It's no fun watching everyone else enjoy warm weather activities while you're stuck on the sidelines. Unfortunately, if you don't address your heel pain soon, it may be impossible take part in your favorite summer activities. The Boise, ID, podiatrists at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates discuss several common types of heel pain and explain how a visit to the foot doctor can help you start your summer off on the right foot.

Plantar Calluses

A callus may be a minor problem if it develops on any area of your body but your heel. Plantar calluses, which can be very painful, often occur if you wear poorly fitting shoes or socks. If the callus isn't very thick, you may be able to remove it with a pumice stone. Thicker calluses should be removed by a podiatrist. Every callus, no matter how big or small, should be removed by a foot doctor if you suffer from diabetes. If plantar calluses are a constant problem due to a discrepancy in the length of the bones in your foot, you may benefit from surgery.

Plantar fasciitis

Is your heel pain worse in the morning? You might have plantar fasciitis. The condition is particularly common in runners, but can affect anyone who stands or walks for long periods of time, has high arches or flat feet, or is obese. Exercises that stretch the plantar fascia, a long band of tissue on the bottom of your foot, can help. Orthotics and night splints may also be helpful. Although most people can avoid surgery, it's the best option if you have severe pain, or your symptoms don't improve after using more conservative treatments.

Retrocalcaneal bursititis

The retrocalcaneal bursa is a small sac filled with fluid that helps your Achilles tendon glide over your heel bone easily. The bursa can become inflamed if you overdo it when you run, walk or jump, but inflammation may also occur if you have arthritis. When rest doesn't improve your symptoms, it's time for a visit to the Boise, Nampa or Meridian offices of Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may benefit from physical therapy, orthotics, corticosteroid injections or ultrasound treatment.

Don't ignore your heel pain. Call the podiatrists at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates at one of these offices to schedule an appointment: Boise, ID, (208) 327-0627, Nampa, ID, (208) 463-1660 or Meridian (208) 888-9876.

While many Americans do not usually need to worry about winter thanks to their warm winters, many have very real winter worries, such as snow, ice and frostbite. But what is frostbite? How can you protect yourself from it? Learn more about frostbite with Idaho Foot and Ankle Associates with offices in Boise, Nampa and Meridian, ID.

What is frostbite? 
Frostbite occurs when the skin and the layers of tissue underneath become frozen from exposure to the cold. Due to their locations, the fingers, toes and feet are most often affected by frostbite. Nose, cheeks and ears, which are often more exposed than other extremities, are also susceptible to frostbite.

Do I have frostbite? 
Frostbite begins with your skin feeling very cold. As it progresses, the skin turns red, then loses feeling and becomes numb. It may also appear pale or feel hard to the touch. The first stages of frostbite, called frostnip, will not cause permanent damage to the skin. The next stage, known as superficial frostbite, occurs when ice crystals form within the skin’s tissues, causing the skin to feel warm or eventually produce a blister. Severe frostbite occurs when all of the layers of skin become affected, causing you to feel warm. You will also feel pain and discomfort, and the tissue eventually dies and turns black.

Preventing Frostbite 
Preventing frostbite is as easy as protecting your exposed skin. Be sure to limit your time outside in very cold weather and dress in layers. Be sure to wear socks and liners which will keep your feet warm and use foot warmers if necessary. Wearing mittens will keep your hands warm. Avoid drinking alcohol if you know you will be outdoors in very cold weather and stay hydrated. The risk for frostbite rises greatly when the weather gets down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frostbite Treatments in Boise, Nampa and Meridian, ID 
If caught in the frostnip stage, simply warming up may be enough to treat your frostbite. If you notice the symptoms of frostbite, take immediate shelter from the cold, let the affected area air dry without rubbing or massaging it, and change any wet clothes for dry clothes to allow the area to thaw on its own. More severe cases of frostbite will require medical treatments like painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. Fluids given will help rehydrate the patient. A surgeon may also need to drain any blisters which have formed.

