A heel spur is a small, bony growth that develops on the underside or back of the heel bone. It forms when calcium deposits build up, often where ligaments or tendons attach to bone. Although some heel spurs cause no discomfort, others occur along with inflammation that contributes to heel pain. Symptoms include tenderness while walking or standing, especially after resting. Understanding what causes heel spurs can help you find relief and protect your foot health.

Age is a common risk factor, because the tissues supporting your feet change over time. Years of wear and tear may increase stress around the heel, allowing calcium deposits to develop. Overuse also contributes, particularly when running or standing for long periods without adequate support. Other risk factors include excess body weight, tight calf muscles, and poorly fitting shoes. People with plantar fasciitis may develop heel spurs because repeated tension affects the tissue that connects the heel to the toes.

Heel spur pain often feels worse during the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. Discomfort may ease as you move, then return after prolonged activity. However, the spur itself is not always the source of pain. A podiatrist can examine your foot, review your symptoms, and order an X-ray to confirm whether a spur is present. Treatment options include wearing supportive footwear and taking medication to reduce inflammation, when appropriate.

Most heel spurs improve with conservative care, and surgery is rarely necessary. A podiatrist will recommend a treatment plan based on your symptoms and daily activities. Do not avoid addressing persistent heel pain, since early evaluation can help prevent worsening discomfort. If you have heel pain or suspect a heel spur, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 practitioners from Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our practitioners 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, please feel free to contact our office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle fusion surgery is used to join the bones of a damaged ankle joint so they heal into one stable connection. This procedure is also called ankle arthrodesis. The goal is to reduce severe pain and improve stability when an ankle has become badly damaged. Fusion does not restore normal ankle motion, but it can make walking more comfortable by removing painful movement. This surgery is generally considered when other treatments have not provided enough relief.

Ankle arthritis is a common reason for fusion surgery. It can develop after an injury, repeated stress, or years of joint wear. Severe joint damage from inflammatory arthritis or previous fractures may also cause ongoing pain. Symptoms include ankle stiffness, swelling, and pain while walking. A podiatrist or podiatric surgeon will evaluate the ankle and use imaging tests to determine whether fusion is appropriate.

There are two main approaches to ankle fusion. Open ankle fusion uses an incision that allows the surgeon to directly access the joint, remove damaged cartilage, and prepare the bones for healing. Arthroscopic ankle fusion uses a camera and specialized instruments through smaller incisions. The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and positions the bones so they can fuse together. The choice depends on joint damage, anatomy, and the podiatric surgeon's assessment. Screws or other fixation devices may be used to hold the bones securely while they heal.

After surgery, careful protection of the ankle is important. A podiatrist may prescribe a cast or boot and provide instructions for limiting weight on the surgical foot. Follow-up visits and imaging tests help monitor bone healing and alignment. Pain management and incision care are also part of recovery. The podiatrist will explain when it is safe to gradually increase activity. If you have ankle pain that may require ankle fusion surgery, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our practitioners of Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our practitioners will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Keeping your feet healthy as you age can make them more comfortable and help you stay active. Aging can change the skin, muscles, and circulation. These changes may increase the chance of common foot problems. Wearing supportive shoes and having good hygiene helps protect foot health. Paying attention to changes in pain, swelling, or walking comfort is important. Early attention to foot problems can make them easier to manage.

Bunions and hammertoes are common concerns. A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe as the top of the toe moves toward the others. Hammertoe is a deformity that causes one or more smaller toes to bend downward at a joint instead of lying flat. Risk factors include age, family history, and wearing shoes that cause pressure on the toes. Arthritis can contribute to stiffness and deformity. Symptoms may include aching, redness, or difficulty wearing shoes.

Healthy habits can lower the chance of worsening foot problems. Wash and dry your feet each day between the toes. Moisturize dry skin, but avoid lotion between the toes. Choose shoes with enough room for your toes and a stable sole. Additionally, trim toenails and inspect your feet daily for blisters, cuts, or pressure spots. If pain develops, avoid pushing through it. A podiatrist can examine your feet, assess your walking pattern, and identify problems needing treatment.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the problem. A podiatrist may recommend footwear changes, padding, or medication. For bunions or hammertoes that remain painful, surgery may be considered when other options fail. Regular follow-up can help track changes and protect mobility. If you are aging and noticing foot pain or new deformities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief, treatment, and management solutions.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our practitioners of Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our practitioners will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Pickleball combines quick starts, sudden stops, and sharp changes in direction on a hard court. These movements place heavy stress on the feet and ankles. An ankle sprain can occur when the joint rolls and stretches or tears its supporting ligaments. Other injuries related to pickleball include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon tears, and stress fractures. Plantar fasciitis causes pain where the thick band beneath the foot becomes irritated. Repeated impact can also lead to heel pain or pain in the ball of the foot. Poor balance, fatigue, and shoes that lack proper support can raise the risk of injury.

Symptoms vary with the injured area and damage. An ankle sprain can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. Achilles tendon trouble can produce stiffness above the heel and pain when pushing off. A stress fracture can cause focused pain that grows worse with activity, while plantar fasciitis usually creates sharp heel pain after rest. Sudden inability to bear weight, a visible change in shape, or a popping sound requires prompt attention. Continuing to play through pain can worsen an injury and change the way a player moves. This can strain the opposite foot and legs.

A podiatrist can examine the painful area, test joint movement, and evaluate foot mechanics. X-rays can reveal broken bones or changes in joint alignment. Other imaging can help identify damage to tendons, ligaments, or soft tissue. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and the demands placed on the foot. A podiatrist can provide immobilization, bracing, or custom orthotics to protect the injured area and improve support. The podiatrist can also recommend court shoes with proper cushioning and side-to-side stability. For serious injuries, the treatment plan can include surgery. Evaluation guides a safe return to pickleball. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from playing pickleball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our practitioners of Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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