Foot and Ankle Specialist
June 2020
Do I Have a Heel Spur?
A common foot condition often associated with heel pain is referred to as a heel spur. A heel spur is a bony growth located as the name suggests, at the heel of the foot. They may form at the back of the heel, under the heel, or at the sole of the foot. Heel spurs can develop when the tendons and tissues that attach to the heel are overstretched or injured, often causing inflammation. Repetitive athletic stress and inflammatory diseases may also cause the development of a heel spur. Heel spurs may be diagnosed through the use of an ultrasound or X-ray in order to identify the bony protrusion. As far as treatment for heel spurs, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for professional care and advice.
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 Don A. Shumway, DPM from Arizona. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Snowflake, AZ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Read more about How to Treat Heel SpursTreating Neuropathy
Neuropathy can cause the hands and feet to tingle and become numb. The nerves that recognize the position of your hands and feet and sense hot and cold, are particularly impacted by neuropathy. Neuropathy may be caused by numerous factors such as age, malnourishment, alcohol use, medications, and from cancer or the treatment being received. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of neuropathy that can include numbness, tingling, sensitivity to temperature, weakness or clumsiness, it is important that you consult with a podiatrist immediately. A podiatrist will be able to help determine the cause of the neuropathy and provide the necessary treatment. Treatments can include, but are not limited to, a nutritional plan, pain medications, or physical therapy.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Don A. Shumway, DPM from Arizona. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
- Numbness
- Sensation loss
- Prickling and tingling sensations
- Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
- Muscle weakness
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Snowflake, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about NeuropathyWhat is a Corn?
Corns are formed by a buildup of hard and dead skin that usually forms around the toe joints. The most common cause of corns is poorly fitting shoes, but activities like running and climbing can lead to corns as well. They normally form in a cone-like shape and work as the foot’s method of protection from friction. Ultimately this extra skin can cause uncomfortable pressure on the feet. Corns are very common and are also treatable. The most common solutions are to wear properly fitting shoes and to take pressure off of the corn as often as possible. If you continue to experience issues with corns, or you have preexisting conditions like diabetes, poor blood flow, or fragile skin, please consult with a podiatrist.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Don A. Shumway, DPM of Arizona. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Snowflake, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
What Is A Stress Fracture?
Patients who have endured a stress fracture in the foot may run or walk through the pain and discomfort that is often associated with this type of injury. It develops gradually from overuse, and is considered to be a hairline fracture. Common symptoms that patients experience can consist of swelling, and in severe cases, the inability to walk. It is beneficial to cease the activity that caused the injury, and it may help to wear a protective boot as the healing process takes place. Research has indicated healing may be accelerated when specific stretches and exercises of the affected foot are performed. If you have a stress fracture in your foot, it is strongly advised that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with proper healing techniques.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Don A. Shumway, DPM from Arizona. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
- Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
- Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
- Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
- Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
- Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Snowflake, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and AnkleGout Pain Can Be Managed
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Sesamoiditis May Affect the Joints in the Big Toe
The pain that is felt when sesamoiditis is present generally encompasses the area under the big toe. Discomfort can be felt on the sole of the foot, and it may spread throughout the entire area of the big toe. This condition can occur from overuse while participating in running and jumping activities. Additionally, patients may experience a change in walking patterns from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, which can lead to sesamoiditis. Moderate relief may be found when the intense activity is stopped, and it can help to wear shoes that are comfortable and fit properly. If you think you may have developed this condition, and would like a proper diagnosis, please consult with a podiatrist who can recommend the best treatment for you.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Don A. Shumway, DPM of Arizona. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
- Sudden increase in activity
- Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
- Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Snowflake, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Sesamoiditis