For more information on frostbite, please contact your podiatrist at Idaho Foot and Ankle Associates. Call (208) 327-0627 to schedule your appointment at the Boise, ID office, (208) 463-1660 to schedule your appointment at the Nampa, ID office or (208) 888-9876 to schedule your appointment at the Boise, Nampa and Meridian, ID office today!

Enjoy the wonderful winter sports while also taking the proper precautions to keep your feet healthy.

While some people really enjoy hibernating during the winter months with tea and a book, there are others who can’t wait to see that fresh powdering of snow so that they can get out there and enjoy all of their favorite sports. If you are a professed snow bunny, our Boise podiatrists offer up some helpful ways to keep your feet healthy and safe during these colder months:

Wear the Right Footwear

While this might seem rather obvious, you would be surprised how many people don’t wear the right boots for skiing or snowboarding. While your boots should certainly be snug, they shouldn’t be too tight that they cause blisters or pain. Of course, loose footwear can lead to foot and ankle injuries, so it’s always a good idea to talk to your Boise foot doctor about finding properly fitted footwear for your winter sport of choice. We may provide orthotics made specifically for ski boots.

Don’t Forget to Stretch

No, we aren’t talking about yoga; we are talking about simple dynamic stretching. Before you participate in any winter sports, you’ll want to go through a series of dynamic stretches like leg kicks and jump squats that actively move the muscles and get them warmed up. Warm, ready-to-go-muscles are less likely to result in tears or other injuries.

Protect Your Toes

Just as you would wear mittens or gloves to protect your fingers from the cold, you should also protect your toes from getting cold while hitting the slopes. To prevent frostbite be sure to wear layers and properly fitting boots. You should also take breaks to warm your feet back up. Boots should be snug enough that snow can’t get inside since wet socks can increase your chances of frostbite. Signs of frostbite include numbness, cold skin and a prickling feeling. You should visit your Boise podiatrist if your skin blisters, is numb or becomes white or pale, as well as if there is pain and swelling in your toes.

Visit Us

If you are dealing with any foot issues like bunions or heel pain, it’s important that you seek out one of our Boise foot specialists before you participate in any winter sports this season. We will want to make sure that you get the treatment you need so that your foot issues don’t get worse.

Whether you want to find out if orthotics are right for you or if you need proper medical care, the foot experts at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates in Boise, ID have you covered. Don’t let foot problems bench you during this fantastic season for fun, winter sports.

Heel pain can be an annoying issue that happens to many. Find out what may be keeping you from your daily workouts.

You wake up ready to hit the morning trails, but your feet have other plans. You get out of bed and immediately realize how painful it is to put weight on your foot. How are you supposed to go for your run if you can’t even move around the house without limping? If this sounds like you, it’s time you picked up the phone and called one of our Nampa, Meridian and Boise, ID podiatrists for help.

So, what exactly could be causing your heel pain? This is going to be very difficult to determine without examining your foot first. But one of the common causes our Nampa, Meridian and Boise foot doctors often see when it comes to heel pain is an inflammatory condition known as plantar fasciitis.

“What in the world is plantar fasciitis?” You may be wondering. We are glad you asked. This condition affects the thick band of ligaments that run from the heel to the toes. While ligaments are strong and stretchy, there are certain situations that may cause them to overstretch or become irritated. Common reasons for plantar fasciitis include:

• Pronation: in which weight isn’t distributed evenly as you walk due to biomechanical issues of the foot
• Weight: if you are overweight you may be putting too much pressure on these ligaments of the foot
• Work: if your job expects you to be on your feet for long periods of time or to lift heavy objects you may be more susceptible to plantar fasciitis
• Exercise: suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of a workout can cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed (plantar fasciitis is often a result of overuse)

Turn to the Nampa, Meridian and Boise, ID foot specialists at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates for all of your needs. If you are looking to treat your heel pain, we are here for you!