Heel spurs are small, bony growths that develop on the heel bone. They can form underneath the heel, where the foot absorbs pressure while standing and walking. Although a heel spur might sound painful, many people have one without noticing any symptoms. When discomfort occurs, it can feel like a sharp stab or a deep bruise beneath the heel. Pain may be especially noticeable with the first steps after getting out of bed. Heel spurs can appear alongside plantar fasciitis, which is irritation of the thick band of tissue supporting the arch. Because these problems can feel similar, heel pain deserves a careful examination.

Repeated strain on the foot can contribute to heel spur formation. Running, jumping, and long periods of standing place extra demands on the heel. Excess body weight can increase that pressure. Shoes that lack proper support may also affect how weight moves across the foot. Tight calf muscles can change how the heel handles stress. Another related problem is Achilles tendon irritation, which causes discomfort near the back of the heel. The location of pain helps a podiatrist understand which tissues might be involved. An X-ray can show a heel spur, but finding one does not prove it is the source of pain. A proper diagnosis helps avoid treating the wrong problem.

A podiatrist can examine your heel, review your activity level, and evaluate how you walk. They can check for tenderness and decide whether an X-ray would help clarify the diagnosis. Treatment can include supportive shoe inserts, protective taping, and professionally guided stretching exercises. These approaches aim to reduce strain on painful tissues and improve comfort. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes with suitable cushioning and support. Treatment focuses on the cause of pain rather than assuming the bony growth must be removed. Persistent discomfort deserves attention before it begins limiting everyday movement. If you have symptoms of heel spurs, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and 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 Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. 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, please feel free to contact our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running places repeated force on the feet and ankles, especially when mileage or intensity rises too quickly. This strain can irritate muscles, tendons, or bones. Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain when the band beneath the foot becomes irritated. Achilles tendonitis affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. Ankle sprains occur when the ankle rolls and stretches the ligaments that hold it together. Stress fractures are small cracks in bones caused by repeated pressure. Pain that changes a runner’s stride should not be ignored because altered movement can place stress on other areas.

Several factors raise the risk of a running injury. Wearing shoes that lack support can allow poor foot alignment and reduce protection from impact. Uneven surfaces, weak ankle muscles, and limited flexibility can contribute. A sudden change in distance, pace, or hill training places extra demand on tissues that are not prepared for the added workload. Warning signs while running include increased foot pain, swelling, or tenderness in one spot. Other concerns include bruising, reduced ankle motion, or pain that continues after activity. A popping sound, inability to bear weight, or visible change in shape needs prompt medical evaluation.

A podiatrist can examine how the feet and ankles move, locate the injured area, and determine the severity of the problem. X-rays can reveal fractures or changes in joint alignment. Other imaging tests can help identify stress fractures or soft-tissue damage that does not appear on an X-ray. Treatment includes activity changes, bracing, or custom orthotics to improve support and reduce pressure. A podiatrist can assess running shoes and identify problems with foot mechanics. For injuries, a walking boot can protect the area while it heals. Surgery can be considered for a severe fracture, a complete tendon tear, or an injury that remains unstable. If you have injured a foot or ankle while running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Brain Middleton, DPM of Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Pregnancy changes how the body carries weight, and the feet feel the effects. As the baby grows, added weight places more pressure on the feet and ankles. Hormonal changes also loosen the tissues that support the arches. As a result, feet can become longer, wider, or flatter. Some changes may remain after delivery. Swelling can make shoes feel tight, while changes in balance can affect movement. These changes can lead to aching feet and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Foot discomfort should not be ignored, especially when it interferes with everyday activities.

A study of foot health during pregnancy found that participants in their third trimester reported the greatest foot pain. They also had more difficulty finding shoes that fit properly. Their activity levels were lower than those reported earlier in pregnancy. The second trimester was associated with the least foot pain. Swelling in the feet and lower legs can contribute to discomfort because fluid collects in the tissues. Flattened arches may also change how pressure spreads across the soles. A podiatrist can assess these changes and determine what is contributing to pain.

Podiatric care during pregnancy focuses on comfort, support, and safe movement. A podiatrist can record changes in foot size and recommend shoes with adequate room and proper support. Custom shoe inserts may help distribute pressure and support arches that have become flatter. A podiatrist can also examine swelling and assess how the feet function while walking. Treatment recommendations should reflect the stage of pregnancy and each patient's symptoms. Sudden or severe swelling, especially with a headache or vision changes, requires urgent medical evaluation. Persistent pain also needs attention rather than being dismissed as part of pregnancy. If you have symptoms of pregnancy-related foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Foot wounds can become serious when they do not move through the normal healing process. A wound that fails to heal properly over time is considered a chronic wound. Several types can affect the lower legs and feet, including diabetic, arterial, and pressure ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers often develop because nerve damage can reduce the ability to feel pain or repeated injury. Poor circulation can further interfere with healing. Chronic wounds require careful evaluation because their cause influences the type of treatment that may be needed.

Evaluating a non-healing foot wound involves more than examining the injured skin. Medical professionals consider the wound’s location, size, and depth. They may also evaluate drainage and the type of tissue within the wound. Blood flow is especially important because poor circulation can prevent damaged tissue from healing normally. Diabetic foot ulcers commonly develop on the toes or the bottom of the forefoot and may be surrounded by thick callused skin. Some wounds can extend into deeper tissues. Imaging may be needed when there is concern that an infection has reached the bone.

A podiatrist can evaluate a foot wound, identify factors interfering with healing, and determine an appropriate wound-care plan. Treatment depends on the type of wound and its underlying cause. Professional care may involve removing dead tissue, controlling infection, and selecting appropriate dressings. For diabetic foot ulcers, reducing pressure on the affected area is also an important part of treatment. A podiatrist can also evaluate circulation and nerve function to identify problems that may affect healing. Certain wounds may require coordinated treatment with vascular or other medical specialists. Early professional attention is important because chronic foot wounds can lead to deeper infection and other serious complications. If you have a foot wound that is not healing normally or continues to worsen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate wound-care treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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