A heel spur is a small, bony growth that can develop on the heel bone. A plantar heel spur forms beneath the heel, while a posterior heel spur develops near the back of the heel. These growths can occur when repeated stress causes changes where soft tissue attaches to bone. Heel spurs may be found during an X-ray even when they cause no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, people may notice heel pain, tenderness, or discomfort while standing or walking.

Heel spurs are often associated with long-term strain on the foot. Risk factors include repetitive activity, excess pressure on the feet, and certain foot structures. Wearing unsupportive shoes can also increase stress around the heel. Flat feet and high arches may change how pressure moves through the foot. Previous foot injuries can contribute as well. Although a heel spur can look like a small pointed projection on an X-ray, its appearance does not always explain the amount of pain a person experiences.

Symptoms can vary depending on where the heel spur develops and what structures surround it. A plantar heel spur may be linked with pain beneath the heel, especially after periods of rest. A posterior heel spur may cause discomfort where the Achilles tendon meets the heel. Swelling or tenderness can develop around irritated tissue. A podiatrist will review your symptoms and examine your foot. X-rays may help identify a spur and evaluate the surrounding bone structure.

Treatment focuses on reducing pressure and addressing the source of irritation. A podiatrist may recommend wearing supportive footwear, custom or activity changes based on your needs. Medication may help manage discomfort when appropriate. The foot can then be monitored as symptoms improve. Surgery is generally considered only when persistent pain does not respond to conservative care. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs. 

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 Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. 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, please feel free to contact our office located in Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Big toe pain can make walking, standing, and activities uncomfortable. One possible cause is stiffness and arthritis in the joint at the base of the big toe, known as hallux rigidus. As cartilage wears down, the joint may become painful and stiff. Symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, and difficulty bending the toe. Some people develop a bump near the joint or pain when pushing off.

Arthritis is a common cause of hallux rigidus, but previous injuries, repeated stress, or abnormal foot structure may also contribute. Risk factors include increasing age, family history, and foot mechanics. Toe numbness can sometimes occur when swelling or footwear places pressure around nearby nerves. As movement becomes limited, a person may change how they walk to avoid discomfort. This altered gait can place extra stress on other parts of the foot or leg.

A podiatrist can evaluate big toe pain by reviewing symptoms and examining the toe, joint movement, and gait. X-rays may be used to assess the joint and identify arthritis or bone changes. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. A podiatrist may recommend supportive shoes with a roomy toe box, activity changes, or custom orthotics. Anti-inflammatory recommendations may also be considered. Severe cases may require an injection or surgery to improve joint function and reduce pain.

Early treatment can help protect comfort and mobility. Choosing shoes that do not squeeze the joint may reduce pressure and irritation. Avoiding activities that sharply increase pain can also help during evaluation. Persistent stiffness, numbness, or pain should not be ignored, especially when walking becomes difficult. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat hallux rigidus.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Wearing shoes that are too tight can place pressure on the toes, nails, and sides of the feet. A narrow toe box may squeeze the toes together, while a short shoe can force them against the front. This pressure can cause soreness, blisters, and areas of thickened skin. Corns can form where the skin repeatedly rubs against a shoe. Tight shoes can irritate bunions and hammertoes, making standing or walking painful. An ingrown toenail may become worse when the shoe presses the nail edge into skin.

Poorly fitting shoes can affect more than the skin. Crowded toes may shift position, which can contribute to deformities or make existing ones more painful. Pressure on a nerve can cause burning, tingling, or numbness. Shoes that pinch the heel may lead to irritation at the back of the foot. Patients with diabetes need caution because nerve damage can reduce their ability to feel pressure or injury. A small blister or sore may go unnoticed and develop into an infection. Foot pain that continues after the shoes are removed deserves an evaluation.

A podiatrist can identify the source of pain and determine whether tight shoes have caused a skin problem, nail injury, or toe deformity. The examination includes checking tender areas, joint movement, and skin condition. The podiatrist can measure both feet and explain which shoe length, width, and toe-box shape provide a better fit. Treatment includes safely reducing corns or calluses and caring for an ingrown toenail. Padding, custom orthotics, or another device can reduce pressure and improve foot position. For a severe deformity that does not respond to other treatment, the podiatrist can discuss whether surgery is appropriate. Getting care early can relieve discomfort and help prevent a minor pressure spot from becoming a larger problem. If you have foot pain related to footwear choices, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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