Spur on the foot on the ball of the foot

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other aggravations, diagnostic tests should only be recommended by the attending physician. A specialist should be consulted for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

How can heel spurs be treated quickly and effectively?

Many have heard of such an unpleasant condition as heel spurs, and some even face this problem in real life. According to statistics, one in ten people in the world suffers from this pathology. The most effective treatment results are observed in the early stages of the learning node, when it has not yet had time to form. It is best to immediately make an appointment at UWT in Ufa and consult a specialist. It is one of the most effective physiotherapeutic methods for treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

If symptoms appear that suggest the presence of a heel spur, you should not delay treatment. If you see a doctor in a timely manner, you can quickly get rid of the growth and restore your quality of life.

How do you recognize a heel spur?

This condition causes salt deposits in the heel bone that begin to thicken and compress the fascia. As a result of the degenerative changes, the following symptoms occur:

• Pain in the heel area that increases when walking;
• local swelling;
• Limping on the affected side;
• Blisters on the heels caused by misalignment of the foot.

The severity of symptoms depends on the extent of the lesion. Small growths cause slight discomfort in the heel area, which patients pay no attention to for a long time. If pain, swelling and lameness persist, patients are usually referred to a specialist.

Heel spurs are often mistaken for foot injuries or blisters and are left untreated for a long time, allowing the defect to grow quickly. At the first sign of concern, it is worth seeing a specialist.

What is a cornea?

A callus is caused by sustained friction and pressure from outside, for example from tight shoes or a hard object. A distinction is made between moist and dry calluses. Everyone knows the watery blister filled with lymph fluid that forms when you rub; this is a wet bubble.

A dry blister or pimple blister is caused by severe abrasion or friction of the skin. The most common cause is ill-fitting footwear. Externally, the blister looks like a keratinized area of skin that is white or yellowish. In the center there is a small depression with a black spot - this is the core. If you press or step on it, it causes pain. For this reason, it is difficult to distinguish it from a wart.

You can see what a foot callus looks like in the photo below.

Calluses and warts obviously have similar symptoms, appearance, and location.

How do you tell the difference between a callus and a wart?

(1) You can detect a wart by simply steaming the skin of your feet, a procedure performed by most doctors. If you carefully peel away the top layer of skin covering the wart, you will see a smooth or slightly bumpy surface that does not bleed and has a single black dot in the center - this is a callus. If there are small pink papillae under the skin, severe redness and slight bleeding, it is a wart.

2 Another way to figure out what you're facing is to press your finger firmly on the spot and analyze what you're feeling. If you don't feel anything, it's most likely a blister. If you feel severe pain, it is a plantar papilla.

3 Despite the similarities, there are slight external differences between the two warts. A wart can be identified by its growths; If you look closely at the foot, you may notice other small spots in addition to the main wart. A callus, on the other hand, can be recognized by a small depression in the middle and a single black dot.

However, all of these methods are not 100% reliable in determining the type of wart. The most reliable method is to visit a dermatologist. With the help of a special scraping and an ultrasound examination, an accurate diagnosis can be made and the correct treatment can be initiated.

Important: No self-treatment at home. Removing warts with folk remedies is extremely dangerous because you can get an infection, which will not only lead to complications, but in the case of plantar warts, also cause the wart to grow into a malignant tumor.

If you have any questions or want to know what type of wart is bothering you, you can come to our clinic for a medical consultation at any time. Consultation with a doctor is free.
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causes

Plantar fasciitis is classified as a degenerative and inflammatory disease. Sometimes it affects not only the soft tissues, but also the periosteum. There are a number of risk factors for developing this disease. The main causes of heel spurs include:

• Flat feet. The load on the heel gradually increases, which leads to the formation of a growth.
• Ligament strains and other trauma. For example, a bruise from jumping from a height.
• Joint diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis or Bechterew's disease.
• Excessive strain on the feet. As a rule, this is the frequent wearing of high heels and stilettos. This problem is also common among athletes who participate in athletics and weightlifting.
• Disorders of metabolism in the body. The accumulation of salt in large quantities is very dangerous.
• Diabetes.
• Infectious diseases, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea.

This pathology also develops with age-related changes. In older people, microcirculation in the blood vessels gradually deteriorates. Over time, this leads to the development of certain abnormalities and the ligaments can no longer fulfill their function. Smaller tears also occur in the tendon area.

There are a number of medical conditions that increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis many times over. The causes of heel spurs often include these diseases:

• Arthritis. This can be located in the knee, ankle or hip joints. The inflammatory process changes the gait and can lead to the development of foot problems.
• Atherosclerosis. Circulatory problems can lead to ligament and tendon tears.
• Syphilis and mycoplasmosis. Infections of this type affect almost the entire body. Gradually, the joints become deformed, and harmful microorganisms contribute to the swelling of the superficial bone layer.
• Gout. Due to the accumulation of salts, the ligaments lose their elasticity and gradually tear.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmune diseases are dangerous because the body perceives itself as a threat. In this pathology, connective tissue cells are mistaken for pathogens.

