A heel spur is a calcium deposit that develops along the underside or back of the heel bone. The most common type forms beneath the heel and may be associated with plantar fascia strain. A spur can also develop where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. Although the growth itself may not always cause pain, surrounding tissues can become irritated.

Pain may feel sharp when taking the first steps after waking or after sitting, and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. A spur may appear on an X-ray as a small, pointed or hook-shaped calcium growth. However, it cannot usually be seen through the skin. Risk factors include repetitive impact, excess body weight, and tight calf muscles.

Heel spurs develop when repeated stress causes the body to deposit calcium near an irritated attachment site. Running, jumping, and walking on hard surfaces can contribute to ongoing strain. Foot mechanics may also play a role, especially when the arch collapses excessively or the foot rolls inward. A podiatrist begins treatment by reviewing symptoms and examining the foot. X-rays may be used to identify a spur and rule out other causes when needed. Treatment can include activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, and custom orthotics, when appropriate.

Healing focuses on reducing irritation while addressing the reason the heel is under repeated stress. A podiatrist may recommend temporary activity modification and cushioning inserts to reduce pressure. If heel pain or suspected heel spurs are affecting your routine, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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 Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and 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, please feel free to contact our office located in Camarillo, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Obesity can affect the feet and ankles because these structures support the body during standing and movement. As body weight increases, the amount of force placed on weight-bearing joints also rises. The ankle joint can experience forces several times a person’s body weight while standing and walking, which means added weight may increase mechanical stress. Research has linked obesity with a higher occurrence of foot pain and problems such as tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and osteoarthritis. Changes in foot width and arch structure may also affect how a person walks and how comfortably shoes fit.

The effects of obesity on the feet may extend to balance, injuries, and long-term mobility. Changes in walking patterns can make movement less efficient, while poor balance may increase the likelihood of falls. Obesity is also associated with adult-acquired flatfoot, which can develop when an important tendon supporting the arch is placed under greater strain. Higher body weight has also been connected with Achilles tendon problems and an increased risk of ankle fractures. These conditions can cause pain that makes physical activity more difficult, creating additional challenges for people already dealing with foot or ankle problems.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot pain and identify problems that may be related to increased stress on the feet and ankles. An examination can assess walking patterns, foot structure, and areas of discomfort to determine which tissues or joints are affected. This is especially important because obesity may also influence the risks and outcomes associated with certain foot and ankle surgeries. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate treatment based on the specific diagnosis and consider factors that may affect mobility or future care. If ongoing foot or ankle pain is limiting your ability to walk comfortably, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form under the skin. On the feet, they can develop when repeated friction causes the skin to become irritated. Shoes that rub against the heel, toes, or other areas of the foot can create this friction. Blisters can also result from burns, skin reactions, or other conditions. A typical blister contains clear fluid and can cause pain or tenderness. Blood blisters can appear red or dark because small blood vessels under the skin have also been damaged. The location and appearance of a blister can provide clues about what caused it. Some blisters heal without causing further problems, while others can become painful or infected.

A podiatrist can examine a foot blister to determine its cause and check for signs of infection or other skin problems. An infected blister can become hot, swollen, and painful. Yellow or green fluid can also develop inside the blister. Redness surrounding the area can be another sign of infection. A podiatrist can evaluate these changes and determine the appropriate treatment. Professional care can also be helpful when blisters are very painful, keep returning, or appear without an obvious cause. Repeated blisters can sometimes point to an issue with the way shoes fit or how pressure is placed on certain areas of the foot.

Treatment depends on the blister and what caused it. A podiatrist can protect the affected area, address pressure or friction that is contributing to the problem, and determine whether the blister requires drainage or other treatment. When an infection is present, a podiatrist can recommend appropriate care to address it. A podiatrist can also evaluate recurring blisters to identify factors that could be contributing to them. Early evaluation can help prevent a small blister from becoming a larger foot problem. If you have developed foot blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Alice Kim, DPM of 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

A bunion is a bony bump that forms along the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe. It develops as  the big toe begins to lean toward the smaller toes, causing the joint at its base to shift outward. Bunions often develop gradually and may become more noticeable over time. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness around the affected joint. The big toe may also become stiff or difficult to move. Although some bunions cause little discomfort, others can make walking or wearing certain shoes painful. Changes in foot structure and family history can increase the likelihood of developing bunions.

As a bunion progresses, the changing position of the big toe can affect how pressure is distributed across the foot. This may lead to discomfort while walking and make the joint more sensitive to pressure from footwear. Some people develop hardened skin over the bunion or experience pain in nearby toes. Arthritis can also affect the big-toe joint and contribute to stiffness. Because bunions can worsen over time, persistent symptoms should be professionally evaluated. An examination can determine the severity of the deformity and identify other foot problems that may be contributing to pain or difficulty walking.

A podiatrist can evaluate a bunion by examining the foot, big-toe position, and joint movement. X-rays may be recommended to measure changes in alignment and assess the condition of the joint. Podiatric treatment depends on the severity of the bunion and how much it affects daily activities. Care may focus on reducing pressure, improving foot function, and managing discomfort. For severe bunions that continue to cause significant problems, surgery may be considered to correct the position of the toe. If bunion pain, swelling, or stiffness is making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Alice Kim, DPM of 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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