April 2020

Patients who are afflicted with diabetes may be familiar with wounds on the feet that need to be promptly treated. This generally involves dressing the wound with the proper type of bandage, and this can possibly make a significant difference in how the wound heals. Research has indicated the importance of keeping the skin dry, and it is beneficial to avoid using excessively hot water while bathing. Skin tears to the feet can be painful, and this can happen from accidently bumping into a wall. It is helpful to dress it with a non-adhesive bandage, which may prevent it from becoming larger. If you have any type of wounds on the feet, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat them.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Robert Graser from Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Children and young teenagers who participate in sporting activities may complain of heel pain. This may be indicative of Sever’s disease, which targets the growth plate in the heel. Symptoms that are generally associated with this condition may include pain and discomfort, and the style of walking may be altered. Additionally, the foot may feel stiff and can become swollen and turn red. When children frequently pursue activities which can include basketball, football, or volleyball, Sever’s disease may begin to develop. Other reasons can include being overweight, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or having flat or high arches. If you notice any of these symptoms, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat this ailment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Robert Graser from Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

A stress fracture is often referred to as a hairline fracture, and typically develops gradually. It occurs as a result of a weakened bone in the foot, and this may  happen from frequently participating in walking and running activities. Additionally, it can become a common issue if the running surface changes, or possibly from starting to train too soon after an injury occurs. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition can include swelling on or around the affected area, and experiencing pain while walking. Effective treatment can begin by refraining from the activity that caused the injury, and elevating the affected foot to help reduce existing swelling. If you have a stress fracture, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you with exploring your treatment options.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Robert Graser from Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

Research has shown that children’s feet may be prone to developing foot deformities from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. This can happen as early as six months of age, which can be a result of each foot consisting of mostly cartilage. The bones generally develop at approximately two years of age. Most importantly, it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly. This can aid in the proper development of the variety of bones, muscles, and ligaments that exist in each foot. Many specialists agree throughout the world that it helps the overall health of the feet to walk barefoot while indoors. The grasping motion of the toes and the front of the foot can help to strengthen the feet. As your child walks outdoors, shoes that have cushioned and flexible soles may help to provide the necessary support that is needed while walking on uneven surfaces. If you would like more information about what shoes to buy for your children, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Robert Graser of Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.