A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone, often causing significant discomfort. This condition typically arises from repetitive stress or strain on the foot, which can lead to inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament that supports the arch. Risk factors can include obesity, prolonged standing, improper footwear, and activities that put excessive pressure on the feet. The main symptom is sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. To prevent heel spurs, it is essential to wear supportive shoes, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid excessive strain on the feet. Stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia can also help reduce the risk of developing this condition. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs.

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 Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Cary, NC . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Flip-flops, while convenient and casual, are not ideal for foot health. Their lack of arch support and cushioning can lead to issues like foot pain, poor posture, and increased risk of injury. The minimal support may worsen conditions like plantar fasciitis and contribute to misalignment of the feet. Flip-flops also offer little protection from sharp objects or uneven surfaces, making them unsuitable for extended walking or physical activities. They are best worn for brief periods in low-risk environments, such as the poolside or beach, where minimal foot protection is needed. For daily wear or activities that involve prolonged standing or walking, opt for footwear that provides proper arch support and cushioning to promote overall foot health and comfort. Foot conditions may develop when flip flops are frequently worn. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment and who can guide you toward more appropriate shoe choices.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Michael Tomey, DPM from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

The Achilles tendon, the strongest tendon in the body, connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and is important for walking, running, and jumping. Achilles tendon injuries, such as ruptures, often result from sudden increases in activity or trauma. Conservative treatment for Achilles tendon injuries includes rest, compression, and elevation, in addition to immobilization with a cast or brace to allow natural healing. This approach is typically recommended for less severe injuries or for patients who may not be suitable candidates for surgery. Minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair surgery involves making small incisions to stitch the torn ends of the tendon together. This method reduces the risk of infection, minimizes scarring, and often leads to faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Choosing between conservative treatment and surgery depends on the injury's severity, the patient’s activity level, and overall health. If you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to help you determine the best course of treatment. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Michael Tomey, DPM of Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor 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 Cary, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord, preventing communication with the extremities. Diabetes often causes peripheral neuropathy. However, it can also occur due to genetics, infections, injuries, hormonal imbalances, or other medical conditions. Peripheral neuropathy may cause numbness, weakness, muscle twitching, or cramps in the feet. It may also cause changes in nails, skin, and hair, and often results in a pins-and-needles sensation in the legs and feet. Peripheral neuropathy may affect the balance and prevent your ability to recognize temperature changes or pain. You may also experience disturbances in your emotions and sleep patterns. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested you contact a podiatrist. They can help diagnose peripheral neuropathy and manage its symptoms with oral medications, orthotic devices, regular checkups, and advice on proper foot care.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Michael Tomey, DPM  from Cary Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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