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Symptoms and Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged, disrupting communication with the feet. Many patients first notice numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp shooting pain that often begins in the toes and gradually spreads upward. Reduced sensation can make it difficult to feel temperature, pressure, or injury, increasing the risk of unnoticed blisters, sores, and balance problems while walking. Diabetes is the most common cause, as long-term elevated blood sugar damages nerve fibers and circulation. Other causes include traumatic injury, poor blood flow, infections, autoimmune disorders, vitamin deficiencies, kidney or liver disease, toxin exposure, and certain cancers. A podiatrist can perform neurological and vascular testing, evaluate skin integrity, manage pressure areas, and provide medical care to help prevent infection and tissue breakdown. If you have foot problems associated with peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

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 office located in Corpus Christi, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

How Climate and Humidity Can Influence Lower Limb Arthritis

Tuesday, 07 April 2026

Arthritis in the ankles and feet often feels more noticeable when weather conditions change. Many people report increased stiffness and aching during cold or damp periods. Higher humidity may contribute to joint swelling by affecting how tissues respond to pressure, while cooler temperatures can reduce circulation and increase muscle tightness around joints. Warmer climates with steady temperatures are often better tolerated because joints stay more flexible and muscles relax more easily. Dry air may also reduce the sensation of heaviness or swelling in the lower limbs. That said, climate alone does not cause arthritis, and individual responses vary widely. Wearing supportive footwear, regular movement, and proper medical care remain important regardless of location. If lower foot or ankle pain worsens with weather changes or limits daily activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Corpus Christi, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Sunday, 05 April 2026

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.

Hammertoes and Choosing the Right Footwear for Comfort

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

A hammertoe is a deformity that causes one of the smaller toes to bend downward at the middle joint, creating a curled appearance. This condition develops when muscle imbalance places excessive pressure on the toe, often due to wearing tight footwear, foot structure issues, or arthritis. Over time, the toe may become stiff, painful, and difficult to straighten. Symptoms include swelling, redness, corns, calluses, and discomfort while walking. Wearing shoes with sufficient width, a flexible upper, and good cushioning can reduce pressure and improve comfort. Proper fit is essential to prevent worsening of the deformity. If you have symptoms of a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and management tips.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

Pain in the affected toes
Development of corns or calluses due to friction
Inflammation
Redness
Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Painful Ingrown Toenails

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, creating irritation that can quickly become painful. This condition often develops from improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, or natural nail shape. Symptoms may begin with tenderness and progress to swelling, redness, and increasing pain, sometimes joined by drainage, warmth, or infection. The affected toe may look inflamed or puffy along the nail border, and it can feel sore, throbbing, or sharply painful, especially when walking or wearing shoes. Left untreated, ingrown toenails can worsen and interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can help by carefully examining the nail and surrounding tissue to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity. Early treatment may include trimming, lifting, or protecting the nail edge, along with guidance on proper foot care. More advanced cases may require partial nail removal, medication, or corrective procedures to prevent recurrence. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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

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

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 Corpus Christi, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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