Heel pain is a common issue that can have various causes, often related to mechanical factors. The location of the pain can provide clues for diagnosis. Plantar fasciitis, a prevalent condition, leads to medial plantar heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after rest. Other causes of plantar heel pain include calcaneal stress fractures, nerve entrapment, heel pad syndrome, neuromas, and plantar warts. Posterior heel pain is often due to Achilles tendinopathy, while pain at the tendon's insertion point is related to other tendinopathies. Haglund deformity, a protrusion of the calcaneus, can cause pain between the calcaneus and Achilles tendon. In children, Sever’s disease, a calcaneal apophysitis, may be the cause. Medial midfoot heel pain, especially with weight-bearing, might be linked to tarsal tunnel syndrome, caused by nerve compression. Sinus tarsi syndrome leads to lateral midfoot heel pain. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis of the problem so that the proper treatment can be provided.

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.

Bunions, a common source of discomfort in the big toe, can often lead to surgical solutions. With an array of over 150 bunion surgeries available, it is beneficial to comprehend the prevailing procedures in use today. The bunionectomy is a foundational method. It involves removing the bony outgrowth at the base of the big toe that is responsible for the bunion and realigning the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Osteotomy, another prevalent technique, necessitates cutting the toe bone to reposition the affected joint. It may also involve securing the bone with pins or screws for sustained correction. Arthrodesis is employed in cases of significant joint damage. This procedure entails fusing the surrounding bones with screws, wires, or plates. Arthroplasty is reserved for severe cases. The damaged portion of the joint is replaced with an implant, aiming to restore joint function. Integral to all bunion surgeries is soft tissue repair, ensuring the equilibrium of tendons and ligaments surrounding the joint to deter deformity recurrence. If you have a bunion that is causing extreme pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination and suggestions for treatment options. 

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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.

Engaging regularly in high-impact activities, such as basketball, running, or professional dancing, may expose you to the discomfort of a foot stress fracture. This overuse injury involves hairline cracks in the weight-bearing bones of the foot. If left untreated, a stress fracture in the foot can escalate into a more serious concern. However, stress fractures are not always easy to diagnose. Pain upon weight-bearing activities that often subsides after rest is a primary indicator of stress fractures. Tenderness in the affected area, occasional bruising, and swelling around the ankle are other signs to be noted. Various factors contribute to the development of stress fractures in the foot. Overuse and repetitive stress, stemming from prolonged engagement in activities without adequate rest, can subject the foot bones to cumulative stress. Wearing inadequate footwear, whether ill-fitting or worn out, further elevates the risk by providing insufficient support and shock absorption. Suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of physical activity can overwhelm the bones, especially without sufficient time to adapt. Poor biomechanics, such as flat feet or high arches, also can redistribute pressure unevenly across the foot, contributing to stress fractures. If you believe you may have incurred a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and suitable imaging tests. Treatment options appropriate to the severity of the injury will follow.

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.

In the diverse landscape of workplaces, the importance of choosing the right shoes transcends mere fashion, it is a vital aspect of ensuring safety and protection. Different work environments demand varying levels of resilience from your footwear. Construction sites, for instance, call for sturdy, steel-toed boots to shield against potential impacts, while slip-resistant shoes are essential in restaurant kitchens to prevent accidents on slippery surfaces. For office settings, where comfort is often paramount, choosing supportive yet stylish shoes can enhance overall well-being. Understanding the specific hazards and demands of the work environment is key to selecting the appropriate footwear. Consider factors like arch support, toe protection, and sole grip to match the nature of the job. By investing in the right pair of shoes, individuals not only prioritize their safety but also pave the way for a more comfortable and productive work experience. If you would like more information about specific shoes to purchase for your work environment, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Robert Graser from Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.