June 2022

Pes planus is the medical term for the foot condition known as flat feet. It is easy to notice while standing as the entire foot lies flat on the floor. Most babies are born with flat feet and the arch gradually develops during the early teenage years. Flat feet typically correct as soft tissues stiffen and the muscles strengthen. Some adults have flat feet and this can happen for genetic reasons. It can cause pain and many adults may have a limited range of motion. The Achilles tendon can be affected and walking may be painful. There may also be existing medical conditions that lead to flat feet. These can include cerebral palsy, juvenile arthritis, or disorders that affect the nervous system. This can be a common condition among overweight patients as a result of the excess weight the body carries. Relief may be found when the correct footwear is worn and orthotics may be necessary to alleviate any pain. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you proper treatment techniques.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Robert Graser from Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Ingrown toenails are often painful. They typically develop due to wearing shoes that do not fit correctly and this can force the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. Furthermore, they can occur by improperly trimming the toenails or result from a toe injury. In addition to pain, this condition can be accompanied by swelling, redness, and pus that may drain from the affected toe. Some patients can find mild relief by soaking the foot in warm water and using a piece of cotton to push the skin away from the nail. This is considered to be temporary, and will most likely need professional attention soon after. An ingrown toenail may be more common in adults than children as well as people who have curved or thick nails. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Beyond how active kids are, there are many reasons why children might complain of sore feet.  A child may injure the foot resulting in a sprain or fracture. They may have athlete’s foot and find the skin in between their toes or the soles of their feet to be itchy, dry, and scaly. Kids experiencing growth spurts or who play sports involving running and jumping may complain of sore heels and this could be indicative of a condition called Sever’s disease. Children who are flat-footed may have foot pain that extends up to their ankles and calf muscles. Tight or ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters or corns. Kids can even develop bunions due to genetics or if the arch of their foot is overcompensated. Sometimes, if the toenails are clipped improperly, a toenail can dig into the surrounding skin and cause pain. Because children’s feet are so important to their overall functioning and each condition mentioned causes foot pain, it is suggested that a podiatrist be included as part of your child’s routine health care. A podiatrist can diagnose problems that arise and help direct the proper foot care of your child.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

A type of injury that affects the lower inside of the leg, ankle, and arch is known as posterior tibialis tendonitis. Because injury to this tendon can easily be overlooked, it may cause ongoing problems with stability and arch support. Further, it can cause flat feet. Symptoms include painful inflammation to the inside of the ankle, difficulty bearing weight, tightness when flexing the foot, and tenderness in the arch. The most common causes of posterior tibialis tendonitis are a change in gait to compensate for pain from another injury or swelling in the ankle joint. One way to detect posterior tibialis tendonitis is to stand on tiptoe on the affected leg. Pain in this position may indicate injury. If so, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for a thorough exam and treatment options. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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
• Bursitis
• 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.