October 2025

Stress fractures can be common among athletes. They can happen as a result of the consistent pressure that the bones of the feet endure during the athlete’s chosen sport. Stress fractures are defined as small, hairline fractures in the bones which may make walking and running difficult. Common symptoms can include pain surrounding the affected bone, which may improve when the foot is resting and elevated. Some patients experience bruising and swelling, accompanied by achiness. Additionally, stress fractures may gradually develop as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit properly, and this may weaken the foot bones. If you have pain in your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat stress fractures. 

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A heel spur is a small growth that develops underneath the heel bone. It can cause severe pain and discomfort and may happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day may also cause heel spurs to develop. If the lining of the heel bones becomes torn, or foot muscles and ligaments are strained, it may gradually lead to a heel spur. Heel spur syndrome may occur in patients who have plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This band of tissue connects the heel to the toes, and a heel spur may also be present. If the heel spur is at the back of the heel, it may be indicative of a condition that is known as insertional Achilles tendonitis. This happens when the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. Symptoms of this can include a reduced range of motion in the ankle, and it may be painful to climb stairs. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what caused it, and treat it accordingly. 

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 The Podiatry Center. 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 Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A wound of the foot is an open sore or injury that can result from trauma, pressure, poor circulation, or underlying medical conditions. These wounds can be slow to heal and may lead to serious complications, if not properly managed. Off-loading practices are essential for recovery as they relieve pressure from the affected area, allowing tissues to heal and reducing the risk of infection or further damage. Techniques include wearing specialized footwear, padding, casts, or orthotic devices. A podiatrist can evaluate the wound, create a personalized off-loading plan, and provide advanced treatments for faster healing. If you have a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this potentially serious condition.

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 The Podiatry Center. 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 Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Drop foot makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot, which can cause tripping or an unusual walking pattern. Exercises for drop foot that focus on strengthening the muscles along the front of the lower leg can help improve movement and control. Simple stretches of the ankle, done while sitting or standing, can loosen stiffness and make the foot move more freely. Toe raises, where you lift the front of your foot while keeping your heel on the ground, are often helpful. Using a band to pull your foot upward against resistance can also build strength. Walking on your heels is another way to train the foot to lift properly during each step. These movements support better balance and reduce the chance of stumbling when you take a step. A podiatrist can check the muscle strength in your leg and foot, look for problems with alignment, and recommend safe exercises. If you have symptoms of drop foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment, which may include a series of exercises.

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 The Podiatry Center. 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 Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.