The pain that comes from the foot condition known as a heel spur is in the heel and lower leg. Many people who have this ailment liken it to stepping on a thumb tack, and it may feel worse in the morning after waking up but may diminish as a result of how mobility affects the feet. A heel spur looks like a small, pointed growth that develops on the heel bone. The plantar fascia can become irritated with a heel spur, which can often be mistaken for plantar fasciitis. Most heel spurs are small, and can be identified when an X-ray is taken. The Achilles tendon may be affected where it connects to the heel bone, and it can become painful. Common symptoms generally associated with a heel spur include difficulty in putting weight on the heel, warmness, and swelling. Research has indicated that most heel spurs develop from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, or possibly from uneven pressure exerted while running or walking. If you have a heel spur, please confer with a podiatrist, who is the best type of doctor to offer you correct treatment solutions.

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 Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Sever’s disease is a common overuse injury that affects the heels in growing children. This typically occurs in children ages seven to 14 when their bodies are undergoing rapid growth. Pain may develop due to inflammation where the Achilles tendon inserts into the growth plate located in the heel bone. Activities, like running and jumping can exacerbate the stress on the heel bone’s growth plate and cause pain. As might be expected, this affliction is most often seen in young athletes who participate in sports including soccer, gymnastics, football, and basketball. Such pain often goes away with rest and worsens the activities that caused it. It can be in one or both heels and a child might start limping or walking on their toes to avoid putting pressure on their heels. Resting the affected foot/feet is the best course of action. If the pain does not subside after a short period of time, take your child to a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the condition and treat it appropriately.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

By nature of a restaurant worker’s job, most of the work day is spent walking or putting weight on the feet. Restaurant workers are certainly not alone – in fact, many workers across the country (including hairdressers, nurses, and school teachers) spend the majority of the work day on their feet. While there are many different techniques you might consider trying to mitigate the toll your job might be taking on your feet, wearing compression socks could be a very useful trick. Compression socks are meant to facilitate blood circulation in the feet and legs, effectively reducing swelling in these areas. This might be particularly beneficial for workers who have developed varicose or spider veins. Compression socks are also now produced in a wide variety of different colors and designs, making them fun and fashionable, in addition to being useful. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today if you spend your day on your feet and want to learn more about compression socks.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Exercises to improve your balance as you age can also contribute to a healthier life in general. In addition to improving posture, stability, and coordination, balance exercises can lower the risk of being injured through falls. Studies find that after six weeks of balance exercises, seniors also improved their coordination, leg strength, and ankle mobility. Experts recommend that seniors perform two or three sets of exercises a week, but it is always wise to check in with a medical professional beforehand. Here are two simple balance exercises you can try. Weight shift: Stand with legs hip-width apart, shift the weight to one foot, and then lift the other foot. Hold for 30 seconds. You may wish to keep a chair nearby, or lightly touch the wall if needed. Repeat on the other foot. Do this three times. Even if you need a walker, there are some exercises you can do. Marching: Stand with hands on the walker and lift one knee, then lower and lift the other knee. Repeat 20 times. For more information on how to improve your balance and lower the risk of falling, please consult a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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