Items filtered by date: November 2023

It is a common misconception that heel spurs are the primary cause of heel pain. In reality, heel spurs, which are bony projections on the heel bone, are often found by having an X-ray taken, and cause pain in only 5 percent of individuals with them. The majority of heel pain is generally due to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue which stretches from the heel to the toes. While many individuals with plantar fasciitis also have heel spurs, the pain is typically from the damaged plantar fascia, not the spurs themselves. Heel spur syndrome and plantar fasciitis share similar risk factors, like athletic stress, obesity, calf tightness, high arches, and possibly osteoarthritis. Both conditions often respond to non-surgical treatments, including rest, footwear changes, and stretching. If these do not work, injections or plantar fasciotomy surgery might be recommended, though the heel spur is typically not removed during surgery. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and correct treatment methods.

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 the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 offices located in Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Hammertoe is a prevalent and often uncomfortable foot deformity that affects the toes, typically the second, third, or fourth toes. The condition gets its name from the toe's appearance, as the affected toe tends to bend or contract at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Hammertoes can result from various causes, including wearing poorly fitting footwear that squeezes the toes and forces them into an unnatural position. High heels, in particular, are known culprits. Hammertoe can also be caused by an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that control the toe's movement, leading to an abnormal bend. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to the condition. Arthritis, injury, or nerve damage can also contribute to the development of hammertoes. The deformity can lead to discomfort, corns, calluses, or open sores due to friction with shoes. Early intervention is essential, and conservative treatments may be successful. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to straighten the affected toe. If you have developed hammertoe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine its severity, followed by choosing the best course of treatment for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact the foot specialists of Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Ollier’s disease is a condition where a person develops non-cancerous cartilage growths, called enchondromas, inside their bones. It often affects the bones in the hands and feet, which can cause the bones to become deformed. This can make the hands and feet look abnormal and may lead to problems like shorter limbs, fingers, or toes. Even though these growths start as non-cancerous, there is a small risk they can become cancerous later. People with Ollier’s disease usually have a normal life span, and it does not affect their intelligence. The disease is often noticed in children around the age of 5 and the growths typically stop once they reach early adulthood. If you notice something amiss with your child’s feet, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Itchy feet can be a bothersome issue, but they are often mild and temporary. Common symptoms associated with itchy feet include the formation of crust as a wound heals, and flaky or peeling skin due to extreme dryness, rashes, redness, warmth, and swelling. Sometimes, itchy feet can lead to pus-filled blisters or general tenderness and discomfort. In certain circumstances having itchy feet may necessitate a visit to a podiatrist, such as if you develop oozing blisters or feel a worm-like tingling sensation in your feet. Persistent itching that lasts for more than two weeks or recurrent flare-ups may signal a more serious issue. If the itching spreads to other areas of your body, it's probably a good idea to consult a podiatrist. In some cases, itchy feet can be a sign of underlying health problems. For instance, swelling in the legs, arms, and stomach, yellowish skin or eyes, or reduced urinary output could indicate kidney or liver issues. When these symptoms are present alongside itchy feet, it may be an indicator of potential systemic concerns. If you experience persistent or recurring foot itching, especially if it spreads to other areas of your body and occurs during pregnancy or menopause, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a complete examination and suggestions for treatment. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors 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 offices located in Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.