Flat Feet and Podiatric Care for Arch Support

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or fail to develop properly, causing the soles to make full contact with the ground. Symptoms include foot fatigue, aching in the arches or heels, ankle instability, swelling, and pain that can extend to the knees or lower back. Common causes include genetics, ligament laxity, injury, obesity, aging, or conditions that weaken the foot structures. Flat feet may also develop over time from prolonged standing or wearing improper footwear. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot alignment and gait, providing custom orthotics, recommending supportive shoes, and creating a treatment plan to reduce pain and improve function. If you have flat feet and are experiencing foot pain or fatigue, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer 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.

Read more about What is Flexible Flat Foot?

Do You Feel Like You Are Walking on a Pebble?

If you are overweight, or wear high heeled/narrow-toed shoes, you may be more at risk for developing Morton’s Neuroma. Morton’s Neuroma is a non-cancerous thickening of the nerve between toes, usually the 3rd and 4th toes, which causes tingling, burning, inflammation and irritation. As the thickened nerve expands, it becomes further irritated by the surrounding bones and ligaments it comes in contact with. Morton’s Neuroma—also known as interdigital neuroma, intermetatarsal neuroma, and forefoot neuroma—typically occurs in only one foot and is more common in women than men. If you experience pain or feel as if a pebble is stuck in the ball of your foot, contact a podiatrist for proper treatment.

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.

Read more about What is Morton's Neuroma?

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Understanding Toe Infections

A toe infection occurs when bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms enter the skin or nail, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Common causes include an injury that breaks the skin, natural nail growth that becomes trapped in the surrounding tissue, or an underlying medical condition that weakens the skin or immune system. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, throbbing pain, warmth, drainage, or difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. A podiatrist can evaluate the infection, clean the affected area, prescribe medication, and provide guidance to prevent future problems. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of spreading or more serious complications. If you notice signs of a toe infection, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Read more about Toe Pain

Definition of a Podiatrist

A podiatrist is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot and ankle. They care for issues such as heel pain, bunions, ingrown nails, sprains, fractures, and diabetic foot problems. Preparing for your first visit helps ensure a smooth experience. Bring a list of symptoms, a list of medications, any recent lab results, and check with your insurance company to confirm coverage. A podiatrist will examine your feet, discuss your concerns, and create a treatment plan that supports comfort, mobility, and long-term wellness. If you have ongoing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions for various foot and ankle conditions.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

  • Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
  • Use innovative methods to treat conditions
  • Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
  • Correct walking patterns and balance
  • Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?

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