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If you are experiencing a hard lump on the bottom of the heel, you may have what is referred to as a heel spur. It generally comes from calcium deposits and is typically caused by injuries or strains to the foot. If the heel endures pressure, possibly caused by jogging, excess weight, or shoes that fit poorly, heel spurs may gradually develop, often causing discomfort and pain. Other causes of this condition may include having flat feet, standing the majority of the day, or experiencing less flexibility in the plantar fascia which affects the stability of the heel. Possible treatment…

Flat feet is a common foot condition where young people typically have no painful symptoms, but may develop as they age. Flat feet may also be referred to as fallen arches, and commonly develop due to an inherited gene. The arch in the foot is not present or minimal, which causes the foot to lie flat against the floor while standing. The foot is comprised of 26 bones, in addition to numerous muscles and tendons. While walking, gravity from the weight of the body may cause pressure, often resulting in muscle imbalance, which may affect the arch of the foot.…

Permanent damage to your feet may be a result of wearing high heels frequently and throughout the day. There are several parts of the feet that may suffer afflictions, starting with the toes. You may see a deformity that may gradually develop, due to the feet being in an environment that’s too small. Additionally, calf muscles may shorten because the stride is not as long as it would be with flatter shoes. Hammertoes, bunions, or sprained ankles are among the many ailments that can develop from wearing high heels daily, and if severe enough, may require surgery. If you do…

Practicing proper foot care is often overlooked, and this can be particularly true for the population of the elderly. Trimming the nails correctly is essential in preventing infections that may occur, especially in diabetic patients. Additionally, developing ingrown toenails, bunions, or warts may be common among the elderly who are not able to take care of their feet correctly. Proper circulation is vital to the lower extremities, and this may be accomplished by engaging in foot massages, in addition to elevating the feet and soaking them in warm water. Choosing the correct shoes to wear will also help in maintaining…

There are many ways to break your foot, and we wouldn’t recommend any of them. Severe pain when walking, in addition to bruising, are common symptoms of a foot that has been fractured. If limping occurs and the foot is tender when touched, these may be additional signs of a break in the bone. Obvious symptoms may include a deformity of the foot, which may indicate a joint dislocation. When the structure of the bone has been damaged, an x-ray is generally used to determine the extent of the injury. Once diagnosed, the injury may be treated by wearing a…

Severe pain is likely to be experienced if you have a broken toe, and it will typically heal within 6 weeks. The toe may be tender, bruised, and swollen, often resulting in difficulty in walking. The treatment for a broken or bruised toe is the same, despite the fact that many people have trouble differentiating between the two. Temporary relief may come from elevating the foot, which generally helps in reducing any pain or swelling associated with this condition. Additionally, choosing to wear shoes that give the toes ample room to move may aid in diminishing any discomfort that may…

Foot problems may become more severe if you are a diabetic, and additional care must be taken to avoid complications. There are several techniques that can be practiced for optimum foot care, including checking the feet daily for any cuts or redness, cutting the toenails correctly, and washing and drying thoroughly between the toes. If the skin becomes hardened, you may consider applying a moisturizer on the top and bottom of the feet which will promote softer skin. Choosing to wear shoes that fit well will not only feel comfortable, but will be beneficial in avoiding conditions that may lead…

It’s not easy to stay active when you have a foot or ankle injury. Most exercises you can do at home or at the gym usually involve the feet and ankles, so you may feel discouraged from physical activity. For some of you, you might be happy to have an “excuse” to not participate in exercise! Sorry to burst your bubble, but there are alternative exercises you can try. We encourage you to keep active because it can increase circulation and promote faster recovery, as long as you allow your foot or ankle injury to rest and heal. If your injury is not…

When it comes to your children, they shouldn’t feel pain on their feet. If they complain about pain, it usually indicates an injury or issue that should be addressed. One of the more common complaints of pain for children is heel pain – especially if they are physically active. There are a few reasons why your child might experience heel pain, including: Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis), plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, and even fractures. Heel pain due to Sever’s Disease. For children (between the ages of 8 to 15) with growing feet, Sever’s disease tends to be a common reason for heel pain.…

Who can be affected by fungal toenails? The fungus can infect anyone with toenails. Those with weak immune systems are less likely to be able to fight it off.   What is it? Fungal toenails, or Onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that is caused by the same fungus tinea that results in athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It can cause toenails to become thick, hard, yellow or gray, and brittle. They are contagious and can be unsightly.   When are you most likely to be affected? Fungal toenails can arise when the fungus enters the skin and nails through cuts, scrapes, and/or when…

