December 2019

If you are new to the world of working out, you may be wondering what type of shoes to get. Running shoes are often found in shoe stores, but what if you just want to walk? Can you still wear running shoes? The answer is yes, but you may want to consider the differences between running and walking shoes. Running shoes have more cushioning and support than walking shoes. This is to protect the feet against the pounding and stronger impacts that occur while running. Running shoes are also less flexible than walking shoes. Finally, because running generates more heat than walking, running shoes are generally made of more breathable materials than walking shoes. Unfortunately, walking shoes can be more difficult to find than running shoes. Stores that sell them often have a limited selection of styles and colors relative to other types of shoes. If you are unsure of what kind of shoes would best suit your needs, a podiatrist can examine your feet and provide you with suggestions on what to look for when shopping for the right pair of shoes for you. 

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Robert Graser from Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.

Pain felt from sesamoiditis is generally located under the big toe on the ball of the foot. The two sesamoid bones located under the base of the big toe are similar to the size of jelly beans, and they can become inflamed if an injury should occur. Patients with sesamoiditis often describe experiencing a burning pain. Sesamoiditis may have a particularly negative effect on people who enjoy running. It may feel similar to having a pebble in your shoe, and the area can appear to be swollen. Mild relief may be found when the toes and tendons are stretched several times per day. To help figure out the best treatment plan for you and to gain helpful preventative tips, please consult with a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Robert Graser of Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Cracked heels can be unsightly and uncomfortable with yellowing, thickened calluses, and visible splits in the skin. Dry skin is a common cause of cracked heels and in some cases that dry skin is the result of eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, or cold dry climates. Left untreated, cracked heels can be particularly problematic for people with diabetes as the fissures can deepen, bleed, and turn into open ulcers that may become infected. You can help prevent cracked heels from developing by exfoliating and moisturizing your feet regularly, avoiding walking barefoot or wearing open-heeled shoes, and inserting heel cups into shoes which decreases stress on your heels. If you have cracked heels and believe they may be infected, a podiatrist can provide a variety of treatments as well as additional tips on how to prevent them from reoccurring.

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.

Arthritis can occur in any joint—including the ankle. When this condition occurs in the ankle, it is typically either post-traumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Post-traumatic arthritis can be caused by an old ankle sprain, fracture, or other injury that did not heal properly and has caused degenerative changes. Post-traumatic arthritis can take decades to manifest. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that affects joints throughout the body. In some cases, RA can cause inflammation and alignment problems in your ankles. Through examination, observation, tests, and gait analyses, the source of your ankle pain—whether it is arthritis or some other condition—can be properly diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

If you experience pain in your heel once you take the first few steps after a period of rest or sleep, you may have plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common forms of heel pain. It occurs when the long ligament on the bottom of your feet (the plantar fascia) that connects your heel with your toes becomes overly stressed, torn, or otherwise damaged. The pain may be stabbing or throbbing and the area may be inflamed. Plantar fasciitis may even be linked or occur in tandem with heel spurs—which are bony growths that form where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. If you have pain in your heel that tends to be worse after periods of rest, make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

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 contact our office located in Boerne, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.