Daily habits for diabetic foot care are essential to prevent complications that can arise from diabetes, such as infections and ulcers. Regular inspection of the feet for cuts, blisters, or red spots can help address any issues head-on. It is also important the feet are kept clean and moisturized, while avoiding lotion between the toes to prevent fungal infection. Proper shoe choice can enhance comfort and prevent blisters. It is helpful not to walk barefoot to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, managing blood sugar levels helps maintain healthy circulation and nerve function in the feet. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist play a key role in diabetic foot care. These foot doctors can professionally assess the health of your feet, provide specialized care for any issues detected, and offer personalized advice on proper foot care practices. These visits help in early detection and treatment of potential foot problems, reducing the risk of serious complications. If you are a diabetic patient at risk for foot complications, it is suggested that along with daily foot care, you add a podiatrist to your health care team. 

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 and ankle needs.

Bunions, a common foot condition, present noticeable symptoms that can affect daily life. One prominent indication is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing it to lean inward toward the other toes. This misalignment often leads to pain, swelling, redness, and restricted movement in the affected area. As bunions progress, they can cause discomfort, making it challenging to find comfortable footwear and engage in regular activities. However, several strategies can help manage bunions and alleviate symptoms. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box can reduce pressure on the bunion and provide ample space for the toes. Engaging in gentle stretching exercises can help to relieve pain and inflammation. In severe cases, where conservative measures fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered to correct the underlying structural deformity. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can monitor its progression, and offer effective management techniques.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. It often results from muscle imbalance, causing ligaments and tendons to become tight and toes to curl downward instead of lying flat. Common causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially those with narrow toe boxes or high heels, which can crowd the toes and force them into unnatural positions. Additionally, genetics, trauma, and certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, can contribute to hammertoe development. Treatment options range from conservative measures to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Conservative approaches may involve wearing properly fitting shoes with a roomy toe box, using orthotic inserts or pads to relieve pressure, and performing toe exercises to strengthen muscles. In more severe cases, where pain persists or mobility is significantly affected, surgical correction may be recommended to realign the toes and restore normal function. If you have a hammertoe that is causing discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment that is deemed appropriate for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, primarily between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes thickens, which can cause a sharp, burning pain in the foot. This thickening is often a response to irritation, pressure, or injury to the nerve. Patients commonly report feeling like they are stepping on a pebble or have a knot in their sock. Other symptoms include a burning sensation in the ball of the foot that may radiate into the toes, numbness, and tingling in the affected toes. These symptoms can get worse with certain activities that put pressure on the foot, like running or wearing high heels. Incorrect footwear that cramps the toes together can also contribute to the condition by putting additional pressure on the nerves in the foot. If you are experiencing pain in the ball of the foot, or suspect Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.