Items filtered by date: July 2022

Two conditions that involve the growth of bone spurs in the heel are heel spur syndrome and insertional Achilles tendonitis. Calcaneal (heel) spurs commonly develop in people who have plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. Bone spurs sprout as a way of protecting the bottom of the heel. Common causes are strained foot muscles and ligaments, and over-stretching the plantar fascia. Other factors in heel spur development are age, obesity, and osteoarthritis. Fortunately, most heel spurs are not painful. Insertional Achilles tendonitis affects the part of the heel that connects to the leg bone. The spur develops around the tendon and irritates it, causing pain. The inflamed portion of the tendon can then calcify. Insertional Achilles tendonitis usually develops gradually, aided by repetitive running and jumping and the aging process. If you have heel pain, it may be a good idea to consult a podiatrist to conduct an exam and provide treatment based on the diagnosis.

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 one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

The plantar fascia is a rubber band-like tissue that helps form the heel and connect the toes with the heel. When this tissue gets damaged, it can become inflamed and torn. This injury can be very painful, especially in the morning. There are many possible causes of plantar fasciitis, such as having to stand while working, being obese, having diabetes, putting undue pressure on your heels, having tightened calf muscles or arches, or impacting your heels repeatedly in the same spot. Your podiatrist may first suggest cutting back on any activity that is impacting your heels, or losing weight if your plantar fasciitis is linked to your weight. They may also prescribe custom orthotics to cushion the heels, taping to ease pain, night splints to keep your plantar fascia slightly stretched overnight, or specific plantar fascia stretches. Certain anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and inflammation as well. Contact a podiatrist to discuss these plantar fasciitis treatment options and more.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

To maintain healthy, strong feet, it is imperative to be familiar with common foot conditions, their causes, and how to prevent them. One troubling foot affliction that could threaten the vitality of your feet is called hammertoe, which has a notable causal relationship with certain kinds of footwear. Hammertoe affects the second, third, or fourth toe, occurring when an imbalance in the muscles around the toe’s middle joint causes the toe to stick up at the affected joint. This causes the toe to resemble a hammer. The condition, if left untreated, can make it especially difficult or painful to walk. Importantly, your choice of footwear can impact your likelihood of developing hammertoe. For example, shoes with small toe boxes that leave little room for the toes to sit comfortably in the shoe can force the toes into tight, twisted contortions. These contortions tighten the muscles in your toes, making hammertoe more likely. Additionally, high-heeled shoes can force your toes into tight, uncomfortable positions that might also tighten your muscles in the toes. To decrease your chances of developing a hammertoe, you might choose lower-heeled shoes with spacious toe boxes. If you think you have hammertoe or want to learn more about ways to prevent this condition, reach out to a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

If you spend the greater portion of your workday standing, your feet may become severely affected. Many jobs that require excessive standing – such as teaching, hairdressing, and waiting tables – can cause foot pain that also affects the knees and lower back. Wearing the wrong shoes may make matters worse. High heels are one of the main contributors to pain and other ailments caused by extreme pressure on your foot bones. Working on a concrete floor, in warehouses or factories, also takes a toll on the feet. Every step you take is like taking a hammer to your heel. If the floors where you work are slippery, it is good to wear non-skid shoes. Experts recommend several other preventative measures for workers who stand frequently or for long periods. Bring a spare pair of shoes to work and change when your feet begin to hurt. Invest in custom orthotics made by a podiatrist to help cushion your feet within your shoes. Wear shoes that breathe, which can help avoid a buildup of moisture. Limit the height of your heels and wear shoes with a wider toe box. A podiatrist can give you more information on ways to protect your feet if work is causing excessive foot problems. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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