A heel spur is small but capable of causing severe pain and discomfort. Heel spurs develop on the bottom of the heel over a period of time and are defined as a bony growth or calcium deposit. This calcium deposit can develop as a result of repeated stress on the foot ligaments and tendons. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may contribute to getting a heel spur, in addition to frequently running on uneven surfaces. Research suggests that the risk of a heel spur may be reduced when a healthy lifestyle is practiced. This can include eating foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish. It is beneficial to avoid foods that consist of red meats, dairy products, caffeine, and processed foods. If you would like more information about heel spurs and how eating healthy foods may help patients who have heel spurs, please ask a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths from calcium deposits. They occur at the back of the heel bone or underneath the heel bone and usually form in response to chronic irritation of the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. They are often asymptomatic, but if you are suffering from heel pain, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms of Heel Spurs

• Tenderness
• Heel pain
• Pain when walking
• No symptoms

Diagnosis

Since heel spurs are often asymptomatic, they are usually only diagnosed when they are found on the heels incidentally during an X-ray taken for another reason. Nevertheless, if you have heel pain, and particularly if you have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, it may be worth it to see if you have heel spurs too. 

Treatment

Unless they are causing symptoms, heel spurs typically don’t require any treatment. When they are symptomatic, treatments are typically conservative. They may include resting and icing the affected foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing orthotics or supportive footwear, especially while exercising. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Cracked heels often follows having extremely dry skin. It can be a painful ailment, and in severe cases, can develop into fissures that can bleed and become infected. Cracked heels can be unsightly, and can occur from wearing shoes that have an open back, or possibly from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. Additionally, there may be existing medical reasons why this condition may occur. These can include eczema, psoriasis, thyroid disorder, or obesity. Methods can be implemented that may reduce the risk of getting cracked heels. It is advised to refrain from wearing flip-flops that have an open back, and most of these types of shoes have little or no support. People who are overweight may choose to wear orthotics, which may help to evenly distribute their weight away from the heels. If you have cracked heels, please consult with a chiropodist who can steer you toward the right treatment techniques. 

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering you, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers. 

Causes

Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including: 

• Dry skin
• Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps
• Standing for long periods of time
• Walking barefoot
• Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops
• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis

Treatment

There are many at-home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can prevent cracked heels by:

• Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time
• Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back
• Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water
• Moisturizing the feet daily

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

The medical term for the foot condition known as Sever’s disease is called calcaneal apophysitis. It is an ailment that affects the heel of young teenagers who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. It happens as a result of repeated trauma inflicted on the heel’s growth plate which is part of an underdeveloped heel. Common symptoms may include limping, swelling, and the pain may worsen when the heel is squeezed. It is beneficial to wear shoes that have adequate cushioning in the heel and arch area, and it can help to maintain a healthy weight. This is often advised so the heel can be protected from additional pressure. There are specific stretches that can be performed that may help to strengthen the Achilles tendon, which is connected to the heel. If your child is afflicted with Sever’s disease, please confer with a chiropodist sooner than later so the correct treatment can begin.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot pain, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
• Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel
• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities
• Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Cuboid syndrome is a condition that affects the feet. This ailment may also be referred to as dropped cuboid, locked cuboid, and subluxed cuboid. The cuboid bone is one of seven tarsal bones that are located on the outside of the foot. Repeated stress on the outside of the foot may result in cuboid syndrome and this could be due to the torn tendons surrounding these bones. It is quite a common injury among ballet dancers because of the style of dance that is practiced. It can also occur from an ankle injury or certain medical conditions including flat feet and overpronation. As mentioned, the pain accompanied by cuboid syndrome is felt on the outside of the foot and it may even spread to the ankle and toes. The patient may limp, and the overall foot may feel weak. Additionally, the pain may be at its worse upon arising in the morning and subside as the day progresses. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a chiropodist who can effectively treat cuboid syndrome. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in the foot become injured. If you think that you may have cuboid syndrome, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

The cuboid bone is one of the seven tarsal bones located in the foot. Cuboid syndrome develops when the cuboid bone moves down and out of alignment with the other bone (calcaneus bone) in the joint of the foot. Cuboid syndrome can be the result of a sudden injury like an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly over time from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures. 

Symptoms

The most common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain on the outside of the foot which may worsen with activity. 

Other possible symptoms include: 

• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot
• Swelling
• Sensitivity on the bottom of the foot
• Reduced range of motion  

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can diagnose cuboid syndrome based on your medical history and a physical examination of the foot. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, often fail to show the dislocated cuboid. 

Treatment

Treatment often includes resting, icing, compressing and elevating the affected foot, taping, wearing orthotic inserts, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain. The chiropodist may also be able to manipulate the dislocated bone back into alignment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON .