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A heel spur, medically known as a calcaneal spur, is a bony growth that develops on the underside of the heel bone. This condition is often associated with plantar fasciitis, where the tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. Heel spurs form due to excessive stress and strain on the foot, causing calcium deposits to accumulate over time. Common causes include repetitive stress from high-impact activities, prolonged standing, and wearing improper footwear. Individuals with flat feet or high arches are also at higher risk due to altered foot mechanics. Symptoms typically include sharp pain at the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning. If you have developed a heel spur, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can discuss effective treatment methods that may include surgery for removal.

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 Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. 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 offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A medial malleolus fracture is a specific type of broken ankle. The medial malleolus is the bony prominence on the inner side of your ankle, part of the tibia, or shinbone. When this bone becomes fractured it often occurs due to a twist, fall, or direct impact to the ankle. Symptoms typically include sharp pain on the inside of the ankle, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Treatment for this type of fracture depends on the severity of the break. For minor fractures where the bone is still aligned, a podiatrist might immobilize the ankle in a cast or boot to allow it to heal. However, if the fracture is displaced, surgery might be necessary to realign and stabilize the bone with screws or plates. If you have broken any part of your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot blisters are small, fluid-filled pockets that form on the skin due to friction, pressure, or irritation. They commonly occur while wearing ill-fitting shoes, during extended periods of walking or running, or when feet are exposed to moisture, which softens the skin and increases the risk of blistering. Symptoms include a raised, fluid-filled bump that can be painful when pressed or irritated. The skin surrounding the blister may appear red and inflamed. To prevent blisters, wear properly fitting shoes, and moisture-wicking socks, and consider applying blister prevention tape to high-friction areas. Keep your feet dry and change socks regularly if they become wet. If a blister forms, avoid popping it to reduce the risk of infection. Instead, cover it with a clean bandage and allow it to heal naturally. If you have a blister that is particularly painful or large, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Vincent, Vess of Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, primarily resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Common causes can include excessive stress from high-impact activities, prolonged standing, wearing unsupportive footwear, or being overweight. Symptoms typically include a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Effective stretches include the calf stretch, where you press against a wall with one leg forward and the other extended back. Another is the plantar fascia stretch, where you pull your toes toward your shin while seated. Wearing supportive shoes or custom orthotics, in addition to performing these stretches, can provide significant relief. If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care to effectively manage your condition and improve your foot health.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.