A heel spur develops between the heel and arch of the foot. It is a calcium deposit that is often accompanied by severe heel pain. Heel spurs can appear to be pointy or hooked and can be up to a half-inch long. Heel pain often requires a visit to the podiatrist, who can effectively diagnose the cause. This can be done by having an X-ray, which can help rule out other foot conditions. Many people develop heel spurs from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. This can cause strain on the muscles and ligaments and can gradually wear out the soft tissues. Additional reasons why heel spurs can develop may include being overweight and frequently participating in running and jumping activities. Resting the affected foot may provide temporary relief, and it may help to wear shoes that have a cushioned heel. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you options for permanent relief.

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 Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. 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 offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail can develop when the side of the nail essentially grows into the skin surrounding the toenail. Not only can this condition be unsightly, it can also cause a patient discomfort and pain. Ingrown toenails have an interesting relationship to pus that patients ought to be familiar with. Pus can sometimes ooze from an ingrown toenail if there is an infection. In these circumstances, the pus may appear to be a green or yellow color. Pus can therefore be a helpful indicator that something might be wrong with your ingrown toenail. Infections are nothing to take lightly, and if you believe you have one, seek out medical attention. If you are someone that struggles with a case of ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment and advice. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. 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

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 Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are many positive things that running can provide. People who enjoy running find it is simple and inexpensive, and the endorphins that are produced can have an energetic effect. Preventing running injuries is important, especially to avoid gaps in your running routine. Running can be demanding on the body yet rewarding to the mind, and having a strong body may help to avoid painful running injuries. It is beneficial to warm up and cool down before running, in addition to gradually increasing speed and mileage. Performing exercises that target the glutes may help to strengthen the legs, and these can include squats and lunges. The feet land on the ground with an excessive amount of force, so it is important to choose shoes that fit your feet and running style correctly. If you have questions about how to prevent running injuries, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with effective prevention methods.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people have foot pain when their work day is over, and it is important to wear shoes that fit correctly that can help to reduce the aches and pains of standing all day. In addition to this, it is urged to practice foot safety, and this begins with purchasing protective shoes. Accidents may be reduced when shoes have a slip-resistant outer sole that offers adequate grip if the shoes get wet with water, oil, or grease. It is beneficial the shoes have a multilayer insole that can help to reduce strain in different areas of the foot. Swollen feet may be kept at a minimum when the shoes that are worn have a large toe area, in addition to having a deep heel cup that can help the feet to align with the ankles. It is best that the shoes are made from durable materials, and this may help ensure minimum wear and tear. The end of the work day when the feet are at their largest is the best time to buy work shoes, and it is helpful to try the intended shoes on with the socks that will be worn. If you have questions about what type of shoes to buy for your work day, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay, South Miami, and Homestead, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.