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Same Day or Next Day Appointments Available Laredo (956) 726-9797 Se Habla Español

Friday, 07 February 2025 00:00

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, 04 February 2025 00:00

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system, causing damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can result from various factors, including diabetes, injury, infections, or certain medications. The symptoms often include pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, and a burning sensation, typically in the feet and hands. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may make walking or performing daily tasks difficult. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends on the underlying cause but usually includes pain management, targeted exercises, and medications to reduce nerve inflammation. In some cases, lifestyle changes like controlling blood sugar or improving circulation may help alleviate symptoms. A podiatrist can assist by evaluating your condition, offering pain relief strategies, providing custom orthotics to improve mobility, and recommending exercises to maintain strength and flexibility. If you are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and management.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

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Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that affects the toenails, causing discoloration, thickening, and a crumbly texture. The infection occurs when fungi enter the nail through small cracks or injuries, thriving in warm, damp environments such as sweaty shoes or communal showers. Toenail fungus can also develop when the immune system is weakened or when there is an existing medical condition, such as diabetes, that makes the body more susceptible to infections. The most noticeable symptoms include a yellow or white discoloration of the nail, followed by thickening, brittleness, and sometimes an unpleasant odor. In more severe cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed. To diagnose toenail fungus, a podiatrist will typically examine the affected nail and may take a sample for laboratory testing to identify the specific fungus causing the infection. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat toenail fungus, which may include prescribed medication.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

 

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Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00

Cracked heels refer to the painful and dry fissures that form on the skin of the heel, often accompanied by thickened skin. These cracks can develop when the skin loses moisture, causing it to become dry and brittle. Common causes include standing for long periods of time, wearing open-back shoes, and neglecting foot care. Cracked heels can lead to infections if the cracks are deep and expose the underlying tissue to bacteria. People with diabetes may be more susceptible to cracked heels due to poor circulation and nerve damage, which can result in dry skin and reduced ability to heal. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

  • Invest in a good foot cream
  • Try Using Petroleum Jelly
  • Ease up on Soaps
  • Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

  • Moisturize After Showering
  • Skip a Shower
  • Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
  • Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

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