Foot drop is a condition marked by difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot, which can cause the toes to drag while walking and increase the risk of tripping. It often results from nerve injury, muscle weakness, or neurological conditions that affect normal foot movement. Symptoms include a high stepping gait, foot weakness, numbness, and instability. Risk factors include diabetes, stroke, spinal disorders, and prolonged nerve compression. Relief options focus on improving safety and function, and may include wearing supportive footwear and custom orthotics to help hold the foot in a proper position. A podiatrist can identify contributing foot and ankle issues, coordinate care, and recommend bracing or orthotic solutions. If you have foot drop, and walking has become difficult or unsafe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kenneth Williams, DPM from Texas. 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 San Antonio and Beeville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Surgery for big toe bone spurs is designed to ease pain and restore movement when extra bone around the big toe joint limits motion and causes ongoing discomfort. A podiatrist can examine the joint to determine if a procedure called a cheilectomy is appropriate. During this big-toe surgery, the podiatrist removes excess bone from the MTP, or metatarsophalangeal joint, which allows the big toe to bend. These bone spurs often form from arthritis, repeated stress, or long-standing stiffness known as hallux rigidus. Clearing the extra bone creates more room for the toe to move and helps reduce irritation when walking or pushing off the ground. In some cases, the podiatrist may smooth areas where cartilage has worn down to support better joint function. After surgery, the focus is on protecting the foot as it heals, especially when returning to regular shoes too early. If you are experiencing pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Kenneth Williams, DPM of Texas. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Athlete’s foot often begins with subtle changes that are easy to overlook. Many people first notice mild itching between the toes or a soft, soggy feeling in the skin after wearing closed shoes for long periods of time. The skin may start to peel slightly, look pinker than usual, or develop small cracks that sting when touched. As the condition progresses, a faint odor or a burning sensation can appear, especially after activity or when removing socks. These early signs are important to catch because treating the infection promptly helps prevent it from spreading to other toes or the toenails. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, recommend treatments that target the fungus, and provide guidance on keeping the feet dry and protected. If the irritation continues or worsens despite initial care, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Kenneth Williams, DPM from Texas.  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 San Antonio and Beeville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Testing for peripheral artery disease focuses on blood flow to the feet, toes, and ankles. Changes in circulation can affect skin temperature, nail health, healing, and walking comfort. During an exam, a podiatrist checks how well blood is reaching the feet and toes, skin color, and temperature to look for reduced flow. In-office tools allow listening to blood movement and comparing pressure between the ankle and toe, which helps identify peripheral artery disease later in the visit. Findings guide decisions about monitoring, further testing, or surgery when circulation is severely limited. Assessment is important for people with slow-healing sores, numbness, or color changes in the feet. A podiatrist explains results, tracks changes over time, and helps lower the risk of wounds, infection, and loss of limb affecting the feet. For help with foot problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Kenneth Williams, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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