Two Simple Ways To Prevent Heel Spurs

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Heel spurs are a fairly common foot problem. In fact, approximately 1 out every 10 people has these growths on their feet. They're so common that it can almost seem like an inevitability that people will get them, but that's not true. Heel spurs can be prevented with a few simple lifestyle adjustments. Here's what you need to know to keep your heels and feet healthy.

Develop a Home Stretching Program

Heel spurs are a repetitive stress injury that develops over time due to repeated strain placed on the plantar fascia and surrounding tissue. This stress and strain can come from a number of sources, including exercising on a hard surface (e.g. concrete, asphalt), consistently wearing high heels for long periods of time, and wearing ill-fitting or non-supportive shoes (e.g. flip-flops).

However, you can reduce the strain on your feet if you stretch them properly on a daily basis, even if you're not planning to exercise. In addition to increasing the flexibility in the feet and helping the muscles move more easily during exertion, stretching can alleviate heel pain you may already be experiencing from current spurs or other problems. Stretching the feet and calves on a regular basis also provides the opportunity to inspect them for wounds or bruises that may cause or be signs of other medical problems, particularly if you're diabetic.

A podiatrist can suggest a few stretching exercises you can do to keep your feet limber. You can also find a number of exercises online using a simple web search. Regardless of how you develop your routine, do it on a regular basis to maximize your results.

Wear Inserts

It can be challenging wearing the right shoes for your feet, especially when there are so many cute styles available. If you're a fashion maven who can't do without the latest in footwear, at minimum you should be wearing inserts. These support devices help absorb the impact of your footsteps as well as cushion your arches so they aren't under so much strain.

There are many different types of inserts that provide support in different ways, so it's a good idea to tailor the insert to the activity or shoe type. For instance, you can find inserts designed specifically to reduce excess stress on the arches when you wear high heels, while exercise inserts tend to be thicker to absorb more impacts.

For more information about preventing heel spurs or suggestions on treating spurs you may have already developed, contact a podiatry clinic.

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16 February 2019

Foot Tendinitis: How the Podiatrist Helped

When I developed tendinitis of my foot and ankle, my podiatrist helped me on the road to recovery. An over-use injury from the job caused me considerable pain in my foot and ankle. Ice, elevation, rest, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory relieved my inflammation of the tendons. My podiatrist also prescribed physical therapy, which helped restore my mobility. Gentle stretching exercises performed during physical therapy seemed to have a positive effect. I was shown how to follow up these exercises at home. After several weeks of following doctor's orders, my podiatrist was happy with the results. The bottom line is if you're suffering from foot pain or injury, you should see a foot specialist as soon as possible because treatment options are available.