A heel spur is a pointy accumulation of calcium deposits that build up over time on the heel bone. They are the body’s response to repetitive strain or localized inflammation where soft tissues meet the bone. Heel spurs can develop at various locations on the heel bone. When the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, a heel spur can sometimes develop at the back of the heel (where the tendon attaches to the bone). When the long tissue that connects the toes with the heel (plantar fascia) becomes damaged and inflamed, heel spurs can sometimes form on the heel under the arch. Obesity, gait abnormalities, flat feet or high arches, age, improperly fitted shoes, and other factors that stress the feet can also contribute to the formation of a heel spur. Some heel spurs can cause pain and tenderness, while others are asymptomatic, and only become discovered on an X-ray taken to diagnose another condition. A podiatrist can treat a heel spur through a variety of conservative treatments including icing and resting, physical therapy, stretching, oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotic devices.
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 one of our podiatrists from JB Jenkins & Associates. 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 Chicago, IL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Children can experience many of the same foot problems that adults do, but some conditions are more frequently seen in children than in adults. Sever’s disease, also called calcaneal apophysitis, is inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It affects active children between the ages of 8 and 14 and causes heel pain that can make it difficult to walk properly. Flat feet, which children are born with, are usually asymptomatic, but can pose a problem for some children. If your child has flat feet and complains of foot pain, cramping, or fatigue, they should be evaluated by a podiatrist. Children are also no strangers to skin and nail issues. Ingrown toenails and foot warts are frequently seen in young children and adolescents. For more information about childhood foot problems, please consult with a podiatrist.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of JB Jenkins & Associates. 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 Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Tinea Pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection that affects the feet and toes. The fungi that cause athlete’s foot thrive in warm and moist environments. The condition is very contagious and often spreads in areas such as communal locker rooms, pools, showers, and even sweaty footwear. Common signs of athlete’s foot include scaling, redness, itchiness, and in severe cases, fissuring (or deep cracking) of the skin. Since athlete’s foot can spread easily, patients who believe they have this condition would be wise to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. The infection will likely need to be treated with antifungal medications, and measures may need to be implemented to keep the feet clean and dry.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from JB Jenkins & Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Athlete's Foot
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
If you have a stabbing pain on the bottom of your foot near the heel that is worse first thing in the morning when you get up, you may have plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of heel pain, occurring when the plantar fascia—a fibrous band of tissue on the sole of the foot that links the heel bone with the toes and supports the arch—becomes irritated, swollen, hot, red and sore. This irritation may occur through overuse of the plantar fascia due to sports activities, obesity, spending a good deal of your day standing, or by having high arches or flat feet. If you are experiencing the pain of plantar fasciitis, which may be worse in the morning or after periods of rest, there are various proven methods and therapies to treat it successfully. Don’t put up with the pain of plantar fasciitis. Instead, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist today to begin your journey to recovery.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from JB Jenkins & Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
How Can It Be Treated?
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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