A heel spur is a bony growth that develops along the underside or back of the heel bone. It forms when ongoing stress causes calcium deposits to build up over time. Although a heel spur may appear on an X-ray, it does not always cause pain. Common symptoms include heel pain, tenderness, and discomfort after rest. Several factors can contribute to heel spur development. Understanding these factors can help you make informed choices about foot care. Pain may be strongest with the first steps in the morning.

Age is one risk factor because cushioning and flexibility can change over time. Excessive weight can place additional pressure on the heels during daily activities. Poor foot function may also contribute when abnormal walking mechanics increase stress on the heel. Other risk factors include prolonged standing, repetitive activity, and tight calf muscles. A history of plantar fasciitis may also increase the likelihood of developing a heel spur.

When heel pain continues, a podiatrist begins with a discussion of symptoms and a foot examination. X-rays may identify a heel spur and evaluate the heel bone. The podiatrist may recommend activity changes, heel cushions, or custom orthotics to reduce pressure. Treatment can also include medication when appropriate to manage inflammation and pain. If symptoms persist, additional podiatric treatments may be considered based on the cause and severity of the condition.

A heel spur can sound concerning, especially when pain affects your routine, but the presence of a spur does not automatically mean surgery is necessary. Early evaluation can help you understand why your heel hurts and what steps may improve comfort. If you have persistent heel pain or a heel spur, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate 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 one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. 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, please feel free to contact our office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement at the upper back of the heel. The bump forms near the point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. It can rub against the back of a shoe and cause pain, redness, and swelling behind the heel. The area may feel tender, and a bump can develop. Pain can be noticeable when wearing shoes with firm heel counters. Some patients also have discomfort when they begin walking after resting. The condition can affect one heel or both heels.

The cause of Haglund’s deformity is not always clear. A tight Achilles tendon, high arches, and an inherited heel shape can raise the risk. Pressure from wearing stiff or poorly fitting shoes can worsen irritation. The nearby fluid-filled sac, called a bursa, can become inflamed. This sac cushions the heel bone and Achilles tendon. When it becomes irritated, swelling and pain can increase. A podiatrist examines the heel, checks the patient’s foot structure, and asks when the pain occurs. X-rays can show the heel bone and the size of the bump. Other imaging can help assess the Achilles tendon or surrounding tissue when the cause remains unclear.

Treatment focuses on reducing pressure, easing inflammation, and protecting the back of the heel. The podiatrist can recommend shoes with a softer heel area or room around the bump. Custom orthotics or heel lifts can improve foot position and reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. Padding may limit shoe rubbing. A temporary walking boot can protect the area when pain is severe. The podiatrist can also monitor the tendon and adjust treatment based on the patient’s progress. When these measures do not provide enough relief, surgery may be considered to remove the excess bone and address damaged tissue. If you have symptoms of Haglund's deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that can affect anyone, not just athletes. The fungus grows well in warm, damp places and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Public showers, locker-room floors, and pool areas can increase exposure. Feet that remain sweaty inside tight shoes can also create conditions that allow the fungus to grow. Symptoms include itching, redness, and peeling skin. Some patients develop burning or stinging, while others notice cracks between the toes. The infection can also cause blisters or thick, scaly skin on the soles and sides of the feet.

Because athlete’s foot spreads easily, an infection can pass to other people or reach other areas of the body. Scratching an infected foot and then touching another area can transfer the fungus. A podiatrist can examine the affected skin and determine whether the problem is athlete’s foot or another condition with similar symptoms. When the diagnosis is uncertain, the podiatrist can take a small skin scraping for testing. This can help confirm whether fungus is present. A podiatric evaluation is especially important when the skin is badly cracked, painful, or showing signs of another infection.

A podiatrist can recommend treatment based on the location and severity of the infection. Treatment can help clear the fungus, reduce uncomfortable symptoms, and lower the chance of spreading it. The podiatrist can also check the toenails because fungal infections can sometimes affect both the skin and nails. Patients can receive guidance on keeping the feet dry and reducing future exposure to fungus. This includes choosing breathable shoes, changing damp socks, and protecting the feet in shared wet areas. Follow-up care can help determine whether the infection has cleared or requires a different treatment approach. If you have developed an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

A foot corn is a small, thickened area of skin that develops from repeated pressure or friction. Corns often appear on or between the toes, but they can also form on other areas of the foot. The skin becomes thicker as a protective response to ongoing irritation. Wearing shoes that are too tight, narrow, or poorly fitted can squeeze the toes and create repeated rubbing. Other causes include toe deformities, abnormal walking patterns, and uneven pressure across the foot. Common symptoms include a raised or hardened area of skin, tenderness, and pain when standing or walking.

There are three common types of foot corns. A hard corn is a firm, dense patch of thickened skin that often develops over a bony area of a toe. It may have a hard center and become painful when pressure is applied. A soft corn usually forms between the toes, where moisture and friction create a softer, pale area of thickened skin. A seed corn is a very small corn that commonly develops on the bottom of the foot. It may feel like a tiny hard grain beneath the skin and can become uncomfortable when weight is placed on it.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing a corn. Poorly fitting footwear, hammertoes, and prolonged standing or walking can increase pressure and friction. A podiatrist can examine the corn and surrounding foot to determine what is causing repeated irritation. Treatment may include safely reducing the thickened skin, protecting the area from pressure, and recommending supportive footwear or orthotics, when appropriate.

Preventing corns requires addressing the source of pressure. Shoes with enough room for the toes can reduce rubbing and irritation. Corns should not be cut with sharp tools at home because this can cause injury or infection. If a corn is painful, recurring, or interfering with daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and appropriate treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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