Items filtered by date: March 2023

A heel spur is a small growth that forms from extra calcium deposits on the heel bone of the foot. The deposits often stretch from the heel bone to the arch area. They can be quite painful and interfere with normal functioning. Causes of heel spur development include wearing ill-fitting shoes, such as high heels, where pressure is transferred from the heel to the front of the foot. Having flat feet can also lead to the development of heel spurs due to increased pressure on the heel. Bruising can also be a cause for heel spurs because of repeated trauma on the heel. A stone bruise is a particular type of bruise most apt to turn into a heel spur. Such bruises are most common among athletes and runners. The activities can cause bruises to the fatty tissue, fibrous tissue, and heel pad located under the heel bone. When the heel pad wears down from repeated stress, there is less protection, and calcium deposits can form, which in turn can develop into heel spurs. If you have a heel spur and it is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for 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 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.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the arch of the foot becomes inflamed. The condition can often result in serious heel pain. Yoga is one way in which an individual might be able to combat foot pain from plantar fasciitis. Specifically, there are certain yoga poses that are designed to stretch the plantar fascia. These poses might also stretch other related muscles. Some of these stretches include the upward salute, the chair pose, the high lunge, and others. If you are someone that is struggling with plantar fasciitis, you might benefit from practicing certain yoga stretches. It is suggested that individuals with plantar fasciitis or heel pain schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for treatment and advice. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

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 offices located in Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are someone whose employment causes you to stand on your feet for long periods of the workday, you might be putting yourself at an increased risk of developing a foot condition. For example, it is suggested that an individual stands for approximately two to four hours each day. When an individual must stand for too long every single day, they could be putting too much strain on their feet. Employees like hairdressers, cashiers, and factory line workers could all be spending too much of the day standing on their feet. To address this issue, an employee might consider breaking up the workday by taking sitting breaks to ensure that they are not standing for the entire day. If you are a worker that spends a lot of the work day standing, it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 offices located in Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are a common affliction of the foot in which the bones in the feet are misaligned, resulting in a bony bulge at the base of the big toe. The underlying causes of bunion might be genetic or related to some kind of injury to the big toe. It is common for some individuals with bunions to possibly mistake their bunion for another condition of the foot, such as sesamoiditis. However, the two conditions are importantly different. Although both bunions and sesamoiditis can affect the big toe, sesamoiditis is characterized by the inflammation of the two sesamoid bones that float below the big toe joint. This inflammation can occur as a result of overuse. Bunions, by contrast, are primarily characterized by the bony bulge at the sides of the big toes. If you are someone who believes that they may have bunions or a related condition, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to make an appointment. 

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

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?

Doctors 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 doctor.

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 Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.