A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the heel bone, often caused by the buildup of calcium deposits. This condition is closely related to plantar fasciitis, where inflammation occurs in the tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Heel spurs can cause sharp pain, especially when walking or standing for long periods. Osteophytes, the medical term for bone spurs, can develop due to excessive pressure or inflammation in the joints. Exercises for heel spurs aim to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the foot and calf, improving flexibility and reducing tension on the heel. Stretching the Achilles tendon, rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot, and toe stretches can help relieve pain and prevent further damage. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose heel spurs, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

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 podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors 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 offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Wearing high heels can significantly impact both physique and gait. The elevated heel forces the body to shift its weight forward, which can alter posture and lead to an unnatural spinal curve. This change in alignment often results in tension in the lower back, hips, and knees. Over time, consistent use of high heels can contribute to muscle imbalances, as certain muscle groups, such as the calves, become shortened while others, like the hamstrings, may weaken. Gait is also affected, as high heels cause the wearer to take shorter, less stable steps, increasing the risk of stumbling or twisting an ankle. Additionally, the pressure placed on the toes can lead to foot problems like bunions or hammertoes. If you have developed foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer relief and treatment tips, in addition to guiding you toward appropriate high-heel choices. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Achilles tendon injuries are uncommon in pediatric and adolescent populations but can require surgery in severe cases, such as complete ruptures or deep lacerations. These injuries can occur during sports or accidents, especially in active teens, although young tendons are typically resilient and heal well with conservative care. Surgery is usually reserved for complex or complete tears that cannot heal adequately on their own. Despite being rare, surgical repair generally has positive outcomes for young patients, with most regaining full function and mobility following rehabilitation. Recovery includes targeted exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and balance, reducing the risk of re-injury. If your child has incurred an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you have it evaluated by a podiatrist to determine the best course of action and ensure a safe, effective return to activity for the growing foot and tendon structure.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails, a common foot issue, occur when the nail's edge grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and pain. This condition often affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or injury. In cases where pain intensifies, or infection signs like pus and increased swelling appear, it is wise to consult a podiatrist. A podiatrist can assess the severity and recommend treatments based on individual needs. They may lift the nail to relieve pressure, or in more severe cases, remove part of the nail to prevent further issues. They might also suggest preventive measures, such as proper nail-cutting techniques, footwear advice, and orthotics if foot structure contributes to the problem. If you suffer from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you get prompt podiatric care to alleviate pain and help prevent recurring ingrown nails and potential infections.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Hammertoe is a condition characterized by an abnormal bend in the middle joint of a toe, often caused by imbalanced muscle or tendon forces,  wearing ill-fitting footwear, or underlying conditions like arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes, which can lead to corns and calluses. When conservative treatments, such as orthotics or targeted exercises fail, a podiatrist may recommend surgery. Two common types are fusion and tendon transfer. Fusion involves permanently joining the affected joint to correct the toe's position. Tendon transfer repositions the tendon to restore balance and function, allowing for better alignment. Recovery from hammertoe surgery varies, but patients typically need to wear a special boot and limit activity for an extented period of time. A podiatrist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and help determine what the best surgical approach is for each individual case. If you are experiencing symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored treatment options, which may include surgery for relief.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors 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 offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.