A heel spur is a small bony growth that forms where the heel bone meets the soft tissues of the foot. It often develops gradually in response to ongoing strain, tight muscles, or repeated pressure on the heel. Many people are surprised to learn that the spur itself is not always the source of discomfort. Instead, the surrounding inflammation and irritation can create sharp or aching pain when standing, walking, or getting out of bed in the morning. Flat feet, high arches, or worn footwear may contribute to the problem by placing added stress on the heel. Early attention can prevent symptoms from becoming more persistent. Supportive shoes, stretching, and reducing pressure in the area can help calm irritation, but lasting heel pain should never be ignored. If you notice recurring discomfort in your heel or suspect a heel spur, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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 Shady Grove Podiatry. 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 Gaithersburg, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches collapse, and the entire sole touches the ground while standing. You may identify flat feet by noticing little or no arch, uneven shoe wear, or ankles that roll inward. Symptoms can include foot pain, swelling along the inside of the ankle, heel discomfort, and fatigue after standing or walking. Causes may involve genetics, injury, obesity, aging, or weakened tendons. Solutions include supportive footwear, strengthening exercises, stretching routines, and custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce strain. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, perform a gait analysis, and design a personalized treatment plan. If your flat feet are causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Shady Grove Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

A dancer's ankle is a remarkable structure that provides strength, flexibility, and control while supporting the entire body on tip toes. During movements such as en pointe and plie, the ankle, forefoot, and midfoot must work together with exceptional coordination and stability. Dancers require extra range of motion in the forefoot and midfoot to achieve proper alignment and graceful extension. At peak activity, up to three times body weight can pass through the feet, placing significant stress on bones, ligaments, and tendons. Without proper conditioning and alignment, overuse injuries may develop. A podiatrist can assess biomechanics, recommend supportive care, and guide injury prevention strategies. If you have injured your foot or ankle while dancing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Shady Grove Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Erythromelalgia is a rare condition that affects blood flow and nerve function, often causing intense burning pain in the feet. Symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, and severe discomfort that worsens with heat, walking, or standing. Many people notice flare-ups at night or after activity, making sleep and daily movement difficult. The condition may occur on its own or be associated with nerve disorders, autoimmune disease, or blood-related conditions. Because symptoms can fluctuate, management focuses on identifying triggers and reducing flare intensity. Cooling strategies, activity pacing, and careful footwear selection may help, although excessive cold exposure should be avoided. Medications aimed at nerve pain or circulation issues are sometimes used as part of treatment. Early evaluation is important to rule out other causes of burning foot pain and guide care. If persistent burning, redness, or foot pain develops, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Shady Grove Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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