A heel spur is a small, bony growth that develops on the underside or back of the heel bone. It forms when calcium deposits build up, often where ligaments or tendons attach to bone. Although some heel spurs cause no discomfort, others occur along with inflammation that contributes to heel pain. Symptoms include tenderness while walking or standing, especially after resting. Understanding what causes heel spurs can help you find relief and protect your foot health.

Age is a common risk factor, because the tissues supporting your feet change over time. Years of wear and tear may increase stress around the heel, allowing calcium deposits to develop. Overuse also contributes, particularly when running or standing for long periods without adequate support. Other risk factors include excess body weight, tight calf muscles, and poorly fitting shoes. People with plantar fasciitis may develop heel spurs because repeated tension affects the tissue that connects the heel to the toes.

Heel spur pain often feels worse during the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. Discomfort may ease as you move, then return after prolonged activity. However, the spur itself is not always the source of pain. A podiatrist can examine your foot, review your symptoms, and order an X-ray to confirm whether a spur is present. Treatment options include wearing supportive footwear and taking medication to reduce inflammation, when appropriate.

Most heel spurs improve with conservative care, and surgery is rarely necessary. A podiatrist will recommend a treatment plan based on your symptoms and daily activities. Do not avoid addressing persistent heel pain, since early evaluation can help prevent worsening discomfort. If you have heel pain or suspect 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 David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. 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 Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

High-ankle pain develops above the ankle joint, where ligaments connect the lower-leg bones. These ligaments hold the bones together and keep the ankle stable. Pain can begin after the foot twists outward while the leg turns inward. This motion can cause a high-ankle sprain, which differs from a sprain on the outside of the ankle. High-ankle pain can also result from a fracture, arthritis, or tendon irritation. Symptoms include tenderness above the ankle, swelling, and pain when the foot turns outward. Walking, climbing stairs, and pushing off can become difficult.

Because several problems can cause pain above the ankle, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist will ask how symptoms began and where pain is strongest. The examination includes checking swelling, movement, and stability. The podiatrist may rotate the foot or press along the lower leg to identify injured tissue. X-rays can reveal a fracture or unusual spacing between the lower-leg bones. An MRI scan provides a closer look at ligaments and tendons when the cause remains unclear. Severe pain, an inability to bear weight, or a misshapen ankle needs prompt medical attention. Redness, warmth, or fever can also signal a problem requiring timely care.

Treatment depends on the cause and extent of damage. A podiatrist can protect the ankle with a brace, walking boot, or cast. These devices limit harmful motion while tissues heal. The podiatrist can recommend an activity change and guide a gradual return to movement. Custom orthotics can improve alignment and reduce stress when poor mechanics contribute to pain. A severe ligament injury can leave the lower-leg bones unstable and sometimes requires surgery. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing and adjust treatment as needed. Early care can reduce the risk of lasting weakness, stiffness, and repeated injury. If you are experiencing high-ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that causes abnormal changes in connective tissue. It is often associated with hardened or tightened skin, but its effects can extend deeper into the body. The feet may be affected because systemic sclerosis can involve blood vessels, nerves, joints, and surrounding tissues. These changes can make walking less comfortable and may alter the way the foot supports the body during daily activities.

Foot symptoms can include swelling, stiffness,  and pain. Some people experience cold toes or changes in toe color because blood vessels can narrow during Raynaud's phenomenon. Tight skin may make the toes feel restricted and uncomfortable inside shoes. In some cases, small sores or ulcers can develop, especially when circulation is reduced. Risk factors include a personal or family history of autoimmune disease. Smoking and repeated cold exposure can also contribute to circulation problems.

The foot normally works as a flexible support system that absorbs impact and helps the body move forward. Systemic sclerosis can interfere with this process. Stiff skin or joints may reduce flexibility, while painful areas can cause a person to change their walking pattern. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, sensation, and skin condition. They may also look at joint movement, and pressure areas. Treatment may involve protective footwear, pressure reduction, and regular monitoring. If a sore is present, the podiatrist can assess its severity and recommend appropriate care while watching for infection or delayed healing.

Living with systemic sclerosis does not mean you have to ignore changes in your feet. Simple daily checks can help you notice redness, swelling, or sores, early. Keeping the feet protected from pressure and cold can also be helpful. Because foot problems may become more difficult to manage when circulation is affected, early evaluation matters. If systemic sclerosis is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Ballet dancers place demands on the feet and ankles, which can make Achilles tendon injuries a concern. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel and helps the foot push off during movement. An injury can cause pain, stiffness, or swelling near the back of the ankle. Symptoms may become more noticeable during jumps, pointe work, or repeated movements.

Overuse is a common cause of Achilles tendon problems in ballet dancers. Rehearsing for long hours, increasing training too quickly, or repeating demanding movements can place stress on the tendon. Poor technique, limited calf flexibility, and wearing unsupportive footwear may also increase risk. Previous Achilles problems can make another injury more likely. Pain should not be ignored because dancing is part of a routine.

Finding relief starts with giving the tendon time to recover. Refrain from dancing until pain and swelling have improved and a podiatrist has advised a return. Rest may help reduce discomfort during the early stage. Adhesive strapping may provide support when recommended by a podiatrist. During an evaluation, a podiatrist will examine the ankle, discuss training habits, and check tendon function. Imaging tests may be ordered when a serious injury is suspected. Treatment can include activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, or other measures based on the injury.

Returning to ballet should be gradual rather than rushed. A podiatrist can help determine when dancing may safely resume and how to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. Dancers should pay attention to recurring stiffness or pain after practice because these symptoms may signal continued irritation. Taking breaks and addressing symptoms early can help protect foot and ankle health. If you are a ballet dancer and have sustained an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact David K. Morris, DPM of Florida. Our doctor 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 office located in Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.