Items filtered by date: September 2023

Heel fissures are cracks that can develop on your heels, causing pain and potentially leading to infection if left untreated. The root cause of heel fissures often stems from the skin's lack of moisture. This can be the result of several underlying conditions, including fungal infection, diabetes, psoriasis, and eczema. The development of heel fissures can be accelerated by other factors as well, such as prolonged standing, regularly wearing open back shoes, and obesity. Prevention tips include applying a rich, hydrating foot cream consistently to maintain soft and supple skin. This can help to prevent cracked heels from turning into fissures. Regular exfoliation of the heels with a pumice stone after bathing helps to remove dead skin cells and promote healing. Preventing heel fissures involves staying well-hydrated, opting for supportive footwear, and maintaining a healthy weight. In severe cases, especially for persistent heel fissures that may have become infected, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Running is thought to be a good way to stay fit and healthy, but it also comes with risks. Foot and ankle injuries are all too common among runners. Overuse is a prevalent issue, usually stemming from pushing your body too hard or increasing your mileage too quickly. These actions can lead to problems like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and stress fractures. Poor footwear choices also play a significant role in causing foot or ankle injuries. Worn-out or ill-fitting shoes fail to provide the necessary support and cushioning, increasing the risk of injuries. Ensuring your shoes are the right fit for your feet and running style is important. Inadequate warm-up routines can strain the muscles and ligaments, making them more susceptible to injuries. In addition, running on uneven terrain can increase the likelihood of twisting an ankle. Biomechanical issues, such as overpronation or supination, can place extra stress on your feet and ankles, making them prone to injury. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort as a result of your running activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM of Big Country foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

Flip flops are a summertime staple loved for their easy, breezy style. However, those flat, flimsy soles can spell trouble for your feet. Wearing flip-flops excessively can lead to issues such as arch pain, plantar fasciitis, and even knee problems due to the lack of support. To counter these drawbacks, incorporating foot exercises into your routine can be a game changer. This can begin with towel scrunches, which are done by gripping a towel with your toes and pulling it toward you. Toe stretches can be performed by picking up marbles with your toes, improving flexibility. Calf raises strengthen the lower leg muscles. Additionally, performing the ankle alphabet is a simple way to enhance mobility. Practicing these exercises regularly may mitigate the pitfalls of wearing flip-flops and help maintain happy, healthy feet the year round. If you have questions about what foot stretches are best for you, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot is lower than normal, potentially causing pain in various parts of the body. These lower arches can develop over time due to age and wear and tear on the feet. Children often have flat feet initially, but most develop a visible arch by around the age of 10. While flat feet may not always exhibit symptoms, they can lead to discomfort or pain in the heel, arch, or leg, and alter the alignment and functioning of the feet and legs during movement. Additional signs of flat feet may include uneven shoe wear, frequent tripping or falling, and stiffness or foot swelling. Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy can cause flat feet, as can factors such as being male, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and obesity. Orthotics, exercises, weight management if necessary, and supportive footwear might help this condition. Surgery may be considered in some cases. If you have flat feet and they are causing you pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your feet and provide treatment to manage discomfort.

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.