Items filtered by date: September 2025

Pregnancy can affect the body in a variety of ways. Weight gain, hormonal changes, and increased bodily fluids during pregnancy can all have negative effects on your feet and ankles. A loosening of joints and ligaments can also lead to flat feet, bunions, and ankle instability exacerbated by weight gain—which can also cause the feet to swell and widen. Blood flow irregularities can also produce cramping, swelling and pain in the feet and calves. While many of these adverse effects will subside post-pregnancy, some conditions can remain problematic. If you are struggling with these issues, you should consult with a podiatrist. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Devin Wahlen, DPM from Eastern New Mexico Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, especially those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and pressure. Risk factors include rapid growth spurts, participation in high impact activities, wearing poor footwear, and tight calf muscles. Symptoms often include heel pain that worsens with activity, swelling, tenderness, and limping. Causes are typically linked to overuse and strain on the developing heel bone. A podiatrist can help in diagnosing the condition, recommending rest, stretching, orthotics, and supportive shoes to relieve discomfort. If your child has persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and management solutions. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Devin Wahlen, DPM from Eastern New Mexico Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Many podiatric procedures can be performed safely and effectively right in the office, offering patients a more convenient experience. In-office surgeries often require only local anesthesia, which lowers risks associated with general anesthesia and allows for faster recovery. The familiar setting can reduce stress compared to a hospital environment, and scheduling is often more flexible, meaning shorter wait times for treatment. Procedures such as permanent correction of ingrown toenails, removal of soft tissue masses, or certain minor fracture repairs can often be managed on-site. Patients also benefit from lower costs, since hospital and facility fees are avoided. After the procedure, follow up care is provided in the same office where the relationship with the podiatrist is already established. If you are considering surgery for a foot or ankle condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to explore in-office options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Devin Wahlen, DPM of Eastern New Mexico Foot & Ankle. 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 Clovis, NM . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain can result from many causes including sprains, arthritis, tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, and overuse. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, sharp or aching pain, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. Risk factors, such as improper footwear, obesity, high impact sports, and previous injuries, increase the chance of developing ankle problems. Left untreated, ankle pain can interfere with mobility and overall quality of life. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause, provide personalized treatments, and recommend supportive footwear or therapies to relieve discomfort and restore function. If you have persistent ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide you with effective treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Devin Wahlen, DPM from Eastern New Mexico Foot & Ankle. 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 Clovis, NM . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain is a common complaint among seniors and can be caused by plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and arthritis. Plantar fasciitis often results in sharp pain in the heel, especially in the morning, caused by inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot. Heel spurs are bony growths that can cause stabbing pain with walking or standing. Arthritis in the heel joint may lead to aching, stiffness, and swelling, making daily activities uncomfortable. The heel may look swollen or feel warm and tender to the touch. A podiatrist can help diagnose the specific cause through a physical exam and imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound. Treatment options include stretching exercises, supportive footwear, or anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, more advanced treatments may be necessary. For proper diagnosis, effective relief, and a plan to improve your mobility, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Devin Wahlen, DPM of Eastern New Mexico Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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