Items filtered by date: August 2018

Before you purchase a new pair of running shoes, there are a few rules you should keep in mind to help you get the best value for your money. It is important that you follow these guidelines, because running shoes are supposed to support your entire body, in addition to your feet. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to get pulled into the hype of a new sneaker release. Avoid letting a name brand determine the type of shoes you decide to put on your feet.  It is also best to avoid buying running shoes online because it will be nearly impossible to determine how supportive or comfortable the shoes will be on your feet. Another helpful tip to consider when shopping for shoes is to walk around in the store with them on; this will help ensure that they fit comfortably without being too tight.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

The middle part of the foot typically consists of a curved structure known as the arch. For patients who have flat feet, the arch is absent and the foot lies completely flat on the ground. In babies, the arches are not always visible and will become more apparent as the child ages. Certain people may experience pain in the feet and ankles as a result of having flat feet. Additionally, shoes may wear out faster than the average person, because of the inward rolling that may occur. The bones and muscles in the feet may become weaker as well, which may affect the overall health of the body. Research has shown there may be several causes of fallen arches, including rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, or muscle and nerve conditions such as cerebral palsy. Moderate relief may be found in wearing shoes that fit well and offer adequate support, in addition to performing mild stretching techniques that may aid in strengthening the muscles and surrounding ligaments and tendons. It’s strongly advised to consult with a podiatrist if you are afflicted with flat feet and would like additional information about treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. 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 San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you plan to be barefoot in public, you should make sure they look as healthy as possible. One of the best ways to achieve this is to exfoliate your feet to make them smooth and beautiful. Many people opt to do this by investing in a pumice stone to remove dead skin on their feet. The next thing you should do is ensure your feet are hydrated by applying a foot cream. If you want to have your feet professionally maintained, pedicures are a great way to do so. Salons are the ideal place to get your feet maintained in the summer, because nail professionals have the proper tools and skills to take care of your feet. If you want a natural nail color but still want your nails painted, you can try a light, flesh colored nail polish followed by a "mattifying" top coat. The result will give you natural looking nails that don’t appear to be painted. For any questions regarding foot care and maintenance, you shouldn't hesitate to contact your podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

For those individuals who decide to pursue a career in podiatry, they are most likely aware of the many advantages this field may offer. Recent research has shown that state of the art technology is frequently used to perform precise procedures. This has become necessary in properly responding to the high demand of patients who have specific foot conditions. An additional advantage of choosing this profession may be the flexible work hours, which may be beneficial if a podiatrist decides to become self-employed. Certain disadvantages that exist may include working with feet that have an unpleasant odor. Additionally, many new graduates realize that aggressive networking is recommended to ensure a steady influx of patients. It is suggested to speak with a podiatrist if you are considering pursuing a career in podiatry.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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