Items filtered by date: December 2024

Puncture wounds on the feet are injuries where sharp objects, like nails, glass, or thorns, penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. These wounds often occur while walking barefoot, especially in outdoor environments or construction areas. Individuals at higher risk include children playing outside, workers in hazardous conditions, or anyone wearing inadequate footwear. The sensation varies but often includes sharp, sudden pain at the time of injury, followed by soreness or throbbing. If debris remains embedded, discomfort may persist, and swelling or redness can develop. Without proper care, these wounds risk infection, as bacteria can enter deep tissue layers. If you have sustained a puncture wound on your foot, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist promptly. This foot doctor will assess for foreign objects, clean the wound thoroughly, and determine if antibiotics or a tetanus shot are needed.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Adolescent bunions are bony bumps on the side of the big toe joint that develop in teenagers. Unlike adult bunions, they often form due to inherited foot structure rather than years of pressure or shoe choices. Genetics play a big role, and flat feet or flexible joints can increase the risk. Adolescent bunions can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Early treatment is important. Non-surgical options include wearing wider shoes, using padding to reduce irritation, or orthotics to improve foot alignment. If these measures do not help and the bunion worsens, surgery may be recommended. One advanced option is percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy, a minimally invasive procedure to realign the bone and fix the bunion. If your teen child has a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and personalized care.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM of Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Pickleball is soaring in popularity as a low-impact, fast-paced sport enjoyed by players of all ages. However, its quick pivots and sudden stops can still lead to foot and ankle injuries. Acute injuries, such as ankle sprains, often occur when the foot rolls inward, called inversion, causing pain and swelling. Falls during gameplay can also lead to fractures or bruising, especially for beginners or those returning to exercise. Overuse injuries like Achilles tendon strain are common, especially in players who increase intensity too quickly without proper warm-ups. These injuries can result in stiffness, swelling, or even tears if untreated. Wearing supportive shoes, strengthening muscles, and maintaining flexibility are key to preventing injuries. If you have injured your foot or ankle while playing pickleball and pain or swelling persists, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an expert diagnosis and tailored treatment, ensuring you get back on the court as soon as possible without compromising your mobility.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when fatty deposits, called plaque, build up in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. This lack of blood flow can result in pain, sores, infections, and, in severe cases, gangrene, which can be serious enough to require amputation. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and an age of 65 or older. A key screening tool for peripheral artery disease is the ankle-brachial index, or ABI test, which measures blood pressure at the ankle and compares it to blood pressure in the arm. This helps assess how well blood circulates in the lower limbs. Symptoms of PAD include leg pain or cramping during walking that eases with rest and wounds on the feet that heal slowly, or not at all. Additional tests include a Doppler ultrasound, which uses sound waves to visualize blood flow and detect blockages and a toe-brachial index, or TBI test, to measure blood pressure in the toes. If you experience symptoms of poor circulation to the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for testing 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 Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM from Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . 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 Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Joint pain in the feet is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. RA typically affects both feet and hands, often starting in the smaller joints. The pain is usually accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and redness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. As the disease progresses, the inflammation can damage the cartilage and bones in the feet, leading to deformities and difficulty walking. In some cases, the pain can become chronic, limiting mobility and affecting daily activities. Early detection and treatment of RA are vital in managing symptoms and preventing further joint damage. Medications and lifestyle changes can help reduce inflammation and improve joint function. If you experience persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to determine if RA or another condition may be the cause.

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 Luis Esquerdo Cruz, DPM of Dr. Esquerdo Podiatry and Laser Center . 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 office located in San Juan, PR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.