Ankle pain can make walking, standing, and daily activities more difficult. The ankle is a complex joint that connects the foot and lower leg while helping the body maintain balance and movement. Pain can develop after an injury, repeated stress, or problems affecting the bones, ligaments, tendons, or surrounding tissues. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and help stabilize joints. Ankle sprains are a frequent cause of ankle pain, but other conditions can also affect ankle function. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and difficulty moving the foot comfortably. Some patients also notice weakness or a feeling that the ankle is unstable. A podiatrist can perform an evaluation to identify the cause of discomfort and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

A podiatrist examines the foot and ankle to understand how pain is affecting movement and overall function. The evaluation includes checking joint mobility, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and walking patterns. A podiatrist also reviews the patient's symptoms, activity level, and medical history to identify factors contributing to the problem. Treatment includes customized care plans that focus on improving ankle function, supporting proper movement, and reducing stress on affected tissues. A podiatrist may also evaluate footwear because shoes that lack proper support can affect foot mechanics and place additional strain on the ankle. Treatment options are based on the patient's specific condition and examination findings.

Research shows that ankle pain can affect balance, mobility, and quality of life, making proper evaluation important for effective care. A podiatrist helps patients understand the cause of their symptoms and develops a treatment plan focused on restoring healthy foot and ankle function. Better ankle movement can improve comfort and support participation in daily activities. Treatment plans are personalized according to each patient's symptoms, physical examination, and lifestyle needs. Regular evaluations help monitor progress and guide adjustments in care. If you have symptoms of ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropractor for diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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 tendonitis
• 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 office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that can affect the feet and ankles. It can begin when bacteria enter through a wound, ulcer, or deep cut. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in the feet face a higher risk. Because sensation can be limited, a small sore can become infected before pain is noticed. Warning signs can include swelling, redness, and drainage from a wound. Some patients also develop fever or deep foot pain. In the foot, osteomyelitis can damage bone and nearby tissue when it is not treated promptly.

A podiatrist can help identify osteomyelitis through a careful foot exam and a review of your health history. The exam includes checking the wound, skin color, and blood flow. It also includes looking for areas of pressure that can slow healing. X-rays can show bone changes, but early infection does not always appear right away. An MRI, which creates detailed pictures of bone and soft tissue, can help confirm the diagnosis. Lab tests can also help find the type of bacteria causing the infection.

Treatment depends on how severe the infection is and how much bone is involved. A podiatrist can clean the wound, remove damaged tissue, and coordinate antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infection. In some cases, surgery is needed to remove infected bone and protect the rest of the foot. A podiatrist can also help reduce pressure on the affected area with medical padding, special shoes, or a custom device. Prompt care is important because osteomyelitis can lead to long-term foot damage. If you have symptoms of osteomyelitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

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

Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It usually begins between the toes, where warmth and moisture create an ideal environment for fungus to grow. One of the first symptoms is itching between the toes. Other symptoms are peeling skin, scaling, or small cracks in the affected area. The skin may also appear red and irritated, becoming tender and uncomfortable when wearing shoes. People who wear closed-toe shoes, have sweaty feet, or walk barefoot in public locker rooms and pool areas have a greater risk of developing athlete’s foot.

As the athlete’s foot infection progresses, the fungus can spread to the soles of the feet and cause dry, flaky skin. Some people develop a burning sensation or stinging discomfort. Others notice pale, wrinkled skin after the feet have been exposed to moisture. Small blisters can also form, causing further irritation. In more advanced cases, the skin may crack deeply enough to become painful when walking. Open sores can develop in severe infections. These sores increase the risk of additional skin problems and can make daily activities more difficult.

A podiatrist can recognize athlete’s foot by examining the skin and identifying the pattern of the infection. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include prescription antifungal medication to eliminate the fungus. When the infection has spread to the toenails, treatment can be more extensive because nail fungus is harder to clear. Keeping the feet clean and dry also helps reduce the chance of future infections. Prompt care can relieve discomfort and help prevent the infection from spreading. If you believe you may have an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are 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 and ankle needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet are lower than normal or do not develop fully. In some people, the arches appear when they are sitting, but flatten when they stand. This is called flexible flatfoot because the arch changes position with movement. Many people with flat feet have no pain, but others develop discomfort after standing for long periods of time or while walking. Pain can affect the heel, ankle, or even the lower leg. The feet can also become tired more quickly during daily activities. Factors like inherited foot structure, injuries, and shoes that lack proper support can increase stress on the feet and contribute to symptoms.

A podiatrist can determine whether flat feet are causing your pain or whether another condition is responsible. The evaluation includes examining your feet while sitting, standing, and walking. Your podiatrist also checks how the ankles move and whether the arches change shape with movement. X-rays can show the position of the bones and help identify arthritis or other structural problems. In some cases, advanced imaging provides a closer look at the tendons and other soft tissues. A tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. Finding the exact cause of pain helps your podiatrist develop the most effective treatment plan.

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the condition of the feet. A podiatrist can recommend custom orthotics to improve foot support and reduce strain on the arches. Orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that help improve foot alignment and distribute pressure more evenly. Additional treatment includes supportive braces, or medication to reduce pain and inflammation. Some patients with severe deformity or long-lasting pain that does not respond to other treatments benefit from surgery. Early evaluation can improve comfort, protect foot function, and help prevent worsening problems. If you have symptoms of flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.