What kind of doctor can treat her?

In order to get the disease under control, it is important to find out what caused it. The following specialists know how to determine this and how to treat foot spurs:

Our specialists

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At the first visit, the patient is examined by a specialist. They will also ask a series of questions to clarify the diagnosis:

1. How long have you been suffering from heel pain?
2. What could be the cause of the aggravation?
3. Are there any other complaints?
4. Does the person have pain in the heel in the morning?
5. Does the person spend a lot of time on their feet?
6. Has your heel been injured in the past?
7. Has the affected person tried to manage the condition independently?

Prevention of heel spurs

Heel spur prevention can begin at any age. For example, patients as young as 19 to 20 may need treatment for flat feet. Among other things, special attention to the joints is required. in patients older than 40 years. You are advised to:

• timely treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, infections, inflammatory vascular diseases;
• correction of posture;
• wearing comfortable shoes with orthopedic insoles - they should be suitable for the weather and have a heel height of about 2-4 cm;
• To avoid excessive physical exertion and make the workplace comfortable (for example, when working while standing, it is advisable to place a low bench next to the feet and alternately place the legs on it so that they rest and restore the correct trophism of the tissues can);
• Maintaining muscle and ligament tone through moderate physical activity and self-massage;
• Walking barefoot (e.g. on grass, sand, pebbles) and rolling chestnuts or other small objects with your feet;
• A diet rich in vitamins and minerals with pure water and a minimum of salt and carbohydrates - long breaks between meals and dehydration are not tolerated;
• Reduction of body weight.

To prevent heel spurs, avoid smoky, salty foods, carbonated drinks, flavored foods, strong broths, convenience foods, sweets, chocolate bars and muffins.

symptoms

Acute heel pain is also known as plantar fasciitis, which is Latin for inflammation of the fascia. It is named after the thin strip of soft tissue that is located on the sole of the foot. The so-called fascia is flexible and can withstand a lot of stress. However, under the influence of certain factors, this part of the foot deforms. The patient then has:

• Severe discomfort in the morning;
• pain after walking for a long time;
• A sharp, strange feeling in the heel;
• Specific blisters on the feet;
• Swelling in the lower limbs.

A foot spur can also be diagnosed based on a person's gait. In the final stages of the disease, stepping on the affected heel becomes unbearably painful. Therefore, those affected shift their body weight to the other foot, which leads to a strange gait. The gait is unnatural, making it difficult to move properly.

causes

Bone outgrowths are caused exclusively by external or internal factors. Genetic predisposition is excluded unless the patient and his close relatives have a history of arthritis. This disease can cause foot pathology. In addition, the causes of plantar fasciitis can be:

• Obesity. Obesity causes abnormalities in various parts of the body, including the lower limbs. Being overweight increases the strain on joints and ligaments. The ankles, knees and hips are particularly affected.
• Clubfoot. It is dangerous in its extended form. The misalignment causes the load to be distributed unevenly, which leads to overloading of the ligaments. There is more connective tissue at the injury site, which can also affect bone growth.
• Injury to the heel bone. Usually occurs at a young age, especially in people who do a lot of sports. Frequent overexertion is dangerous for all tissues. If you run or skip, it is especially important to maintain a correct daily rhythm.

Which doctor treats foot spurs?

The disease does not pose a serious threat if you consult a specialist in a timely manner. In the initial stages, it is quite easy to relieve the discomfort and improve the patient's general condition. Therefore, at the first signs of a foot spur, you should make an appointment with a doctor:

causes

• Metabolic disorders and increased salt deposits (gout).
• Decreased blood flow due to diabetes or atherosclerosis.
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea infection.
• Deterioration of regeneration processes in old age (slowed blood circulation and weakened ligaments).

The main symptom of heel spurs is pain. It occurs when walking when the weight of the body shifts to the heel. The pain may decrease as the walking speed increases. Sometimes the pain occurs at rest or in the morning after sleeping.

The pain syndrome leads to impaired gait. The patient rests the affected leg and limps.

A final diagnosis can only be made by a doctor after an examination and visual inspection.

