Finding the right boots can help manage plantar fasciitis by providing necessary support and cushioning to reduce strain on the plantar fascia. Boots that support the arch, offer firm midsoles, and include adequate heel cushioning can help alleviate foot discomfort. A stiff sole helps distribute weight more evenly, reducing excessive pressure on the heel and arch. High-quality boots should not be overly flexible, as too much bending can worsen discomfort. A deep heel cup can also provide better stability for the foot and ankle, promoting proper alignment. People with plantar fasciitis should avoid boots with completely flat insoles, as these can increase strain on the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. If additional support is needed, a podiatrist can assess your foot structure and gait to recommend proper footwear or custom orthotics. In severe cases, other treatment options may be considered, including medication or surgery for long-term relief. If you have foot problems related to plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Walking and running shoes are designed with specific features to support each activity’s unique movements. Walking shoes are typically lighter and more flexible, with a lower heel-to-toe drop that promotes a smooth, natural stride. They are built to offer comfort and stability, as walking involves less impact on the feet. Running shoes are designed to handle the repetitive high-impact forces of running. These shoes usually have more cushioning, especially in the heel and forefoot areas, to absorb shock and protect joints. Running shoes also provide better arch support to accommodate the constant push-off and landing that occurs while running. Both types of shoes prioritize comfort, but walking shoes emphasize support and flexibility, while running shoes focus on cushioning and shock absorption. If you have sustained a foot injury while running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on what type of running or walking shoes to wear.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet. 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 El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Custom-made orthotics can be a powerful solution for easing foot pain caused by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and diabetes. Both of these conditions can significantly affect foot health, leading to discomfort, deformities, and difficulty with mobility. For individuals with RA, custom orthotics help by providing targeted support to joints, reducing inflammation, and redistributing pressure away from areas of pain. This support can improve foot function and alleviate stress on the knees, hips, and lower back as well. For people with diabetes, foot health is essential due to potential nerve damage and poor circulation. Custom orthotics help by cushioning the feet, reducing friction, and preventing sores or ulcers that can be common in diabetic patients. They also assist in improving foot alignment, which can reduce pain caused by abnormal walking patterns. By offering tailored support, custom orthotics can improve comfort, enhance mobility, and promote overall foot health. If you have foot pain or either of the above conditions, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine which type of orthotics are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This condition often causes tingling, numbness, and burning sensations, particularly in the feet. Over time, it can lead to muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and heightened sensitivity to touch or pain. Common causes include diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, infections, certain medications, and physical injuries. Poor blood flow and prolonged high blood sugar in diabetic patients can worsen nerve damage, making early intervention vital. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause. Medications, targeted exercises, and lifestyle changes, such as maintaining healthy blood sugar levels or quitting smoking, can slow progression and improve quality of life. If you suspect peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized care.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with David Williams, DPM from El Paso Feet. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet, a common condition in children, occurs when the arches of the feet do not develop fully. There are two types of flat feet, which are known as flexible and rigid. With flexible flat feet, the arch is visible when the child is sitting but flattens when standing. With rigid flat feet, the arch is absent even when the foot is at rest. Symptoms include foot pain, fatigue in the feet or legs, difficulty walking, or tripping frequently. In some cases, children may also complain of discomfort in their knees or lower back due to misalignment. Causes can include genetic factors, obesity, or developmental issues in the foot's structure. Treatment varies depending on the severity. For flexible flat feet, wearing supportive shoes and using custom orthotics can help. In cases of rigid flat feet or severe pain, a podiatrist may recommend targeted exercises or surgery. If your child has flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to monitor their foot health.
 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact David Williams, DPM of El Paso Feet. 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 El Paso, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.