Items filtered by date: July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022 00:00

Types of Bone Spurs in the Heels

Two conditions that involve the growth of bone spurs in the heel are heel spur syndrome and insertional Achilles tendonitis. Calcaneal (heel) spurs commonly develop in people who have plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. Bone spurs sprout as a way of protecting the bottom of the heel. Common causes are strained foot muscles and ligaments, and over-stretching the plantar fascia. Other factors in heel spur development are age, obesity, and osteoarthritis. Fortunately, most heel spurs are not painful. Insertional Achilles tendonitis affects the part of the heel that connects to the leg bone. The spur develops around the tendon and irritates it, causing pain. The inflamed portion of the tendon can then calcify. Insertional Achilles tendonitis usually develops gradually, aided by repetitive running and jumping and the aging process. If you have heel pain, it may be a good idea to consult a podiatrist to conduct an exam and provide treatment based on the diagnosis.

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 Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about How to Treat Heel Spurs
Saturday, 23 July 2022 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Tuesday, 19 July 2022 00:00

Types of Corns

Corns are one of the most uncomfortable foot conditions that can develop. It happens as a result of excess friction that comes from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Corns can form on top of the toes, on the side of the pinky toe, or between the toes. There are two categories of corns, consisting of hard or soft. The latter forms between the toes and remains soft from existing moisture that is found there, and they appear to be whiter than hard corns. Hard corns can form on top of the toes or on the bottom of the feet. It is helpful to wear shoes that fit properly. This is beneficial in reducing the corn to a smaller size, and it may gradually completely diminish. Many people wear a protective pad over the corn, which may provide adequate cushioning and possibly reduce the pain that is associated with corns. If you have developed a corn that is extremely bothersome, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options, which may include medication.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Understanding Corns and Calluses
Tuesday, 12 July 2022 00:00

Tips for Your Everyday Foot Care Routine

Taking small but deliberate steps everyday to care for your feet can help to keep them functioning well and feeling great. Although each individual’s daily foot care routine is a highly individualized process, there are a number of steps you might consider incorporating into your routine. First, try washing your feet every day with soap and warm water to ensure that they are clean. This can be done either in the shower or in a small tub of water. After washing your feet, dry them thoroughly with a towel and apply your favorite moisturizer, focusing especially on the heels to prevent cracks and dryness. You might also consider taking time each day to briefly inspect your feet, checking for any signs of infection. During these inspections, you should be on the lookout for cuts, redness, and inflammation. To cap off your daily foot care routine, you might also check to make sure that your toenails do not need to be trimmed. Leaving your toenails untrimmed for too long might put you at a greater risk of developing an ingrown toenail. To learn more about these daily health tips and others, reach out to a podiatrist. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 05 July 2022 00:00

Truck Driving and Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most common causes of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This condition is caused by the straining of the ligament that runs between the toes and the heel. The straining of this ligament can produce sharp and shooting pains in the bottom of the feet that are most prominent when taking your first step after a prolonged period of rest. Many individuals are at a higher risk of suffering from plantar fasciitis. Namely, women who often wear high-heeled shoes are more prone to experiencing plantar fasciitis because of the extra strain that such footwear causes on the heel. However, it may come as a surprise to some that truck drivers are also at a greater risk of experiencing this condition. This can be explained by the fact that truck drivers spend most of their day sitting while driving, but often must suddenly and sporadically engage in physical activity during rest stops before they can properly stretch and re-engage ligaments in their feet. Truck drivers may be able to stave off the effects of plantar fasciitis by regularly stretching foot ligaments and muscles, especially before beginning to walk after a long drive. Truck drivers may also consider opting for more supportive footwear or wearing a heel cup for extra protection. Although some occupations may put individuals at a greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis, a podiatrist may be able to help create a plan to remedy and prevent this condition.

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 Nola Sole Podiatry. 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?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

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