Items filtered by date: December 2022

Flat feet is a condition that is common among babies and not so much among adults. Most babies are born with flat feet and the arch generally develops during the teenage years. Adults who retain this condition may have been born with an abnormal foot structure or possibly endured a foot injury. Some people have pain from having flat feet which can begin in the arch or heel and radiate to the leg. Additionally, shoes can wear unevenly, and the feet may become swollen and stiff. It is easy to notice as the foot lies completely flat on the floor while standing. When custom-made orthotics are worn, the feet may benefit from the cushioning these devices provide. Existing medical conditions may increase the risk of getting flat feet. These can consist of having diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to being overweight. If you have flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Abilene, and Brownwood, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has shown the majority of women enjoy buying shoes but are unhappy with the way their feet look. Obesity may be a reason for this, and the feet may change shape as a result of the extra weight they endure. Additionally, the feet may become bigger, and many people have not purchased larger shoes to accommodate their feet. This can cause various foot problems to develop, including corns, bunions, and hammertoes. There are several warning signs the feet and legs may give which may indicate there is excess weight. These can consist of calf pain, possibly leading to Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition among obese patients, and severe heel pain may accompany this condition. Gout is an ailment that affects the toes and can cause debilitating pain. This is known to be common among people who are overweight and may be connected to kidney disease. If you have foot conditions from being overweight and would like to know about effective treatment and prevention methods, please confer with a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Poor circulation to the feet can occur in an individual when blood flow to the feet is lacking. There are admittedly many different important causes of poor circulation in the feet that everyone ought to be aware of if they are serious about protecting the health of their feet. One often overlooked cause of poor circulation is wearing pants that are too tight. Sometimes, for example, when an individual wears a small pair of skinny jeans, the tight clothing can cut off blood flow to the lower legs and feet. A feeling of numbness might be felt in the thigh that runs down to the feet. As a result, when an individual puts weight on their feet, it can feel as though the feet are not there. In other words, the feet can be particularly numb as a result of wearing skinny jeans. If you want to learn more about how clothing or footwear influences poor circulation in the feet, contact a podiatrist today.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Patrick Bruton, DPM of Big Country foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Several different kinds of foot afflictions can distort how the bones of the feet are supposed to naturally look. Hammertoe is one such foot condition. This condition occurs when a toe is misshapen because it points upward at the middle joint. As a result, the hammertoe resembles a kind of hammer. After visiting a trusted medical professional such as a podiatrist, one can take steps to correct a hammertoe. For example, a hammertoe correction surgical procedure can straighten the toe. During this procedure, joint or bone tissue may be removed to facilitate the straightening of the toe. Also, affected tendons that are causing the bending of the toes might be loosened during this procedure. If you have a hammertoe, contact a podiatrist today to review your options for correcting the condition.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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