Many runners end up with heel spurs, often as the result of repetitive pounding on hard surfaces. A heel spur, also known as a calcaneal spur, is a bony protrusion on the underside of the calcaneus bone of the heel. Plantar fasciitis sometimes damages the membrane that covers the heel bone, making it more likely for heel spurs to form. Although heel spurs can become quite painful, many people develop them over time without knowing it. In general, it is not a heel spur itself, but damage to its surrounding tissue that causes the pain. Common causes of heel spurs include overstretching the plantar fascia, damage to foot muscles and ligaments, and wearing shoes that lack proper cushioning or arch support. Many nonsurgical treatments successfully reduce the pain, including cortisone injections, taping, custom orthotics, exercises, and replacing footwear. If your heel pain persists, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an examination, a diagnosis, and an 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 our foot specialists from California. 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 Upland, CA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

A blister is a fluid-filled bubble that forms on the skin.  Most often these blisters are caused by one toe repeatedly rubbing against another toe or the lining of a shoe and irritating the skin. These are referred to as friction or pinch blisters and can typically be treated at home. Wearing shoes that fit properly, keeping feet clean and dry, and not walking barefoot in warm, humid areas can help prevent friction blisters from forming.  It is important not to pop or pick at a blister as it can become infected, but if it has broken, toes should be soaked in clean, warm water and Epsom salts. If you are unsure which type of blister has formed, you suspect an infection, or if the friction blister is not healing within a reasonable time, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist to have it evaluated, treated, and to learn how the formation of your blisters can be prevented.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact our foot specialists of California. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

It may be difficult for you to know if your child is having heel pain, because it isn’t often associated with children. However, certain conditions that cause heel pain can afflict the young, even if they don’t know how to properly communicate their distress. Sever’s disease, for instance, is a form of heel pain that stems from irritation to the growth plate in the heels of growing children. Children can also develop plantar fasciitis from overuse of the heel or by wearing shoes that don’t fit. This condition is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue where it connects to the heel on the sole of the feet. Active children can also develop tiny stress fractures of the heel bone which can occur gradually over time and be quite painful. There are certain clues your child’s condition may provide, if you know what to look for. If your child limps or changes the way they walk or run, cuts back on physical activities, complains that their feet or heels feel odd or stiff, or that something is stuck in their shoe, they may have a painful heel condition. It is suggested to make an appointment for your child with a podiatrist to have your child’s condition diagnosed and treated properly. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact our foot specialists of California. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

There are many people who suffer from the condition that is known as rheumatoid arthritis. The feet can become affected by this ailment which may lead to other foot conditions arising. Permanent relief may be found when foot surgery is performed. Rheumatoid arthritis may lead to the development of bunions. This produces a large, bony protrusion on the side of the big toe and may be the result of the toes shifting due to the arthritic disease. Bunion surgery involves cutting the affected bones in the foot and realigning them in a normal position. Additionally, arthritis may damage specific joints in the foot and a fusion may be needed that can help to reduce pain. There are many benefits to having foot surgery performed such as resuming normal functions of the feet, completing daily activities without pain, and wearing appropriate footwear. If you have chronic pain in your feet or you are afflicted with arthritis, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine if foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact our foot specialists of California. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Stress fractures are bone breaks that happen more subtly than one would usually think of when imagining broken bones. They are caused by repetitive movement on or by a bone over time. These fractures can either be hairline fractures or total breaks. Common areas of the body for stress fractures to occur include the shin, thigh, pelvis, and feet. Anyone can be affected by stress fractures but they are most commonly seen in athletes, healthcare workers, and military personnel. Generally, this type of fracture is caused by overuse. While the body is constantly repairing itself, certain actions prevent the body from normal healing. Feet need ample time to rest and repair or one can be prone to fractures. Other possible causes of bone breaks include osteoporosis, wearing improper footwear (too tight, too high, or not supportive), misaligned bones or muscles, obesity, and using oral steroids. If you experience foot pain that is not going away in a reasonable time frame, visit a podiatrist to see if you have developed a stress fracture.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact our foot specialists from California. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Many people worldwide often neglect taking care of their feet. This may lead to developing different types of skin or nail infections, which can be difficult to treat. There are effective everyday foot care practices that may help to prevent specific foot conditions, in addition to enhancing the skin tone of the feet. It is important to wash and dry the feet thoroughly, and it can help to apply a good moisturizer daily. Some people enjoy getting pedicures, which can be beneficial in removing dry and jagged skin. Additionally, when the proper shoes are worn, the feet feel comfortable, and wearing socks can protect the feet against potentially harsh environments. If you would like more methods on how to practice everyday foot care, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact our foot specialists from California. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Many people who have diabetes also develop foot problems, mainly because of nerve damage (neuropathy) and decreased blood circulation. Neuropathy results in numbness, so you are less able to detect sores or injuries to the feet. Poor circulation makes it more difficult for sores to heal and resist infection. The combination frequently results in skin ulcers that may go all the way to the bone and an  increased risk of infection as the wound remains open. In the worst cases, it can lead to amputation. Some measures can be taken at home by you or a healthcare worker to help avoid such developments. Included are keeping your feet clean and dry, checking for injuries or sores that don’t heal, and being aware of redness, swelling, or odors coming from your feet. It is important to keep your toenails properly trimmed and avoid going barefoot. It is even more important to have regular visits with a podiatrist who can perform examinations of your feet before they develop into serious or life-threatening conditions.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact our foot specialists from California. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Flat feet are also referred to as “fallen arches.” As the name suggests, this condition results from collapsed arches or when the feet lay flat against the floor while walking. Babies and toddlers do not have arches at first, but they develop them as they grow. Flat feet can develop if arches do not mature normally. This may happen because of shoes that do not provide adequate arch support, wearing high heels, or overpronation (rolling inward) of the feet. While flat feet should not interfere with the usability of a person’s feet, the pain might be felt in the feet or calves since the feet must work harder to compensate for the lack of arches. If you suspect you have flat feet it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation, customized creation of arch supports, and any other treatment that may be required.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact our foot specialists from California. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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