Items filtered by date: September 2022

As small as a heel spur is, it can bring severe pain and discomfort to the patient. It is a bony protrusion that may be pointed and is found underneath the heel. It is a calcium build-up, and can gradually come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many times a heel spur may be misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis, which is another condition that affects the heel. A diagnosis consists of undergoing an examination that can determine how tender the heel is, in addition to possibly having an X-ray taken. There are patients who find mild relief when anti-inflammatory medications are taken, despite being a temporary fix. Another option that may be considered are custom-made orthotics, and these may help to diminish pressure on the Achilles tendon. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist is consulted who can determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment options. 

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 Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. 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 Edmonds, WA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Plantar fasciitis is an extremely common foot affliction that affects a wide variety of different individuals of different backgrounds. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs through the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia can become swollen or inflamed when it is strained and overused. There are several risk factors of plantar fasciitis to be aware of that could increase the probability of developing this condition. For example, consistently wearing ill-fitting shoes, or footwear that offers little or no arch support, can increase your risk of plantar fasciitis. Additionally, if you are overweight or have gained a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time, this extra weight that you are putting on your feet could make the development of plantar fasciitis more likely. Lastly, running substantially long distances, particularly on uneven surfaces, can make one more susceptible to plantar fasciitis. Contact a podiatrist today for an appointment if you think that you have plantar fasciitis.

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 Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. 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 Edmonds, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Calcaneal apophysitis is a foot condition that affects young teenagers and children. It is referred to as Sever’s disease, and it targets people in this age group who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. The growth plate in the heel is affected causing severe pain and discomfort and physical activities may have to temporarily be stopped as the healing process occurs. This condition happens as a result of excessive pressure that is placed on the growth plate, where it connects to the Achilles tendon. This tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and can become sore and swollen when the growth plate endures this type of stress. You may notice your child limps while walking, or some children find it more comfortable to walk on their toes. There are specific stretches that can be performed which may be helpful in finding mild relief as well as wear shoes that fit correctly. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose Sever’s disease and offer treatment techniques.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Arthritis is a painful condition that can affect the feet. There are several forms of arthritis and each one can develop in different parts of the foot. Osteoarthritis can cause bony spurs on the bottom of the big toe as a result of damaged cartilage. This can often lead to bunions developing and many patients have to purchase wider shoes. Inflammation of the joints in the ball of the foot may be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis. This may result in ligaments that become loose which may help the bone to push against the skin of the sole. Mild relief may be felt when a portion of leather is placed in the shoe, and this may be helpful in moving the pressure to the center of the foot. An extremely painful form of arthritis is known as gout and can develop from genetic reasons or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods may cause excess uric acid and can lodge in the joints of the big toe. If you have foot pain, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose arthritis in the feet as well as offer treatment methods.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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