January 2020

A podiatrist is a doctor that specializes in treating foot conditions. The initials DPM will generally appear after their name, and are an abbreviation for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Foot ailments these physicians typically treat can include plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoes. Mandatory schooling consists of four years of podiatry medical school, followed by three years of specialized training. Some doctors choose to perform surgery to remove tumors, bunions, and heel spurs. If you are interested in pursuing podiatry as a career choice, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you need that may help you to make a decision.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Robert Graser from Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. 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 office located in Boerne, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Severe cases of the condition known as cracked heels can cause extreme pain and discomfort. They are deep cracks in the skin that are known as fissures, and generally occur on the outside of the heel. It is an ailment that develops gradually, and will be manageable with prompt treatment. Some of the symptoms of cracked heels can include flaky and peeling skin, hardened and red skin, and the area may itch. Common causes of this condition can consist of standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as psoriasis and thyroid disease may play a significant role in developing cracked heels. Relief may be temporarily felt when a good moisturizer is applied to the affected area. If you would like more information about how to treat and prevent cracked heels from developing, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Robert Graser from Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Poor circulation may occur when there is an insufficient amount of blood flow to a particular region of the body, commonly affecting the feet. Patients with poor circulation have noticed symptoms including numbness, muscle cramps, and throbbing or tingling pains. Poor circulation may also be an indicator for possible nerve damage. One of the more serious symptoms caused by poor circulation is a loss of feeling in the feet. This can be incredibly dangerous, especially if you have developed a harmful foot condition and can not feel the symptoms that would lead you to seek help and get care. To help improve poor circulation, it’s recommended that you increase your mobility and practice a more active lifestyle. Elevating the feet is another tip to help improve poor circulation, as it makes it easier for your body to pump blood away from the feet and back up to the heart. Making sure you stay hydrated throughout the day, managing your blood sugar levels, and implementing more foods that are rich in iron into your diet, may all help to improve circulation as well. For more advice on how to improve poor circulation, we recommend you speak with a podiatrist for professional care.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Robert Graser of Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. 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 office located in Boerne, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The plantar fascia is located at the bottom of the foot. It is identified as a portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and can become painful if it is torn or inflamed. This may happen as a result of frequently participating in running and jumping activities, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Additionally, existing medical conditions may cause this condition to gradually develop. These may include diabetes, arthritis, flat feet, or tight calves. It may be beneficial to perform yoga stretches to strengthen the feet, which may help in preventing plantar fasciitis from developing. If you are experiencing pain in your heel and surrounding areas, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

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 Dr. Robert Graser from Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. 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 office located in Boerne, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.