Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel due to stress and inflammation in surrounding tissues. They are commonly seen in two forms. Heel spur syndrome affects the bottom of the heel, and insertional Achilles tendinitis affects the back of the heel where the tendon attaches. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, excess weight, tight calf muscles, and repetitive impact activities. Symptoms may involve sharp heel pain, stiffness, and discomfort during the first steps of the day. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, offer custom treatments, and provide guidance to relieve pain and improve function. If heel pain is limiting your daily life, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

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 David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. 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 Duryea, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenail removal surgery is a simple procedure performed when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin and causes pain, swelling, or infection. It is needed when home care no longer helps, or when the condition keeps returning. During the procedure the podiatrist removes the offending nail edge and may treat the nail root to prevent it from growing back into the skin. Recovery is usually smooth with gentle wound care, clean dressings, and keeping pressure off the toe while it heals. A podiatrist guides every step to ensure comfort and prevent future problems. If you are struggling with persistent toenail pain or see signs of an infection, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of ingrown toenail surgery with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors 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 office located in Duryea, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels are a common foot condition that develops when the skin surrounding the heel becomes dry and thickened, unable to stretch normally. A primary cause is a lack of moisture which leads to reduced skin flexibility. Repetitive pressure and friction from walking, standing, or wearing ill-fitting footwear place added stress on the heel, causing the skin to split. The buildup of dead skin cells can further harden the area making cracking more likely. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, eczema, and poor circulation may also weaken the skin and delay healing. A podiatrist can evaluate the underlying causes safely, remove hardened skin, recommend effective moisturizing treatments and manage related medical concerns. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

The feet play a vital role in running by absorbing impact, maintaining balance, and propelling the body forward with each stride. As the foot contacts the ground, it adapts to surface changes while providing stability through coordinated bone and muscle movement. Balance is essential, especially during the float phase when both feet briefly leave the ground. This float phase becomes longer as running speed increases, placing greater demands on strength, alignment, and control. Improper mechanics can lead to overuse injuries and reduced performance. A podiatrist can assess running gait, identify imbalances, and recommend custom orthotics, footwear guidance, and injury-prevention strategies to support efficient motion. If you have developed foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. 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 Duryea, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.