Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
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Common Reasons Heel Spurs Develop
Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone, often forming either beneath the heel or at the back where the Achilles tendon attaches. They result from ongoing stress or irritation of the bone, leading to an overproduction of calcium deposits. Over time, this buildup creates a spur-like projection. Several factors can contribute to the formation of a heel spur. Included are tightness in the plantar fascia or calf muscles, repetitive pressure from activities like running or jumping, and irritation from shoes that press against the heel. Foot injuries and chronic conditions like arthritis that cause inflammation, can also play a role. Abnormal foot biomechanics, like flat feet, may increase tension on heel structures, further encouraging bone spur development. Symptoms include sharp pain in the heel when first standing, lingering soreness after activity, stiffness, or the presence of a hard lump. If you have symptoms of a heel spur, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam 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 Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky 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 Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Getting Back in the Game After a Broken Toe
A fractured toe may seem minor, but it can significantly affect balance, stability, and athletic performance. These injuries often occur from direct impact, stubbing the toe, or repetitive stress during sports. Recovery depends on the severity and location of the break, with healing typically taking several weeks. Rest, protective footwear, and sometimes taping or splinting allow the bone to heal properly. Rushing back to sports too soon can delay recovery or lead to re-injury. Once pain and swelling subside, gradual return to movement and strength training helps restore flexibility and coordination. Wearing supportive shoes, and, in some cases, orthotics can reduce pressure on the healing area. If you are an athlete and have a broken toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist before resuming full activity to ensure the toe has healed completely, and to receive guidance on safe re-entry into training and competition.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky from Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- Throbbing pain
- Swelling
- Bruising on the skin and toenail
- The inability to move the toe
- Toe appears crooked or disfigured
- Tingling or numbness in the toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Causes and Symptoms of Runners Toenail
Runner’s toenail, also known as a subungual hematoma, is a common foot injury among people who run long distances or engage in sports that involve frequent stopping and starting. Runner's toenail occurs when repeated impact causes the toenail to hit the front or top of the shoe, or when toes rub against each other, leading to bleeding beneath the nail. The big toe is most often affected, but any toe may be involved. Symptoms may include dark red or black discoloration of the nail, pain, swelling, pressure under the toenail, or even loss of the nail if it becomes loose or damaged. Running downhill or in hot weather, which makes the feet swell, often increases the risk. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, provide treatment, and help prevent ongoing nail damage. If you have symptoms of runner’s toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
- Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
- Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
- “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
- Cross-Training is Crucial
- Wear Proper Running Shoes
- Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms in the Feet
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its own joints, leading to inflammation and damage. Early symptoms in the feet often include pain, stiffness, and swelling, especially in the toes and midfoot. Causes are linked to immune system dysfunction, and risk factors include genetics, family history, and female gender. These early signs can make walking uncomfortable and may affect daily activities, if left untreated. A podiatrist can assess joint health, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and provide exercises to maintain mobility. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to detect whether it is from RA and to reduce discomfort while protecting long-term foot health and function.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Steven Shlonsky of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Shlonsky will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
- Swelling and pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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