October 2022

Heel spurs are small, bony growths caused by excessive calcium deposits forming on the heel of the foot. These can grow on the bottom of the heel or the heel bone where the plantar fascia ligament attaches the heel to the toes. This connective tissue keeps the foot in a comfortable arch position, but a heel spur can damage the fibrous tissue and it will not be able to perform its job. In addition to causing every step one takes to be painful, heel spurs can cause long-term foot problems. Trying to purchase shoes that accommodate heel spurs can be an overwhelming task, yet it is imperative to wear proper footwear. When choosing footwear to alleviate pain and prevent further damage from heel spurs, it is crucial to look for shoes with firm rearfoots or backs of shoes. These are less apt to bend during movement and thus provide more support to the heel. Shoes should also have additional cushioning and a flexible forefoot that bends and stretches easily with movement. If you suffer from heel spurs, consult with a podiatrist who can help you with treating this condition, as well as suggest the best footwear to help with pain and prevention.

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 John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Chelan, WA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Patients who have pain in the arch of their foot may notice it can be difficult to complete daily activities. The arch is responsible for many functions including absorbing shock, balancing, and helping the body to adapt to various surfaces. The pain may radiate to the heel and the ball of the foot, and this may be a result of foot conditions. An abnormal foot structure can cause arch pain, and people who have gained weight or who have undergone extreme physical stress may have pain in this part of their foot. Some of the ailments that are associated with arch pain are plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and adult-acquired flatfoot. For example, cavus foot can be indicative of having an extremely high arch and may be accompanied by hammertoe and calluses. If you have foot or arch pain for any reason, please consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and offer you effective treatment remedies.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Throughout life, the soles of the feet bear the greatest force. The skin on the soles of the feet is thicker and has extra fat padding, but when it becomes dry it is prone to cracking. This is something that anyone can suffer from, but since padding on the feet gets worn and the gait changes due to age and disability, seniors are particularly prone to cracked heels. The condition can become serious, cause great discomfort, and hamper mobility. If one does not tend to the cracking, it can bleed and the chance of infections setting in is higher. Beyond dry skin, obesity, standing for long periods, and wearing open-back shoes can cause cracked heels too. Also, some diseases that can result in cracked heels include diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and hypothyroidism. The key to treating cracked heels is reducing the pressure on the soles of the feet. Supportive, well-fitting shoes and heel pads may help. If you are elderly or caring for someone older, consult a podiatrist for advice on proper footwear as well as other remedies for cracked heels.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Many professions require workers to stand on hard surfaces all day. Because of this requirement, it is no wonder their feet and ankles become tired and sore. The muscles and tendons of the feet and legs can become stiff and the tendons throughout the feet can become calcified, which can cause various health problems, including ligament damage, ankle sprains, and more. Standing on your feet all day can put stress on bones in the body and interfere with proper circulation that can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease. It should be uplifting to know there are some simple things that can be done to help alleviate discomfort. These things include taking regular rest breaks, breaking up routine movements by varying tasks throughout the day, and wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes, with good arch support. When the day is done, one can get relief from doing regular foot soaks, massaging the feet, stretching the legs and feet, and elevating them. Seeing a podiatrist can help with providing additional suggestions for how to deal with pressure that builds up in the muscles from prolonged standing.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact John Horlebein, DPM from Northern Cascades Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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