November 2023

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.

Living with diabetes involves unique challenges, particularly in foot care. Reduced blood supply and nerve function increase the risk of foot damage, including peripheral neuropathy and structural issues such as clawed toes. Regular annual podiatrist checkups play an essential role in monitoring diabetic foot health, assessing blood supply, nerve function, and detecting structural changes early on. Daily self-examinations for cuts, blisters, and structural changes are important, and it may help to use a mirror to see the bottom of your foot. Simple measures, such as moisturizing the feet and wearing appropriate footwear are effective in preventing more severe complications. Balanced blood glucose levels, using gloves with household cleaners, and cautious bathing habits contribute to skin health. Post bathing care, including applying unscented creams and soaps, helps to lock in moisture. Prompt medical attention for skin problems, such as wounds that will not heal, ensures timely intervention and management from a podiatrist. For preventing diabetic complications and promoting overall foot health, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist who is trained to manage the complications of diabetes.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

One of the most important components of your foot is the big toe joint, scientifically known as the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or first MPJ. When issues arise within this joint, they can significantly impact your daily life, ranging from walking to overall body posture. Hallux limitus is a condition that pertains to the limited range of motion in the big toe joint. One of the main causes of this condition is inflammatory arthritis. Your big toe joint plays a critical role in walking and maintaining proper balance. When this joint loses its range of motion it can lead to significant difficulties in walking and cause pain during each step. This can alter the gait and in turn affect the knee, hip, and back. If arthritis is a contributing factor, disease specific medications can be prescribed. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed. Procedures can range from cleaning out the joint to more advanced surgeries, such as joint fusion or joint replacement. For an accurate appraisal of the problems involving your big toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boerne, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing flip-flops leaves your feet vulnerable to various infections, from bacteria to viruses. When your feet are exposed in public places, harmful organisms, such as staphylococcus, can cling to them. This bacterium can cause skin irritation, and in extreme cases, serious foot conditions may emerge. The risk increases if you have open sores or even small wounds from recent pedicures. Another concern is athlete's foot, which is a contagious fungal infection that causes itching. Walking with minimal footwear increases the chances of encountering and contracting this fungus. You also risk exposure to the virus responsible for warts, which is HPV, while wearing flip-flops. If you enjoy wearing flip-flops, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss similarly easy and comfortable footwear alternatives that are healthier for your feet.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Robert Graser from Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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.