Diseases and contributing factors for heel spurs

There are a total of six diseases that lead to the development of heel spurs:

• Rheumatism – this is accompanied by an increase in bone tumors due to a weakened immune system. This leads to joint and soft tissue damage.
• Arthritis – affects the ankle, knee and hip joints, causing acute pain and gait problems. Over time, tendonitis and the formation of bone outgrowths occur.
• Infections – these are sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Immunity gradually decreases, leading to joint destruction. Pathogenic bacteria cause spurs to grow on bone tissue. This causes acute pain at rest and when walking.
• Gout – causes ligament rupture due to spread to the tuberosity of the heel bone. This is caused by an increased accumulation of uric acid salts.
• Obesity – leads to destruction of the fascia and ligaments in the area connected to the heel bone due to greater stress from increased body weight.
• Diabetes – like atherosclerosis – causes poor blood circulation, which leads to tearing of the ligaments and fascia under stress.

Objectives and benefits of physiotherapy

Therapeutic physical training and moderate physical activity are recommended for people with heel spurs beyond the acute phase with residual pain syndrome. The goal of physical therapy is to restore overall function, improve ankle mobility, plantar fascia flexibility, and the strength of the muscles that support the arch of the foot. Exercise stimulates tissue metabolism, normalizes blood circulation, relieves pain, reduces swelling and restores foot function. Exercise is useful because it helps eliminate risk factors for heel spurs, such as: B. overloading the Achilles tendon and weakness of the short foot muscles. Therapeutic exercises in combination with physiotherapy lead to a favorable course of the disease, contribute to prolonging the remission period and slowing down the progression of the pathology.

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Description of the exercises and exercise recommendations

• Corrective exercises are always prescribed in combination with breathing exercises;
• The load must be optimal and compatible with the general physical condition;
• The number of repetitions and the duration of the exercise must be increased gradually;
• On average 2 to 3 times a week or daily if health permits;
• Do the exercises slowly and evenly;
• After each repetition, return to the starting position;
• If the exercise is painful, you should not do it for a while;
• Begin and end the exercise with a warm-up for the calf and flat foot muscles.

Physiotherapy only has a positive effect if the exercises are carried out correctly, systematically and over a longer period of time. The physiotherapist puts together an individual exercise program for each patient that takes into account the underlying disease, the accompanying illnesses and the treatment goals. Without the willingness and active cooperation of the patient, recovery is not possible.

Stretching and strengthening exercises for the muscles of the foot and ankle:

1. The starting position is standing with feet wide apart and toes slightly curved. Deep squat.
2. The starting position is to stand on an elevated platform with your toes on. Raise your feet onto your toes, trying to keep your heels as low as possible.
3. The starting position is to sit on the floor and stretch your legs forward. Grab the band with both hands, pull it over you and support yourself with your legs.
4. The starting position is to stand with your hands on a wall. One healthy leg is stretched forward and the other backwards. Begin a slow squat by bending one leg and straightening the other at the same time.
5. The starting position is sitting on the floor, legs together and stretched forward. Lift the foot 10-20 cm off the floor and perform a circular rotation of the foot.
6. Walk on the outer arch of the foot.
7. Walk on your toes.
8. Walk with your toes curled inward.
9. Walk on your heels with pebbles in your toes.
10. Walk with a pencil held in the hollow between your toes.
11. Pick up and throw small objects with your toes: pine cones, pencils, pebbles.
12. Roll a tennis ball or cold water bottle with your foot.
13. Flexing and extending the toes.
14. Catch a towel lying on the floor with your toes towards the metatarsal bone.

How to recognize them: main signs and symptoms

A callus goes through two stages:

➢ Initially – It causes mild discomfort at the site of the mass, redness of the skin and tingling.

➢ Progressives – Formation of a round, convex spot with a distinct depression in the center.

Papillary callus formation is characterized by clear symptoms. Its formation is accompanied by the following symptoms

• Severe pain when walking;
• Impairment of walking when this formation has formed on the foot;
• redness of the affected area;
• changes in the appearance of the skin;
• Formation of a round, bulging spot with a distinct depression in the middle;
• swelling of the affected area.

Removing a callus itself is difficult and dangerous because the root is deep in the tissue. The removal of calluses should be entrusted to a specialist.

Treatment methods for corns

An experienced dermatologist will determine the type of corns based on a visual examination:

In special cases, surgical removal of the wart is carried out.

Removing corns with liquid nitrogen has the following advantages: inexpensive, painless, no risk of infection, quick removal. The disadvantages of cryoablation include the long healing time, which is not always favorable for larger cancers or in hard-to-reach areas.

Laser therapy allows for quick and effective removal of blisters without a long rehabilitation period or complications. The method does not require anesthesia, only in some cases the specialist uses gel anesthesia.
The laser beam is directed only at the treated area without affecting healthy tissue. After treatment, the dead tissue gradually peels off, and soft, healthy skin appears in place of the calluses.

This is currently the most modern and effective method of removing calluses.

By applying an electric current to the cornea, the dead tissue is burned along with the cornea. The disadvantage of this method is that excessive coagulation can cause scarring, and the recurrence of callus formation cannot be ruled out if the discharge of electric current into the tissue is insufficient. This method is rarely used.

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