Connect With Us
Blog
Tuesday, 04 February 2025 00:00
Risk Factors for Heel Spurs
A heel spur is a bony growth that often forms on the underside of the heel bone, typically as a result of prolonged stress and pressure. This condition develops when calcium deposits accumulate over time, leading to the formation of a sharp point on the heel. Heel spurs are commonly caused by repetitive stress from activities like running or standing for long periods. Heel spurs can also be linked to other factors, including obesity, poor footwear, and certain medical conditions, such as arthritis. The symptoms of heel spurs include sharp pain in the heel, especially when walking or standing after long periods of rest. Swelling and inflammation surrounding the affected area are also common. Individuals with flat feet or high arches are at an increased risk, as these foot structures can put additional strain on the heel. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment options.
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 Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. 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 Carmel, CA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 04 February 2025 00:00
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are the result of calcium deposits that cause bony protrusions on the underside of the heel. Heel spurs are usually painless, but they have the potential to cause heel pain. Heel spurs tend to be associated with plantar fasciitis, which is a condition that causes inflammation of the band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. They most often occur to athletes whose sports involve a lot of running and jumping.
Some risk factors for developing heel spurs include running and jogging on hard surfaces, being obese, wearing poorly fitting shoes, or having walking gait abnormalities.
It is possible to have a heel spur without showing signs of any symptoms. However, if inflammation develops at the point of the spur’s formation, you may have pain while walking or running. In terms of diagnosis, sometimes all a doctor needs to know is that the patient is experiencing a sharp pain localized to the heel to diagnose a heel spur. Other times, an x-ray may be needed to confirm the presence of a heel spur.
Heel spurs can be prevented by wearing well-fitting shoes that have shock-absorbent soles. You should also be sure that you are choosing the right shoe for the activity you want to partake in; for example, do not wear walking shoes when you want to go on a run. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight can be beneficial toward preventing heel spurs, as it will prevent an excess amount of pressure being placed on the ligaments.
There are a variety of treatment options for people with heel spurs. Some of these include stretching exercises, physical therapy, shoe inserts, or taping and strapping to rest stressed muscles and tendons. If you have heel pain that lasts longer than a month, don’t hesitate to seek help from a podiatrist. Your doctor can help you determine which treatment option is best for you.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00
Broken Toe Care
A fractured or broken toe typically results from trauma, such as stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on it, or sports injuries. Repetitive stress from activities like running can also cause small fractures over time. Common symptoms include swelling, bruising, redness, and difficulty walking. The toe may appear misaligned, and pain intensifies when trying to move or put weight on it. Treatment depends on the severity. For minor fractures, rest and elevation can help reduce swelling. Taping the injured toe to a neighboring one, known as buddy taping, provides support. However, severe fractures, such as those involving dislocation or improper alignment, may require immobilization, specialized footwear, or even surgery to ensure proper healing. If you suspect a fractured toe, it is suggested that you seek prompt evaluation by a podiatrist to prevent complications and ensure effective recovery.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- Throbbing pain
- Swelling
- Bruising on the skin and toenail
- The inability to move the toe
- Toe appears crooked or disfigured
- Tingling or numbness in the toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 28 January 2025 00:00
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Trauma to the foot, especially the toes, can occur in many ways. Banging them, stubbing them, or dropping something on them are a few different ways this trauma can occur. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break or fracture. Another type of trauma that can break a toe is repeated activity that places stress on the toe for prolonged periods of time.
Broken toes can be categorized as either minor or severe fractures. Symptoms of minor toe fractures include throbbing pain, swelling, bruising on the skin and toenail, and the inability to move the toe with ease. Severe toe fractures require medical attention and are indicated when the broken toe appears crooked or disfigured, when there is tingling or numbness in the toe, or when there is an open, bleeding wound present on the toe.
Generally, a minor toe break will heal without long-term complications. However, it is important to discontinue activities that put pressure on the toe. It is best to stay off of the injured toe and immediately get a splint or cast to prevent any more additional movement of the toe bones. You can also immobilize your toe by placing a small cotton ball between the injured toe and the toe beside it. Then, tape the two toes together with medical tape. Swelling can be alleviated by placing an ice pack on the broken toe directly as well as elevating your feet above your head.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery, especially when the big toe has been broken. Due to its position and the pressure the big toe endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if it is not properly treated. Pain associated with minor toe fractures can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Prescription pain killers may be necessary for severe toe fractures.
The healing time for a broken toe is approximately four to six weeks. In severe cases where the toe becomes infected or requires surgery, healing time can take up to eight weeks or more. While complications associated with a broken toe are immediately apparent, it is important to note that there are rare cases when additional complications, such as osteoarthritis, can develop over time. You should immediately speak with your podiatrist if you think you have broken your toe due to trauma. They will be able to diagnose the injury and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00
Foot and Ankle Exercises Can Help Diabetic Patients
A foot and ankle exercise program can make a significant difference for individuals with diabetic neuropathy, a condition that often impairs nerve function and affects mobility. Targeted exercises can strengthen muscles, enhance flexibility, and improve joint stability, which can collectively boost gait speed and overall walking ability. By focusing on areas weakened by neuropathy, these programs help restore balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and fostering greater confidence in movement. Such exercises also support better circulation in the lower limbs, which is vital for managing diabetes-related complications. When combined with other treatments, including medication and wearing proper footwear, a therapeutic exercise routine offers a holistic approach to improving mobility and foot health. For tailored care and expert guidance on a personalized exercise program, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 21 January 2025 00:00
Exercise for Your Feet
Whether your feet are over-worked or under-worked, chances are they could benefit from some special attention. Even those who exercise regularly probably do not spend any time strengthening their feet. This can be just as rewarding as strengthening the rest of the body, since the health of your feet affects the health of the rest of the body as well, especially the ankles, legs, and spine.
