Bone spurs can form on any joint, but the feet are a common location, especially for patients who are 60 years old or above. The reason for this is that bone spurs, medically known as osteophytes, generally take years to grow. They are most often found on the ankle, heel, or big toe. Bone spurs form when bones rub against each other, which is generally the result of wear and tear of a joint, combined with the loss of the cartilage that separates the bones. People with osteoarthritis frequently develop bone spurs. Young athletes may develop bone spurs from injuries that occur during sports. Symptoms of a bone spur include aching pain that worsens with activity, swelling, tingling and numbness, or stiffness. In many cases, however, bone spurs may form without displaying any symptoms at all. An X-ray is thought to be the best way to determine if you have a bone spur. Treatment for bone spurs may include wearing protective padding in the shoes, having cortisone injections, losing weight, and doing certain foot exercises. In some cases, surgery may be a remedy. For more information on how to deal with bone spurs, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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