November 2023

It is a common misconception that heel spurs are the primary cause of heel pain. In reality, heel spurs, which are bony projections on the heel bone, are often found by having an X-ray taken, and cause pain in only 5 percent of individuals with them. The majority of heel pain is generally due to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue which stretches from the heel to the toes. While many individuals with plantar fasciitis also have heel spurs, the pain is typically from the damaged plantar fascia, not the spurs themselves. Heel spur syndrome and plantar fasciitis share similar risk factors, like athletic stress, obesity, calf tightness, high arches, and possibly osteoarthritis. Both conditions often respond to non-surgical treatments, including rest, footwear changes, and stretching. If these do not work, injections or plantar fasciotomy surgery might be recommended, though the heel spur is typically not removed during surgery. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and correct treatment methods.

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 Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Bunion surgery, or bunionectomy, is a medical procedure aimed at correcting a bunion, a painful and often unsightly deformity that affects the base of the big toe. Bunions develop when the metatarsophalangeal joint, where the big toe connects to the foot, becomes misaligned. This misalignment causes the big toe to lean toward the smaller toes and forces the metatarsal bone to protrude, forming a bony bump on the side of the foot. Bunion surgery is considered when conservative treatments, such as changes in footwear, orthotic devices, and pain management, fail to provide relief. The surgical procedure to address bunions typically involves realigning the metatarsophalangeal joint and removing the bony prominence. Surgeons may use various techniques depending on the severity and type of the bunion. The goal of the surgery is to reduce pain, improve foot function, and correct the deformity. After the surgery, a recovery period is necessary, during which patients are advised to follow post-operative care instructions diligently. Understanding bunion surgery and its potential benefits and risks is vital when considering this procedure to address the discomfort and limitations associated with bunions. If you have a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if bunion surgery is the correct treatment choice for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Turf toe is an injury to the big toe's ligaments, commonly afflicting athletes like those who play football or soccer as they often play on artificial surfaces. It arises when there is excessive force exerted on the toe's metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joints, through actions such as sprinting or jumping. This injury can also happen to dancers and gymnasts, given their frequent hard surface toe flexes. Turf toe can result from overextending the big toe upwards, which can happen due to various activities that stress the toe, such as certain sports movements, wearing heels, or improper walking. The risk may increase by choosing to wear footwear that is too tight.  The toe's joint and the sesamoid bones within the tendons bear the body's weight and aid movement. If these are forced backward beyond their limit, or if the toe stays flat instead of lifting during motion, the ligaments can strain or tear. Turf toe may occur in an instant from a sharp movement, or it may happen gradually from repetitive strain. This is generally a minor ailment, sidestepping the need for surgery. Symptoms range from pain and swelling to a snapping sensation during the incident. Initial mild symptoms can worsen with continuous stress, potentially leading to severe and immediate manifestations upon injury. If you suffer from toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Terri Quebedeaux, DPM of Agave Podiatry . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes heel pain, often described as a stabbing sensation. One leading factor is excessive or repetitive stress on the plantar fascia, a band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. This stress can result from activities such as running, standing for extended periods, or wearing inadequate footwear. Obesity can also contribute to plantar fasciitis, as the extra weight increases pressure on the feet. Tight calf muscles and inadequate stretching can lead to an abnormal gait, putting strain on the fascia. Furthermore, age and certain foot arch types may play a role in developing this condition. Recognizing these causes can guide individuals in making lifestyle adjustments and seeking timely treatment to alleviate plantar fasciitis and regain comfort in their daily lives. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment methods.

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 Terri Quebedeaux, DPM from Agave Podiatry . 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 Seguin, LaVernia, Gonzales, and Lockhart, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.