For those who might not have any idea on how a foot-specific exercise might be conducted, there are several workouts that are fairly easy to perform in the comfort of ones’ home. One of the easiest is the toe rise, also known as the tip-toe. This exercise involves standing on the tip-toes for a count of 15 then resting the feet on the ground. This process should be repeated a minimum of three times a day in order to strengthen the feet.
Toe pick-ups strengthen the feet by working them in a very different way. In this exercise, small items are picked up using the toes in order to strengthen the muscles on the upper part of the feet. Once again three sets should be performed, with the item in question being held for 15 seconds then dropped. Items that may be picked up using the feet include marbles and even stationery, which works wonders for the toes and the surrounding muscles.
Yet another simple workout is the ankle pump. This can be done either upwards or downwards, but for the workout to be most effective both can be incorporated into the routine. As the term suggests, this involves lifting the foot off the floor and flexing the toes either towards the shin or towards the ground. This movement puts the feet and ankles through a large range of motion which works the muscles.
Last but not least, feet should be stretched so that the muscles can relax and recuperate. This can be done by placing both feet off of the floor and bracing oneself against the wall at a 45 degree angle. This ensures that the feet and ankles are adequately stretched once the workout is complete.
In short, giving the feet a good workout every now and then is important in order to avoid problems such as plantar fasciitis. It’s also important to warm-up or cool-down after running or vigorous walking. Foot exercises may be followed by a good foot massage. This encourages circulation in the feet as well as muscle relaxation.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00
Factors for Buying Running Shoes
Choosing the right running shoes is important for protecting the health of your feet, toes, and ankles while reducing the risk of injury. When selecting running shoes, think about where you will run. Road-running shoes are ideal for pavement, offering a flatter sole for smooth surfaces, while trail-running shoes have rugged treads designed for uneven terrain. Cushioning is another key factor. Some people prefer maximum cushioning for added comfort, while others choose minimal cushioning to feel more connected to the ground. It is also essential to consider your gait mechanics. If your foot rolls excessively inward or outward while running, shoes with specific support features can help improve alignment. Fit is critical, and running shoes should feel comfortable from the start without a need for a break-in period. Regular runners should inspect their shoes for wear and replace them every 400 to 500 miles. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot mechanics and recommend the best running shoes to support your needs. If you have foot pain related to running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. 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 Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Running may seem like a simple to do. However, running is actually a complex movement that puts stress on the ligaments, bones, and joints of the body. Selecting the correct running shoe is important for increasing performance and avoiding risk of injury. Running shoes should be selected based on your foot type. Considerations such as trail versus road shoes are important. Your foot type dictates the degree of cushioning, stability and motion control you require. The most accurate way to learn your foot type is to visit a local shop that specializes in running shoes. Professionals can measure your arch type, stride and gait and help you with your shoe needs.
The design of running shoes is created around the idea of pronation. Pronation is the natural rolling movement of your ankle from the outside to inside when your foot strikes the ground. If you run properly you strike the ground on the outside of your heel and roll in the direction of your big toe before pushing off once more. Pronation is beneficial because it assists the lower half of your body in absorbing shock and storing energy. Those considered neutral runners pronate correctly and do not need running shoes that help correct their form. Neutral runners can choose from a wide variety of shoes, including barefoot or minimal types. However, those who have arch problems or who adopt an incorrect form while running may experience too much or too little pronation. They may require running shoes that offer additional support.
Those who overpronate experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling. Even while standing, those who severely overpronate display ankles that are angled inward. It is not uncommon for them to have flat feet or curved legs. The tendency to overpronate may cause many injuries. Areas that tend to become injured are the knees, ankles, and Achilles tendon. If you find that you have a tendency to overpronate, you should look at shoes that provide extra stability and motion-control. Motion-control shoes are straight and firm. Shoes of this type do not curve at the tip. The restricted flexibility along the middle of the shoe prohibits the foot from rolling too far inward as your foot strikes the ground.
A less common problem is underpronation. Underpronation, also called supination, is when the feet are unable to roll inward during landing. Those who underpronate have feet that lack flexibility and high arches. This prevents any kind of shock absorption, even though it does place less rotational stress on ankles and knees. This added force can cause fractures, ligament tears, and muscle strains because the legs are trying to compensate for the impact. Those who underpronate need shoes with more cushioning and flexibility. If you have a tendency to underpronate, selecting stability or motion-control shoes may cause you more problems by continuing to prevent pronation.
Published in Featured
Tagged under
Thursday, 09 January 2025 00:00
Get Professional Care for a Broken Foot or Ankle
Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.
Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
Tuesday, 07 January 2025 00:00
Plantar Fasciitis and the Windlass Mechanism
Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress. This condition often results in sharp pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. The Windlass mechanism plays a key role in this condition. It refers to the natural process that occurs when the toes are dorsiflexed, or bent up, causing the plantar fascia to tighten and lift the arch of the foot. This action helps with walking and running but can aggravate plantar fasciitis if the tissue is overstressed. Over time, excessive strain on the plantar fascia can lead to inflammation and pain, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and effectively treat the problem.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Excessive running
- Having high arches in your feet
- Other foot issues such as flat feet
- Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
- Being on your feet very often
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
- Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Published in Blog
Tagged under
