Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. They are usually caused by long-term strain on foot muscles and ligaments, excessive walking or running, obesity, or poor footwear. Symptoms include sharp pain in the heel when standing up in the morning, aching pain throughout the day, or tenderness when walking or running. Heel spurs may not be visible, but can feel like a stabbing sensation in the heel or a dull ache that worsens with activity. A podiatrist can diagnose heel spurs through a physical exam and imaging, such as X-rays, to confirm the presence of the bony growth. Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises, custom orthotics, or, in some cases, surgical removal. Addressing underlying conditions is also important for long-term relief. If you are dealing with ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and effective 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 Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot friction blisters are small pockets of fluid that form when repetitive rubbing damages the top layer of the skin. They often appear on the toes, heels, or sides of the feet and can cause pain and discomfort. Risk factors include wearing ill-fitting shoes, excessive sweating, walking or running long distances, and new or stiff footwear. Prevention involves choosing shoes that fit properly, wearing moisture wicking socks, keeping feet dry, and using protective padding when needed. A podiatrist can provide safe and sterile treatment for painful or infected blisters and offer advice on footwear and skin care to reduce recurrence. If you struggle with frequent foot blisters, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer relief and prevention strategies.

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 Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. 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 Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Drop foot, often called foot drop, is a condition where the foot cannot properly lift at the ankle, making it difficult to clear the ground while walking. This problem arises when the muscles at the front of the leg that control ankle motion become weak or lose function, or when the nerve supplying those muscles is damaged. People with drop foot may develop a high-stepping gait to avoid tripping, and without proper care, the ankle can stiffen into a downward pointing position. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity and underlying cause, and provide treatment to help restore mobility and function. Options include the use of an ankle-foot brace to keep the foot in a neutral position or surgery, such as tendon transfer or nerve repair, if the weakness is permanent. These treatments are designed to improve stability, walking ability, and reduce the risk of falls. If you have trouble lifting your feet when walking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Sharp pain in the big toe can interfere with daily movement and may signal underlying conditions. Gout causes sudden, intense pain due to uric acid buildup in the joint. Sesamoiditis results from inflammation of the small bones under the toe. Turf toe is a sprain from forceful bending, often seen in athletes. Additionally, lumps such as cysts or bone growths can also cause discomfort and pressure. A podiatrist can perform a detailed evaluation, provide imaging if needed, and offer targeted treatments to reduce pain and restore function. If you are suffering from big toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to identify the cause and begin the path to healing and relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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