Items filtered by date: January 2025

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes heel pain and results from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Heel pain often develops from repetitive stress or overuse, particularly in people who spend long hours on their feet, such as healthcare workers, teachers, or retail employees. Poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or high-impact activities like running can worsen the problem. The pain can be sharp, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Addressing plantar fasciitis early is key to preventing it from becoming chronic. Rest your feet, stretch regularly, and wear supportive footwear. A podiatrist can assess your condition and recommend treatments like custom orthotics, targeted stretching, or night splints. For severe cases, treatments may include advanced therapies like corticosteroid injections, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or surgery. If you have pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

Diabetic neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, often affects the feet, toes, and ankles, leading to nerve damage that can cause significant issues. Patients with diabetic neuropathy may experience numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in their feet, which can mask injuries like blisters or sores. Without proper care, these unnoticed injuries may develop into infections or ulcers, which could lead to severe complications. Nerve damage can also weaken balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. Loss of sensation in the feet makes daily foot care and regular monitoring essential. A podiatrist can help manage these complications by performing regular foot exams, addressing infections, and recommending protective footwear or orthotics to prevent further damage. This foot doctor can also provide guidance on proper foot care to help patients maintain their mobility and overall foot health. Routine podiatry visits are an essential part of preventing severe outcomes and ensuring early intervention. If you have foot problems caused by diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Treadmill running can contribute to foot, toe, and ankle injuries due to repetitive stress and strain. Common issues include plantar fasciitis, intermetatarsal neuromas, and Achilles tendonitis. These ailments are often caused by the repetitive motions of running or walking, especially on an incline. They may result in pain in the arch, ball of the foot, or along the back of the ankle. Improper footwear, excessive treadmill use, or pre-existing conditions like tight calf muscles can increase the risk of injury. A podiatrist can assess these conditions through a detailed examination and advanced diagnostic tools. This foot doctor can recommend effective treatments, such as orthotics, adjustments to treadmill routines, or specific footwear advice, to alleviate pain and prevent further issues. If you experience foot pain related to treadmill running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Toe arthritis is a condition where the joints in the toes become inflamed, causing pain and stiffness. The most common cause is osteoarthritis, which occurs as the cartilage in the toe joints wears down over time, often due to age or repetitive stress. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis or injury to the toe. Symptoms of toe arthritis include pain in the affected joint, particularly during movement, swelling, and a reduced range of motion. In some cases, the joint may become deformed or misaligned. Relief from toe arthritis involves wearing proper footwear that provides support and cushioning, as well as anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. Specific exercises can also help improve joint flexibility and strength. In severe cases, surgical options may be considered to restore function and alleviate pain. If you have symptoms of arthritis in your toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management tips.

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 term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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.