No, we are not talking about the grain, but rather, the RICE method. The letters R, I, C, and E in RICE methodstand for: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. After a foot or ankle injury, applying the RICE method can help to relieve pain and swelling symptoms. It is used until the injury heals, or if symptoms do not get better, until you can be seen by a medical professional for further treatment. Please note: For severe injuries, especially if you suspect a broken bone or torn ligament, you should seek prompt medical attention at urgent care or the emergency department. For mild…

For most, plantar fasciitis pain comes on gradually. Your plantar fascia (fibrous tissue along the bottom of the feet) helps you stay mobile and connects the balls of the feet to your heel bone. Repetitive movements often required in sports or certain jobs can make it become inflamed. If you notice that the bottom of your feet feel sore or tight, try one or more of the following 10 home remedies to prevent the pain from getting worse: RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression (bandage or socks), Elevate. These are the first actions you should take when you encounter pain, especially if it…

Osteoporosis, a disease in which your bones slowly lose more calcium than it absorbs, is usually thought of as a disease that your grandparents get and suffer from. And for the most part, that’s true. However, those with early onset osteoporosis can be diagnosed even before the more typical age of 50 years old. The good news is that it can be prevented or slowed with good nutrition and strength training exercises. Even after diagnosis, medications are available that may help slow the bone loss process and even restart bone building. How do your feet come into play? Don’t forget, each foot…

Did you know that diabetes can affect not only your blood sugar levels, but can also be damaging to your kidneys, eyes, nerves, and feet? In fact, for those who do not have severe symptoms, losing feeling in the feet can be the first sign of diabetes. After an assessment by a podiatrist or other medical professional, patients with this condition, known as neuropathy, in the feet can eventually be diagnosed with diabetes. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Neuropathy is a result of nerve damage due to high levels of blood sugar. It can have effects beyond a loss of sensation – it…

In many cases of acute injuries, as well as with chronic pain symptoms, podiatrists will often prescribe orthoticsas part of rehabilitation or pain management. Depending on the reason for prescribing orthotics, they can be useful for prevention of future problems (e.g. when used for children), immobilizing injuries to prevent worsening symptoms (e.g. after foot or ankle surgery), and for treating painful symptoms of foot or ankle deformities. There are generally two types of orthotics that our foot doctor will prescribe: accommodative foot orthoses and functional foot orthoses. Accommodative orthotics are: Generally made of more flexible or soft materials such as leather, foam cushions, and rubber. Used…

Even post-Thanksgiving, there’s a lot of traveling you might have to do. The December holidays, as well as New Year’s Eve celebrations, not to mention skiing or snowboarding trips, can mean more flights and/or bus rides coming up. As you pack your bags and try to remember every single item you may need, we have a few extra suggestions for you. The following “Top 10 Tips for Traveling Feet” will (hopefully) remind you that your feet, which carry you everywhere, will need some care while taking you on your travels: Pack comfortable walking shoes. Depending on the reason for travel,…

Oftentimes, by the time you are diagnosed with diabetes, you have had to make some changes to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. The following are ways in which diabetes can change your lifestyle and tips keep your body healthy. You should plan ahead: Because eating, medication, and rest are important to diabetic care, you should try to plan your days out in advance, especially if you are traveling. You may not always have access to healthy food (or any food at all), so you should always carry around something in case your blood sugar levels dip. Don’t forget to have…

Athletes are far too familiar with the fact that some of the most common foot and ankle injuries happen while participating in sports. However, they are not the only ones at risk. Trips, falls, ankle twists, and overuse injuries can happen to anyone, at any time. That’s why it’s important for all of us to take steps to reduce our risk of footand ankle injuries. Try doing some of the following foot flexibility exercises whenever you have the chance. Some of them can be done while watching TV, while doing chores, and even as a fun “challenge” so that you can get your…

After months of carrying a baby, and then hours of laboring, the last thing parents want to hear is that the baby has an issue. The delicate (but resilient!) infant has so much to face in the coming days, months, and years, that a complication is upsetting. So when the baby has a congenital birth defect, such as clubfoot, it’s only natural that parents would be worried. But we’re here to tell you that clubfoot is one problem that can easily be identified and solved. Soon after birth, clubfoot can be easily identified when a foot (or both feet) is…

Do you know just how common Diabetes is? According to the Center for Disease Control, about 29.1 million adults in the US have diabetes, about 5% of them with Type 1 diabetes. Both types have to do with genetics and environmental factors, but the exact cause is still undetermined.  Do you know what diabetes is? Type 1:  The pancreas stops producing insulin altogether. Insulin is the hormone that controls blood sugar levels, so blood sugar increases and can cause damage. Type 2: The pancreas still produces insulin, but the body cannot use it properly. This also leads to high blood glucose…