Items filtered by date: August 2025

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often caused by long-term strain on the foot muscles and ligaments. Common causes include repetitive stress from walking or running, wearing poorly fitted shoes, obesity, or conditions like flat feet or high arches. Heel spurs are frequently associated with plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot. Symptoms include sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning, or after long periods of rest, along with tenderness, swelling, or a dull ache throughout the day. While some people may not feel any discomfort, others experience persistent pain that affects daily activities. A podiatrist can diagnose a heel spur through a physical exam and confirm the condition with X-rays. Treatment may involve orthotics, targeted exercises, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications, or, in severe cases, surgery. If you have a heel spur, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective 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 Summit 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 one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Negative pressure wound therapy is a treatment option that can help promote healing for wounds that do not respond well to standard care, particularly those on the feet and ankles. This therapy involves sealing the wound with a special dressing made from sponge material or gauze, connected to a pump that removes fluids from the wound. This reduction in pressure encourages blood flow to the area and helps keep the wound moist, which can improve healing. It is commonly used for chronic wounds that have failed to heal after several weeks. Negative pressure wound therapy is particularly effective for large or infected wounds that cannot be closed directly. While studies suggest that this treatment may improve healing times, results can vary depending on the type and severity of the wound. If you have foot wounds that will not heal properly, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if negative pressure therapy is right for you.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The three arches of the feet support body weight and help absorb shock during movement. They are the medial and lateral longitudinal arches, which run from heel to toes, and the transverse arch, which spans across the midfoot. The medial arch is higher and more flexible, while the lateral arch is flatter and more stable. These arches are formed by the arrangement of foot bones and are supported by ligaments, tendons, and muscles, including the plantar fascia. The arches of the feet act like springs, allowing them to adapt to different surfaces and conserve energy when walking or running. When the arches are too flat or too high, problems like arch pain, heel pain, or pressure in the ball of the foot can result. A podiatrist can evaluate arch structure and function and prescribe orthotics or provide other treatment to improve comfort and mobility. If you are experiencing pain in the arch of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Summit 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 one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Your feet have carried you through countless steps, and regular exercise can help keep them strong, stable, and pain-free. Gentle movement improves circulation, which is especially important as blood flow naturally slows with age. Stretching and strengthening exercises can ease stiffness, support balance, and reduce the risk of falls. Simple actions such as flexing the toes, rolling the ankles, or standing on one foot for a few seconds each day can make a meaningful difference. These small efforts help maintain joint mobility, muscle tone, and flexibility. When the feet stay active, they are better equipped to support your daily life, whether walking across a room or around the block. If you notice cramping, weakness, or changes in how your feet feel during movement, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for expert guidance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.