Items filtered by date: July 2023

A calcium build-up on the underside of the heel may indicate a heel spur has developed. It can happen by increasing speed and distance too quickly while running or by wearing shoes with inadequate support. Additionally, medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis may cause a heel spur to develop. Regardless of the cause, a heel spur can be painful, and walking can become difficult. A diagnosis is often performed, which consists of having an X-ray taken. This is successful in ruling out a fractured heel bone. The symptoms associated with a heel spur can include sharp pain under the foot, which may become worse after a prolonged time of rest, and the affected foot may feel warm when touched. Treatment can begin with elevating the foot and temporarily stopping the activity that may have caused the heel spur. Performing specific stretches may help to alleviate some of the discomfort, as well as to maintain a healthy weight. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist as soon as possible who can effectively 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 Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Hallandale Beach, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

A diabetic ulcer is an open sore on the skin of someone with diabetes. The wounds are partial or full losses of skin that often occur on the feet. Diabetics are at higher risk of foot abnormalities, including foot ulcers, because they often have peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage in the feet and constricted blood flow caused by peripheral arterial disease. It would seem as if these ulcers would be painful, however, those with diabetes often have decreased sensations in their feet, so they might not feel them. Among a variety of ways diabetics can prevent such ulcers include managing blood sugar levels, trying to exercise regularly, losing weight, stopping smoking if applicable, and practicing good routine foot care. The important thing is to detect such sores as soon as possible and have them treated to halt complications, such as infection, amputation, and worse. Recurrence of these sores is common. If you are a diabetic, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist among your healthcare providers to have regular foot exams and treatment of anything suspicious, such as foot wounds.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

The available array of running shoes is a positive thing but can be daunting. It is not easy to determine the right pair of running shoes for your feet and your needs. The shoes must fit well and be comfortable. Running shoes have different purposes and are designed to fit the foot of the runner in specific ways. Slight variations can impact one's running experience. Trying them on later in the day, with socks and insoles that will be worn while running, can help ensure a proper fit. Everything above the sole of the running shoe should lay smooth and not bind, chafe, or bunch anywhere. The heel should not slip or irritate the back of the Achilles tendon but should allow for comfortable ankle movement. The way the shoes lace and support the arch should feel secure and allow for the natural doming of the arch while running. The toe box should be wide enough to allow the toes to spread naturally and should not rub against them in any way. The soles of the running shoes should match the running surface and be made of materials that provide traction, stability, and durability, without adding weight or stiffness. The proper shoes should flex or roll in the way the foot moves, be cushioned to personal comfort, and be of a height that feels right and reduces stress on weak parts of the feet. If overpronation is a problem, the shoes purchased should have more stabilization features. If you have questions about the right running shoes for you, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for help in this area.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

When a heel becomes injured, it is common for it to look bruised and swollen. This can happen from overuse or from participating in high-impact sports, and it can be painful. Resting the affected foot can often help, in addition to making sure to wear shoes that fit well. It is important to ensure that shoes have enough room in the heel area to avoid excessive pressure, and it is beneficial to wear shoes that are appropriate for the activity being done. Using shoe inserts can provide extra support to cushion the sore heel, and wearing shoes with a low heel can shift the foot forward onto the ball of the foot. This is often effective in taking the pressure off the heel. If it is not possible to stay off the feet for the time required for healing, using crutches or a knee scooter can help with mobility without putting excess weight on the foot. Because there are so many reasons a heel can become bruised, it is important to be aware if the bruise worsens. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can examine your foot and administer proper treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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