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December 2022

Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00

What Causes Pain With a Heel Spur?

A heel spur can produce severe pain and discomfort, despite their small size. It is defined as a bony growth that forms on the bottom of the heel, generally as a result of consistent pressure the heel endures. Pain that often accompanies this condition is caused by an inflamed ligament that connects the heel to the toes, causing difficulty in completing daily tasks. This can happen from being obese, frequently running, or possibly from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Larger heel spurs may feel like a small hook on the inside of the heel that can be an inch or longer. Intense heel pain will often bring the patient to a podiatrist to have an X-ray taken, which can determine the exact size of it, although the pain is typically caused by inflammation. At the first sign of heel pain, it is strongly urged that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer treatment methods that are correct for you, which may include surgery for removal. 

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 Dr. Robbi Young from Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. 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 Grand Haven, MI . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00

Risk Hazards for Developing Flat Feet

Flat feet is a condition that is common among babies and not so much among adults. Most babies are born with flat feet and the arch generally develops during the teenage years. Adults who retain this condition may have been born with an abnormal foot structure or possibly endured a foot injury. Some people have pain from having flat feet which can begin in the arch or heel and radiate to the leg. Additionally, shoes can wear unevenly, and the feet may become swollen and stiff. It is easy to notice as the foot lies completely flat on the floor while standing. When custom-made orthotics are worn, the feet may benefit from the cushioning these devices provide. Existing medical conditions may increase the risk of getting flat feet. These can consist of having diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to being overweight. If you have flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Robbi Young from Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

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Monday, 19 December 2022 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 13 December 2022 00:00

Benefits of Scheduling Easy Running Days

Runners who do not care for their feet or practice good foot care habits can be setting themselves up for a nasty foot injury. If you are a runner, ensure that you are doing everything you can to protect your foot from injury. One important precautionary step you can take is to run easy, or non-strenuously, during scheduled easy running days. For example, when a runner exerts themselves on such days, it can tire the feet and make running at a high pace more difficult during harder runs. Taking easy days too seriously can also add extra stress to the feet, making them more susceptible to injury. If you are a runner, ensure that you are doing what you can to protect them from injuries. Working with a podiatrist can greatly help in this respect. Schedule an appointment today.


 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Robbi Young of Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

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Tuesday, 06 December 2022 00:00

Who Is Prone to Getting Sesamoiditis?

There are bones that are located in the foot which are called the sesamoids. Tendons connect these particular bones to the muscles, and sesamoiditis can happen when these tendons become inflamed. Pain, swelling, and tenderness often accompany this foot condition, and completing daily activities may be difficult to accomplish. The two sesamoid bones are located at the bottom of the foot and big toe, and may also become strained from overuse. People who participate in running and jumping activities may be prone to developing sesamoiditis, and it can be common among dancers. Effective treatment can begin with stopping the activity that caused the injury, and resting the foot as often as possible. Some patients find relief when custom-made orthotics are worn, which may help to provide adequate cushioning. If you have this type of foot pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat sesamoiditis. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Robbi Young of Grand Haven Foot & Ankle. 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 Grand Haven, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Sesamoiditis
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