A heel spur is a small, bony growth that develops on the heel bone when calcium deposits build up. Heel spurs often occur where ligaments or tendons attach to the bone and may develop along with plantar fasciitis. Although some heel spurs cause no symptoms, others are associated with heel pain that makes walking or standing uncomfortable. Discomfort may feel worse during the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Risk factors include aging, excess body weight, and repetitive impact. Prolonged standing may also contribute to the discomfort. Wearing shoes that lack proper support or increasing running activity too quickly adds further stress on the heel. Understanding these causes can help you protect your feet and manage discomfort before it interferes with daily activities.

Gentle foot exercises may help improve flexibility and reduce tension around the heel, although they do not remove the bony growth itself. A foot flex exercise involves sitting comfortably, extending one leg, and gently pulling the toes toward the shin before relaxing. Repeat slowly without forcing the movement. This stretch targets the tissues along the bottom of the foot and may ease tightness. Another option is a calf stretch on a step. Stand with the ball of your feet on a secure step, hold a railing, and slowly lower your heels until you feel a gentle stretch. This movement can improve calf flexibility and reduce pulling around the heel. Stop if either exercise increases your pain.

A toe towel grip can help maintain foot muscle strength. While seated, place a small towel beneath your bare foot and use your toes to gather the fabric toward you. Relax, then repeat several times without straining. This exercise activates the small muscles that support the foot and may improve control during everyday movement. Exercises should feel comfortable rather than painful. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or balance concerns should check with a chiropodist before starting an exercise routine. Rest, supportive footwear, and avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms can also help manage heel pain while the tissues recover.

A chiropodist can examine your heel, assess your walking pattern, and determine whether an X-ray or other testing is needed. Treatment may include custom orthotics, cushioned footwear, or other care based on the cause of pain. Persistent symptoms require professional attention because your heel pain may have causes beyond a heel spur. If you have heel spurs or consistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist to explore effective relief and treatment solutions.

Stretching and strengthening your feet is very important for maintaining your foot health. If you would like to learn more about exercises for your feet, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are a variety of relatively easy-to-do exercises that can boost the strength, flexibility, and mobility of your feet, as well as relieve foot pain.  

Strength exercises: 

• Toe splay - Spread the toes apart and hold for several seconds; improves control over toe muscles
• Toe curls - Scrunch up a towel with your toes; strengthens the flexor muscles
• Marble pickup - Pick up marbles with your toes; strengthens the muscles on the undersides of the feet and toes
• Walking on sand - Stretches and strengthens feet and calves

Flexibility exercises: 

• Heel raises - Raise the heels while keeping toes on the ground
• Toe point - Raise the heels while pointing the toes, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Toe curl - Raise the heels while curling the toes inwards, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
• Big toe stretch - Use your hands to gently stretch your big toes up, down, and to the side

Exercises for foot pain: 

• Toe extension - Gently pull the toes up towards the ankle and hold for several seconds
• Ball roll - gently roll a golf or tennis ball underneath the arches of the feet 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Dry skin on the feet is common and can leave the skin feeling rough, tight, or itchy. It develops when the skin loses moisture faster than it can be replaced. The heels and soles are especially vulnerable because they experience pressure. Dry feet may also become scaly or develop small cracks, called fissures. Common causes include cold weather, low humidity, and frequent exposure to water. Eczema, psoriasis, and thyroid disorders can also contribute to persistent dryness.

Several factors can increase the risk of cracked heels. Age can reduce natural oil production, making moisture loss more likely. Wearing open-back shoes can expose the feet to dry air. Symptoms that worsen or fail to improve deserve attention. Bleeding, painful cracks, or drainage may signal a more serious skin problem or infection.

A chiropodist can determine why dry foot skin is occurring. Treatment begins with a skin examination. The chiropodist may suggest a thick moisturizing cream that contains urea or lactic acid. Patients may receive guidance about bathing and moisturizing. If infection, eczema, or another condition is suspected, additional treatment may be recommended. Follow-up care can confirm healing and reduce recurring problems.

Healthy foot care can also make a noticeable difference. Apply moisturizer after bathing while the skin is slightly damp, but avoid placing heavy creams between the toes. Wear breathable, properly fitting shoes that reduce friction. Avoid picking at flaky areas. Regular moisturizing helps to maintain the skin barrier. Appropriate footwear can limit friction, pressure, and exposure to dry air during daily routines and other activities. If dry skin continues or develops painful cracks, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for effective relief and prevention tips. 

Dry, cracked heels are more than a cosmetic inconvenience. For many people, they are uncomfortable, deep, painful, and may even bleed. If you suffer from cracked heels, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Causes

• Prolonged standing
• Wearing open-back shoes
• Wearing shoes that don’t cushion the heels
• Living in a cold or dry climate
• Taking long, hot showers
• Not moisturizing the heels
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Palmoplantar keratoderma
• Juvenile plantar dermatosis

Treatments

• Soaking the feet
• Exfoliating with a pumice stone
• Moisturizing the heels
• Wearing closed-back shoes that cushion heels
• Avoiding prolonged standing
• Taking warm, rather than hot, showers
• Treating underlying skin conditions 

While milder cases of cracked heels can be treated at home, some patients present with deep, painful, bleeding heel fissures that are at risk of becoming infected and may require medical care. Additionally, patients with diabetes or any other conditions that affect the immune system should be monitored by a chiropodist. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Heel pain can make standing, working, and walking difficult. It can develop beneath the heel, behind it, or along its sides. Plantar fasciitis is a frequent cause. It affects the thick band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. Pain from this condition is strongest with the first steps after resting. Other causes include heel-pad irritation, arthritis, and a stress fracture. Achilles tendon problems can produce pain at the back of the heel. Symptoms can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain. Swelling, stiffness, or tenderness can also occur.

Several factors can place strain on the heel. These include long periods of standing, a sudden increase in activity, and shoes that lack proper support. Hard work surfaces can also add pressure. People with flat feet or high arches can have uneven force across the heel. Tight calf muscles can affect foot movement and pull on tissues near the heel. Excess body weight can increase the load placed on the feet. Because heel pain has many causes, an accurate diagnosis from a chiropodist is important. Continuing activity despite worsening pain can make daily movement more difficult.

A chiropodist can ask when the pain began and examine the painful area. The assessment can include checking foot shape, joint movement, and walking patterns. The chiropodist can determine which structures are affected and explain the cause. Treatment can include custom orthotics to improve support and redistribute pressure. Padding or heel lifts can protect sensitive areas and reduce strain. A chiropodist can also recommend shoes with the right fit, cushioning, and support, depending on the cause. Regular follow-up visits allow the chiropodist to review progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel pain, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs
• Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness
• Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time
• Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON .