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Foot drop occurs when the peripheral nerves controlling the feet become compressed or damaged. This can happen from a neurological problem, such as multiple sclerosis or a stroke, or a nerve issue. Those with diabetes, a herniated disk, or calcium deposits in the spine are more apt to develop foot drop. Sitting cross-legged or kneeling for prolonged periods, as well as injury or surgery involving the knee, hip, or lower back, can contribute to this condition as well. Foot drop can cause weakness and paralysis in muscles that pull the foot toward the shin, in addition to walking difficulties. This affliction can come on gradually or suddenly. Precursors include one shoe feeling looser than the other and the foot being difficult to lift, walking with a higher step, or one foot feeling weaker or numb compared to the other foot. Ankle and foot braces, exercises, nerve stimulation, and surgery can help with this condition. If you have problems with your feet and suspect foot drop, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to get treatment underway. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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 care needs.

A bunion is easy to notice. It is a hard bump on the side of the big toe and will get larger if steps are not taken to reduce it. A bunion generally occurs from wearing shoes that have little room in the toe area, such as high heels. Frequently wearing these types of shoes may cause the other toes to shift together. Corns and calluses may form on top of the toes as they touch the shoe. Bunions can also happen from genetic reasons, or from existing arthritis. The symptoms that are commonly associated with bunions can include pain and stiffness in the big toe, and the gait, or walking style can be affected. Temporary relief may be found when shoes are purchased to accommodate the bunion. Some people find it can help to wear a protective pad on top of the bunion, in addition to taking over-the-counter pain medicine. If you have developed this type of foot condition, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent relief.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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 care needs.

Blisters can be nothing short of an annoyance when formed on the feet. Blisters developed by friction can reduce mobility and sometimes even cause a patient pain. Therefore, taking certain steps to avoid the formation of a blister in the first place may be beneficial. For example, if you are looking to prevent the onset of a blister, you might consider wearing shoes that fit your feet properly. The reason for this is that ill-fitting shoes that are too tight can cause friction between your foot and the shoe, which causes blisters. Specifically, you might consider looking for shoes with a wide enough toe box. To prevent blisters from forming on the feet, you also might make an attempt to keep your feet moisturized, yet still dry, when wearing shoes. If you are someone that is currently struggling with foot blisters, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . 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 offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people have professions that require working on the feet, which may lead to getting foot fatigue. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may cause foot pain. Common reasons for foot pain during the working day can include standing on hard or uneven surfaces or having existing medical conditions, such as poor circulation. Heel pain may indicate plantar fasciitis or a heel spur has developed, and may come from wearing shoes that lack adequate support. This may be temporarily relieved by wearing shoes with cushioned heels and adequate arch support. People who stand for the day may notice one foot is more painful than the other. This may be from standing unevenly throughout the day, which may possibly be caused by an abnormal foot structure. Additionally, people who favor one side of their body may move toward that side, and it is important to be mindful and to shift the weight. If you have developed foot pain from standing during the work day, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this problem.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

The bottom of the foot and the arch are common places to have foot pain. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly and standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day. It is important to manage the pain by implementing specific techniques. Some people find relief by wearing insoles that can provide cushioning, in addition to wearing shoes that have ample support. Obesity may be a cause for foot pain to develop, and losing weight may help to reduce pressure on the soles of the feet. Performing gentle stretches may help to relieve foot pain, which may benefit the overall body. It is wise to temporarily stop any type of activity that may have caused the pain, in addition to frequently elevating the affected foot. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer you the correct treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor 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 our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There is no question about how painful gout can be. It is a foot condition that is classified as arthritis, which happens when crystals form in the joints of the big toe. This is caused by having excess uric acid in the blood, which can come from the type of foods that are eaten. These can include foods that are laden with purines, such as shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Genetic factors may also contribute to getting gout, and patients may want to be aware of what they are eating if it runs in their families. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include swelling surrounding the affected joint, and it may be warm and tender when touched. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to developing gout. These can consist of diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. If you have bouts of gout, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment and prevention methods.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor 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 our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The result of practicing a good everyday foot care routine can improve the skin on the feet, in addition to possibly providing a general sense of well being. The feet endure the weight of the body, and they are often the most neglected area when engaging in self-care. Cold winter months may cause the skin on the feet to flake or crack, and using a good moisturizer may restore the oils in the skin. The skin can soften when they are soaked in warm water with Epsom salt, and the feet can be exfoliated as they are rubbed together. It is beneficial to trim the toenails to the desired length, and this can prep the nails to be polished. The feet can feel better when the correct size shoes and socks are worn and gentle toe stretches are performed. If you have questions and would like to learn about additional everyday foot care techniques, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Sever’s disease is a swelling and irritation of the growth plate in the heels of children. The growth plate refers to a layer of cartilage near the end of a bone and this is where most bone growth occurs. It can be weaker and more prone to injury than the rest of the bone. Sever’s disease can come on during puberty when growth spurts are common. Bones, muscles, and tendons grow at different rates, and if the muscles and tendons become tight, which can easily happen from sports or prolonged standing, they can pull on the growth plate in the heel. This condition often causes pain and tenderness in one or both heels. The feet may be stiff when the child first wakes up and they may limp or walk on tiptoes to deal with the pain. This is a condition that can usually be managed without chronic issues. If your child complains of heel pain or you notice that their gait is off, it is suggested that you take them to see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the problem and provide treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please 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.