Heel spurs are small, bony growths that develop on the heel bone. They can form underneath the heel, where the foot absorbs pressure while standing and walking. Although a heel spur might sound painful, many people have one without noticing any symptoms. When discomfort occurs, it can feel like a sharp stab or a deep bruise beneath the heel. Pain may be especially noticeable with the first steps after getting out of bed. Heel spurs can appear alongside plantar fasciitis, which is irritation of the thick band of tissue supporting the arch. Because these problems can feel similar, heel pain deserves a careful examination.

Repeated strain on the foot can contribute to heel spur formation. Running, jumping, and long periods of standing place extra demands on the heel. Excess body weight can increase that pressure. Shoes that lack proper support may also affect how weight moves across the foot. Tight calf muscles can change how the heel handles stress. Another related problem is Achilles tendon irritation, which causes discomfort near the back of the heel. The location of pain helps a podiatrist understand which tissues might be involved. An X-ray can show a heel spur, but finding one does not prove it is the source of pain. A proper diagnosis helps avoid treating the wrong problem.

A podiatrist can examine your heel, review your activity level, and evaluate how you walk. They can check for tenderness and decide whether an X-ray would help clarify the diagnosis. Treatment can include supportive shoe inserts, protective taping, and professionally guided stretching exercises. These approaches aim to reduce strain on painful tissues and improve comfort. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes with suitable cushioning and support. Treatment focuses on the cause of pain rather than assuming the bony growth must be removed. Persistent discomfort deserves attention before it begins limiting everyday movement. If you have symptoms of heel spurs, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A small white or yellow spot near the edge of a toenail may signal the start of a fungal infection. Fungal toenails develop when fungi enter through tiny cracks in the nail or surrounding skin. As the infection progresses, the nail may become thick, brittle, or crumbly. Debris sometimes collects underneath, and the nail may lift away from the skin beneath it. Certain changes may cause pressure inside shoes or pain while walking. The infection does not follow a fixed schedule, and mild discoloration does not always develop into severe nail damage.

Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, which helps explain why toenails are especially vulnerable. Sweaty feet and tight-fitting shoes create conditions that encourage fungal growth. An infection in the skin, like athlete’s foot, may also spread to nearby nails. Older adults face greater risk because their nails grow more slowly and develop small cracks more easily. Diabetes, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system increase the importance of an exam from a podiatrist. However, not every thick or discolored nail contains fungus. Repeated injuries and certain skin conditions cause similar changes, making an accurate diagnosis essential before treatment begins.

A podiatrist examines the nails and surrounding skin, then collects a small nail sample for testing when appropriate. This helps confirm whether fungi are responsible and guides treatment decisions. Podiatric care focuses on controlling the infection and reducing discomfort. A podiatrist may also trim and thin affected nails to ease pressure and support treatment. The treatment plan reflects the extent of infection and the patient’s overall health. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to assess new nail growth and adjust care. Toenails grow slowly, so visible improvement takes months. A damaged nail may need a year or longer to grow out completely. If you have fungal toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone caused by repeated pressure. In the foot, these injuries often affect the long bones that connect the toes to the middle of the foot. These bones absorb force when you push while walking or running. Pain usually begins gradually and becomes stronger with activity. The sore area may feel tender when touched. Swelling of the foot or bruising can develop. Unlike a sudden break caused by an accident, a stress fracture can develop without one clear injury. Daily movement may become painful.

A sudden change in activity is a leading cause of stress fractures. Running farther than usual or increasing exercise days can place more pressure on bones than they can handle. People who rarely walk far can also develop an injury after a busy vacation. Uneven ground adds to the risk. Changes in how the foot moves can increase risk when a bunion changes weight distribution. Shoes that lack proper support can also affect how the foot absorbs impact. A podiatrist can examine your walking pattern and identify factors contributing to the injury.

Treatment aims to protect the injured bone while it heals. A podiatrist examines the painful area and orders imaging to help confirm a stress fracture. Treatment options include a protective walking boot, crutches, or custom shoe inserts to help reduce pressure on the affected bone. A podiatrist also evaluates your shoes and may recommend a stiff-soled design that limits painful bending. Follow-up visits help track healing and guide a safe return to activity. Continuing to push through pain can delay recovery. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a foot deformity that develops when the big toe gradually leans toward the smaller toes. As the toe shifts, the joint at its base begins to stick outward, creating a noticeable bump. Bunions do not always cause symptoms, but they can become painful as the foot changes. Discomfort may develop around the big-toe joint, beneath the ball of the foot, or in nearby toes. The joint can also become red, swollen, and harder to move. Bunions may also place pressure on nearby toes and contribute to changes in their position.

Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing bunions. Genetics can play a role because some people may inherit weaker tendons and ligaments that affect foot stability. Flat feet and certain joint diseases may also increase the risk. Tight or pointed shoes are not considered the main cause of bunions, but they can increase pressure on the toes and make symptoms worse. As the deformity progresses, the front of the foot may become wider. Some people eventually experience increasing pain or difficulty walking, while others continue to have only mild symptoms.

A podiatrist can evaluate a bunion and determine how much the position of the big toe has changed. The examination may include observing the foot while standing and walking. A weight-bearing X-ray can provide a clearer view of the deformity and show the position of the bones. Treatment depends on symptoms, the degree of deformity, and other medical conditions. Professional nonsurgical care may help reduce discomfort, but it does not permanently correct the misalignment. When a bunion causes severe pain and other treatment has not helped, surgery may be considered to correct the position of the toe. If a bunion is causing persistent foot pain or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. 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?

Podiatrists 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 provider.

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 offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.