Items filtered by date: October 2025

Do your feet and ankles ache for hours after exercise? Do your feet feel stiff and inflexible? Stretching reduces the risk of injury and improves strength and flexibility in other parts of the body, so why not your feet? Since the foundation of our stability and balance originates in the feet, stretching the feet and ankles can become an important addition to your daily routine. A simple ankle stretch involves sitting in a chair with one leg crossed over the other and gently pulling your ankle upwards and downwards several times, using your hands or a band to assist. A similar stretch can be performed with your feet and toes. To learn more about the various stretches for your feet and ankles, talk to a podiatrist today.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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.

Good foot hygiene is essential for preventing infections, maintaining comfort, and supporting overall health. Caring for your feet begins with washing and thoroughly drying them each day to reduce bacteria and fungus buildup. Toenails should be clipped straight across to prevent ingrown nails, while regular checks for cuts, blisters, or changes in skin and nails help detect problems early. Moisturizing can prevent dryness and cracking, keeping the skin soft and resilient. Proper foot hygiene is especially important for anyone with diabetes or circulation issues. A podiatrist can provide expert advice, treat problems before they worsen, and recommend preventive care. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and provide additional guidance on everyday foot care routines.

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 care needs.

Heel pain is a frequent complaint, and while many cases are linked to plantar fasciitis, nerve entrapment can also be a significant cause. One overlooked source is called Baxter’s nerve entrapment, which involves the first branch of a nerve that passes through tight spaces in the heel. This nerve can become compressed by certain muscles, a heel spur, or excess strain from foot pronation. When trapped, the nerve may produce sharp pain that radiates along the heel, often worsening at night or after activity. Some people may also notice weakness in the small muscles of the foot. Because the symptoms can mimic other heel conditions, a podiatrist is essential in performing a careful exam to identify the true cause and recommend the right treatment. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM of Big Country foot and 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 offices located in Abilene, and Brownwood, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running on a treadmill offers both benefits and drawbacks when it comes to the health of your feet. A treadmill provides a predictable surface, which can reduce the risk of tripping on uneven ground. It also may lessen impact on the ankles and toes compared to running on harder outdoor surfaces. The consistent motion of the belt can also help runners refine cadence, allowing shorter strides that place less strain on the feet and lower legs. However, treadmill running does not engage all of the stabilizing muscles around the feet and ankles in the same way as outdoor running, which may reduce strength in those areas over time. The repetitive motion can also place added pressure on the balls of the feet, leading to soreness or stress injuries. A podiatrist can assess running style, provide guidance on footwear, and recommend treatment if injuries develop. If you experience foot pain after running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. 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

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.