Heel Spurs Treatment and Prevention

Heel Spur

A heel spur, also known as a calcaneal spur, is an abnormal, nail-like growth of calcium at or around the tendons and ligaments of the foot where they attach to the heel.

What are the causes?

Heel spurs occur most commonly in people over the age of forty. The condition can also be associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, poor circulation of the blood and other degenerative diseases.

Excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, also known as plantar fasciitis, can lead to arch pain, and heel spurs.

What are the symptoms?

Heel spur pain is usually characterized by a sharp poking sensation and is localized to the heel or under the heel. Pain can become very severe and bruising can sometimes occur.

The pain caused by a heel spur results from inflammation around the tendons where they attach to the heel bone. The pain is most severe when you first start to walk after a period of rest.

What are the treatment and prevention measures?

In order to prevent the heel spurs, one should always wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes with good arch support and cushioning and avoid wearing high heeled shoes or sandals.

Dr. Roth recommends FABS or MAGFABS to help relieve the pain associated with heel spurs.

Cracked Heels Problems & Solutions

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common, often quite painful, foot problem. Cracked heels are due to the thickening and fissuring of the skin on the heel of the foot. Deep cracks can cause the skin to bleed and in severe cases can cause infection.

What are the causes?

Cracked heels are caused by dry skin. Certain medical conditions predispose an individual to dry skin, such as diabetic neuropathy, obesity, and skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

What are the symptoms?

The initial symptom of getting cracked heels is the development of dry, hard, thickened skin around the rim of the heel. This may be yellow or dark brown discolored area of skin. Initially small cracks are visible. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, these cracks become deeper and can begin to bleed. This results into very painful situation during walking and standing.

What are the treatment and prevention measures?

Dr. Roth recommends the use of the Foot Fixer Kit to help moisturize and protect skin against cracked heels. Gentle cleansing with Dr. Roth's Foaming Foot Wash, followed by the application of topical moisturizers such as Dr. Roth's Foot Balm, can help to maintain healthy skin that can better resist breakdown and injury.

For severe cracked heels, Dr. Roth recommends using the Nail & Foot Gel to help sooth and treat the affected area.

Flat Feet Pain Treatment

Flat Feet

Flat feet is a common condition in which the foot's natural arch collapses upon weight bearing; potentially causing severe discomfort and leading to other significant foot problems.

What are the causes?

Overpronation, caused by excessive stretching of the fibrous tissue that is present at the bottom of the foot, is the most common cause of flat feet.

Obesity, pregnancy, or repetitive, prolonged impact with a hard surface can weaken the arch, leading to overpronation.

What are the symptoms?

Some common symptoms of a flat foot include:

• Uneven wear of the shoe.
• Lower leg pain
• Pain on the inside of your ankle
• Swelling along the inside of your ankle
• Foot pain

What are the treatment and prevention measures?

Dr. Roth recommends the use of FABS or MAGFABS to help support the arch and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with flat feet.