Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body uses glucose, leading to high blood sugar that can damage nerves and blood vessels. This often affects the feet by reducing sensation and slowing healing, increasing the risk of injury and infection. Proper foot care is essential and includes daily inspection, gentle cleansing, and wearing supportive footwear. Regular exams and careful monitoring of blood sugar, along with consistent exercise and a balanced diet, help reduce complications. Risk factors include poor circulation, long-term elevated glucose, and inadequate foot care. A podiatrist can detect early changes, provide treatment, and guide prevention strategies. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of resting above it. This can cause tenderness, swelling, redness, and sometimes drainage, if an infection develops. Tight shoes, improper nail trimming, injury, and natural nail shape can all play a role. Early cases may improve with conservative care, but some ingrown nails continue to return or become increasingly painful. When simpler treatments do not bring relief, a podiatrist may recommend a minor in-office procedure that removes the problem section of the nail while preserving the rest. This targeted approach is commonly chosen because it is straightforward, well-tolerated, and associated with a smooth recovery for many patients. The goal is to ease discomfort and lower the chance of the issue returning. If you have a painful or recurring ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Foot pain during pregnancy is a common concern as the body goes through physical and hormonal changes. Increased weight places added pressure on the feet, while hormonal shifts can loosen ligaments and affect foot structure. Many women notice their feet have become swollen, achy, or a feeling of heaviness, especially later in the day. Fluid retention may worsen with high sodium intake, while low potassium levels can contribute to cramping. Caffeine may also affect circulation and increase discomfort for some individuals. Over time, these changes can alter walking patterns and strain joints. A podiatrist can evaluate foot alignment, monitor swelling, and recommend supportive treatments such as custom orthotics or footwear guidance to reduce stress on the feet. Proper care can help maintain comfort and mobility throughout pregnancy. If you have foot pain during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Ankle injuries can vary in severity and type, including ankle sprains, stress fractures around the ankle, and avulsion fractures. An ankle sprain occurs when ligaments are stretched or torn, often causing swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that develop from repetitive impact, leading to deep aching pain that worsens with activity. Additionally, avulsion fractures happen when a small piece of bone is pulled away by a ligament or tendon during a sudden forceful movement, causing sharp pain and swelling. A podiatrist can use imaging tests to determine the exact injury, provide stabilization, and guide recovery to prevent long-term problems. If you enjoy running and have developed ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and offer effective relief and treatment solutions, getting you back to this popular activity.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet. 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
• 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 office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.