Contrary to popular belief, heel spurs aren't pointy or sharp pieces of bone.  When the heel is subjected to constant wear and tear over a period of many years, a collection of very small, irregularly shaped growths can develop on the bone at the underside of the heel.

Whether you’re headed to trivia night at your local pub this week, or you just want to increase your understanding of foot health, information is power! Here are some valuable facts to know about your feet, ankles, and lower legs:

Capsulitis is a painful foot condition that can make it difficult to wear shoes, walk, or move through your day with comfort and ease.

As we age, our health care needs change. We are more likely to experience chronic illness or discomfort throughout our bodies and, unfortunately, our foot health is at risk.

When you think of osteoporosis or its precursor osteopenia, you might think of it as a problem for your spine or ribs or hips, but osteoporosis can also affect your feet.

If you have diabetes, it is essential that you follow these three tips to protect foot health:

Metatarsalgia is the word that your podiatrist uses to refer to pain on the bottom of the foot, usually between the arches and the toes.

With years of training and experience, your board-certified foot doctor is the best-qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat your discomfort. But what if you are away from home or unable to see your doctor for a day or two? That’s when you need a foot first aid kit.

Your visit to the podiatrist’s office will begin with a thorough examination of your feet and ankles, often involving imaging tests such as x-rays.  With the information gleaned, your podiatrist will arrive at a specific and accurate diagnosis of your issue, and then work with you to create an effective and individualized plan for treatment and ongoing care as necessary.

Cramps in the feet are common. They often happen in the arches of the feet, but you might experience cramps in the toes or the calf muscles as well. 

Your podiatrist is an expert in diagnosing and treating enchondromas in the bones of the feet, ankles, and legs. 

One of the approaches that board-certified podiatrists use in the treatment of chronic foot pain is the prescription of custom orthotics for cushioning and support.

Flying is fun and exciting, but can be rough on the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Here are some tips to help you stay safe before, during, and after your next trip: 

Ankle-foot orthotics, or AFOs, are braces worn at the ankle that encompass some or all of the foot.

Flat feet is a foot condition in which the arch of the foot either drops or is never developed.

Bad foot support can cause pain or discomfort in the lower back, hips, knees, neck, and shoulder.

As the strongest tendon in the human body, the Achilles tendon connects heel of the foot to the calf and lower leg muscles. The Achilles tendon serves to facilitate movement that involves the legs such as walking and running.

Proper shoe fitting is one of the most common concerns people have when it comes to the health of their feet. To some this may not seem like a major issue, but the reality is that improperly fitted shoes account for a tremendous amount of injuries to the foot.

One of the main causes of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot, from the toe to the bottom of the heel.

Cracked heels are a problem for those who are athletic, who may walk a lot, and who have dry skin especially.