important to have tarsal tunnel syndrome diagnosed and treated as early as possible, not only to relieve pain and inflammation, but to avoid permanent nerve damage. A podiatrist can assess your condition and devise an appropriate treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery as soon as possible.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Heel Spurs: An Often Overlooked Heel Condition

The plantar fascia tissue attaches to the heel bone and stretches out to connect with the toes. When this band of tissue gets excessively and repeatedly stretched, it can stress the heel bone and tear its lining. This type of wear and tear on the heel bone can prompt a response in the body where calcium deposits build up over time creating spurs on the bone that can grow up to half an inch. Heel spurs may or may not be painful. They may go undiagnosed or overlooked because they can occur in tandem with the inflammatory condition known as plantar fasciitis. If your heel spurs are symptomatic, they may create sharp pain, heat, tenderness, and inflammation in the heel. People who are obese or who have osteoarthritis are more prone to developing heel spurs. Older adults and those who wear improper footwear are also more at risk. If you are experiencing heel pain or believe you may have heel spurs, make an appointment with a podiatrist who may need an X-ray to diagnose your heel spurs. Once diagnosed, your heel spur may be treated with rest, cold compresses, anti-inflammatory injections, pain medication, physical therapy, stretching, and more.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Shockwave Therapy May Provide a Break From Heel Pain

Sound wave technology that is similar to Shockwave Lithotripsy—which has been used to break up kidney stones for decades—can also be very effective in treating plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue which spans the entire sole connecting the heel with the base of the toes. It is the most common cause of chronic heel pain. When the plantar fascia tissue becomes damaged from overuse the high-energy acoustic sound waves from Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) can stimulate healing in the tissue, while reducing inflammation and pain. If you have been suffering from heel pain, make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination. If you are diagnosed with chronic plantar fasciitis, ask if you are a good candidate for Extracorporeal shock wave therapy. 

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Different Types of Flat Feet

Flat feet is a somewhat self-explanatory foot affliction that can affect a wide variety of individuals. This condition occurs when someone has no visible arch in their foot, or it may partially or completely disappear when the foot is on the ground. In other words, people with flat feet have no gap between the ground and the middle point of the soles of their feet. When standing, people with flat feet will be able to press their entire foot flush against the ground. While this condition can occur in children, adults may also be susceptible to flat feet. There are two main kinds of flat feet that you ought to be aware of. The first kind is known as flexible flat foot. This typically occurs in children when the arch of their feet disappears when standing, but it reappears when the child is sitting down. In some cases, children with flexible flat foot will also exhibit arches in their feet when walking on their tip toes. The second kind is known as rigid flat foot. This kind of flat foot is seen in both children and adults who never exhibit any kind of arch in their feet, whether they are walking normally, walking on their tip toes, or sitting down. If you believe you might have flat feet, consider contacting a podiatrist who can provide guidance and assistance.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Flat Feet

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

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