Items filtered by date: April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022 00:00

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

A podiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of the many conditions that affect your toes, feet, and ankles. Podiatrists have a degree in medicine and have undergone further training in their specialty. Their main job is to promote mobility and activity, reduce pain, and treat infections related to the feet and ankles. They handle simple cases, including corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and plantar warts, to name a few. Podiatrists also treat more complex problems, such as bunions and heel pain (plantar fasciitis), as well as ankle sprains, Achilles tendon injuries, and broken bones. Podiatrists can help with orthotics for specific foot problems as well as offer treatment for people with chronic conditions that can seriously affect the feet, such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy. If you have any foot, toe, or ankle ailment, it is a good idea to seek the help of a podiatrist for a full examination, a diagnosis, and treatment options.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

  • Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
  • Use innovative methods to treat conditions
  • Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
  • Correct walking patterns and balance
  • Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

 

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Wednesday, 20 April 2022 00:00

Can Obesity Cause Flat Feet?

 

The feet, and the arch, bear the body’s weight, and provide support and shock absorption. The arch is composed of several different structures, with the ligaments providing the lion’s share of stability and support. Excessive forces placed on the feet due to obesity can change the foot’s structure, negatively affecting the ligaments of the arch, and even causing flat feet in many overweight people. Studies even suggest that the degree of an overweight person’s flat footedness is directly correlated to their level of obesity, with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) correlated with a lower plantar arch height. People with flat feet might experience complications such as plantar fasciitis, muscle cramping, arthritis, Achilles Tendonitis, and other forms of foot discomfort or pain. A podiatrist can help anyone, regardless of weight, who is experiencing discomfort from flat feet with custom orthotic devices, supportive shoes, stretching exercises and stretches, physical therapy, pain management medication and more.

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.

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Tuesday, 12 April 2022 00:00

How to Deal With Arthritic Foot Pain

Arthritis, a painful inflammatory condition, can affect many parts of the body including the feet, particularly as you age. Arthritic foot pain often comes with stiff joints, as well as a loss of strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected area. Various things can be done to relieve pain and slow the progression of this disease, including foot massages to improve circulation and decrease tension in the joint, using heat (to loosen the muscles and reduce stiffness), or using ice (to constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the problem area).  Wearing proper footwear (wide enough to accommodate orthotics or other foot aids and with proper arch support to stabilize the joints and feet) and continuing to move despite the pain may also help.  Other suggestions include maintaining a healthy body weight, participating in physical therapy, using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, topical creams, and;/or steroid injections. While there is no cure for arthritis, a podiatrist can help determine the best way to handle your arthritic foot pain.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

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Ingrown toenails can be painful and can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable. Seek professional help if you believe you've developed an ingrown toenail and be treated safely. 

Thursday, 07 April 2022 00:00

Effective Foot Care Measures

Approximately one quarter of the bones in the body are located in the feet. Because of this, the importance of practicing everyday foot care is essential in maintaining healthy feet. The muscles and joints act like levers and pulleys, and are responsible for moving the feet side to side, and up and down. It is common for our feet to become worn out as the aging process occurs, and this can lead to developing specific foot conditions. There are several methods of practicing good foot hygiene. These can include washing and drying the feet daily, having gentle foot massages, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. Additionally, stretching the feet after sitting for a long period of time may help circulation. If you would like more information about methods and tips on everyday foot care, please speak with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

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