A plantar heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with chronic stress on the plantar fascia. Causes include repetitive strain from running or walking, obesity, improper footwear, or abnormal foot mechanics. Risk factors may involve flat feet, high arches, aging, and participating in high impact sports. Symptoms often include sharp heel pain, especially when first standing in the morning, swelling, and tenderness at the bottom of the heel. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and offer treatments such as stretching to reduce pain and restore mobility. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs.
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.
Wearing shoes that fit correctly is essential for comfort and long-term foot health. To measure your foot, place it on a flat surface and use a ruler or measuring tape from the heel to the longest toe, then compare with a shoe size chart. Be sure to measure both feet since one is often slightly larger. Shoes that are too small or too large can cause issues such as blisters, bunions, hammertoes, corns, and even chronic foot pain. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend proper footwear, and address any damage caused by ill-fitting shoes. If you have foot pain from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on how to choose shoes that fit properly.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.
When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.
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.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail curves into the skin, causing tenderness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Early treatment can ease discomfort and prevent the problem from worsening. Soaking your foot in warm water with Epsom salts softens the nail and skin, making it easier to relieve pressure. Wearing roomy shoes or sandals also helps reduce irritation. One conservative method sometimes recommended is taping. By gently placing a strip of medical tape along the side of the toe and pulling the skin slightly away from the nail, the pressure can be reduced, giving the nail room to grow properly. However, this technique should be done carefully by a podiatrist to avoid cutting off circulation. If your symptoms do not improve or the toe becomes infected, it is suggested you see a podiatrist who may use additional treatments, including lifting the nail, using a splint, or removing part of the nail.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
Improper toenail trimming
Genetics
Improper shoe fitting
Injury from pedicures or nail picking
Abnormal gait
Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
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.
