Blog

Blisters are pockets filled with fluid that develop beneath the top layer of skin as the result of injury, friction, or infection. They develop as the body’s line of defense against further damage and help cushion the area from additional harm. Usually, blisters develop on the outer layer of thickened skin, commonly on the feet. Because we use our feet for practically everything we do and they are filled with so many nerves and blood vessels, when we get blisters on our feet, they can hurt. Most blisters are caused by friction or pressure against the skin of the feet. This can easily happen by wearing ill-fitting footwear that rubs on the feet. The blister will first appear as a red spot that if continually irritated will cause small tears in the skin. The body sends fluid to fill these tears and protect the underlying layers of tissue. If your blisters persist despite changing shoes and socks to those that fit well and do not rub against the skin, or if the blisters look like they are becoming infected, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to see if there is another cause for the blistering and to get help in treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many individuals who are familiar with arthritis might already know what gout is in the feet. Essentially, gout is a particular kind of arthritis that is characterized by flare-ups in the big toe joint. If you are living with gout, there are certain food items you might consider purchasing or abstaining from during your weekly trip to the grocery store. This is because certain foods and items can either calm or exacerbate your gout. For example, when you are strolling through the grocery, you might consider stopping by the vegetable aisle to pick up different healthy veggies. While you are in the dairy aisle, you might select items like skim milk or other low-fat dairy products, like yogurt. Additionally, when shopping, you could think about passing by the red meat aisle, as red meat can sometimes exacerbate gout. You could also consider passing up alcoholic beverages. Contact a podiatrist today for more information about treating your gout.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you have sesamoiditis, you might feel some kind of inflammation in the ball of the feet. This condition occurs when the two sesamoid bones (located in the ball of the feet) become inflamed. If you think that you might have some form of sesamoiditis, consider scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist. Upon your visit, your podiatrist will be able to treat your condition and/or provide you with tips to mitigate it. For example, your podiatrist might recommend that you wear certain specific supportive footwear while exercising. Specifically, your podiatrist might recommend wearing a foot pad underneath the ball of the feet to support the sesamoid bones while working out. Additionally, depending on your condition and your regular exercise routine, your podiatrist might recommend that you maintain a healthy balance between high and low impact activities during exercise routines. Contact a podiatrist today for more information. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is well documented that working on the feet throughout the workday can put the feet at risk of developing some kind of affliction or condition, especially if they are not being taken care of. However, in addition to working on the feet all day, individuals who sit down at a desk for the majority of the workday can also pose risks to their feet. These office workers might be reducing the extent to which their feet can facilitate good blood circulation when they sit all day at the desk. To prevent this, an office worker might consider going on brief walks throughout the day to keep the feet and body engaged and in motion. The proven benefits associated with taking brief walking breaks are considerable. If you have questions or want to improve balancing work and your foot health, consider contacting a podiatrist today.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat shoes are all too common among the general public. For example, canvas shoes and flip-flops are flat shoes that have next to no cushioning or support. Yet despite this, they can be exceedingly popular among many people. However, consistently wearing flat shoes can cause the feet a considerable amount of pain. As a general rule, someone who cares about the health of their feet should minimize the extent to which they are wearing shoes with no arch support. Additionally, shoes that have extremely thin soles are generally not a wise decision to make if you are struggling with foot pain of any kind. If you currently have foot pain or are wearing flat shoes, contact a podiatrist today to schedule an appointment. This foot specialist will be able to help you address any problems you are having. A podiatrist can answer your questions or treat any foot conditions you may have.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . 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 offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who enjoy jogging realize that incurring a running injury is one of the most upsetting things that can happen to their running regime. Injuries can occur in both experienced and new runners, and there are methods that can be done to help prevent them. Many injuries happen due to overuse. The heel is often affected, and a condition known as plantar fasciitis can happen from excess pressure that is put on the heels. A stress fracture is a common injury to obtain while running which is a hairline break in the foot. This typically develops gradually and can be prevented by taking time off between runs. Many people have learned to increase speed and distance slowly, in addition to eating healthy and stretching before and after a run. If you would like more information about how to prevent running injuries, please ask a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful tips.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken foot is a common injury that can occur in children. The majority of children spend their day running, jumping, and falling, and in most cases, the bones have adequate flexibility and strength that may help to avoid fracturing a foot. For the rare occasions that a child breaks their foot, it is beneficial to know that the healing time is often accelerated as a result of their age. One of the most common reasons a child may break their foot is from falling. There are noticeable symptoms of this, including severe pain, numbness, and the inability to walk. Once a proper diagnosis is obtained, the correct treatment can begin.This generally involves putting the broken foot in a cast or walking boot, which is typically adequate in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. If your child has broken their foot, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help advise you of proper treatment, so your child can resume normal activities.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition that usually affects the smaller joints and soft tissues in the hands and feet. Most people with RA experience problems and pain with this condition in their feet. Beyond joints, those with RA can experience changes to the blood and nerve supply, as well as develop skin and nail problems. With early diagnosis and more aggressive treatment, there is less foot and ankle damage and deformity to the feet and ankles from this condition than years ago. Footwear is a big issue for many suffering from this affliction. Good shoe structure and proper inserts are critical for people suffering from RA and can make a huge difference in mobility. If you have RA, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team as they are adept in all areas related to the health of one’s feet and can help you minimize the effects of RA on the feet and help you live more comfortably.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.