September 2024

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often causing significant pain and discomfort. They typically form over time due to repetitive strain on the foot muscles and ligaments, leading to calcium deposits that build up and create a spur. Heel spurs are commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. People with heel spurs may experience sharp pain, especially when standing up after long periods of rest, or after prolonged activity. Risk factors include obesity, wearing poorly fitting shoes, and engaging in activities that place excessive stress on the heel, such as running or jumping. Treatment often involves rest, stretching exercises, and wearing supportive footwear or orthotic inserts. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary to alleviate pain and remove the spur. If you have a heel spur that is causing persistent discomfort, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan.

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 the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists 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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of the sesamoid bones, which are two small bones located beneath the big toe joint. These bones play a vital role in the movement and function of the toe. The inflammation is often caused by repetitive stress or trauma, such as that experienced from high-impact sports or frequent activities involving the toes. Another possible cause is osteonecrosis, where the blood supply to the sesamoid bones is compromised, leading to bone death and pain. Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also contribute to inflammation of these bones, as can infections that affect the surrounding tissues. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage symptoms and prevent long-term damage. If you have pain under your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to find out if the problem is sesamoiditis.

Sesamoiditis is a painful injury to one or both of the two tiny bones located in the ball of the foot. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

What is sesamoiditis?

The sesamoid consists of two small, pea-shaped bones located in the ball of the foot beneath the big toe. These bones can be injured and broken or inflamed, leading to foot pain and a variety of other symptoms. Sesamoiditis is common in dancers, joggers, people who have high arches, and people who wear high heels frequently. 

Symptoms

• Pain beneath the base of the big toe

• Pain while walking or wearing certain types of shoes

• Swelling

• Warmth

• Redness in the big toe

Diagnosis

Sesamoiditis can be diagnosed through physical examination. Your chiropodist may also wish to take an X-ray or MRI to determine if the bones are fractured, displaced, or affected by arthritis. If there is a different suspected underlying cause, such as gout or an infection, your chiropodist may also need to take a sample of joint fluid. 

Treatment

Treatments for sesamoiditis are usually conservative. You may be asked to wear more comfortable, supportive shoes with a wider toe area, thick sole, and low heel. A chiropodist can also prescribe orthotic inserts that you can put in your shoes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can be taken to help manage pain. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections into the ball of the foot may be needed for pain management. 

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