Dakota Foot and Ankle Clinic

  Introduction: Haglund's Deformity, often referred to as "pump bump," is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that can cause discomfort and pain. This condition commonly affects individuals who wear high-heeled shoes or tight footwear, leading to irritation and inflammation of the bursa and Achilles tendon. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and effective strategies for treating and preventing Haglund's Deformity is crucial for those seeking relief from this challenging foot ailment. Causes and Symptoms: Haglund's Deformity is primarily caused by repeated friction and pressure on the heel, especially when wearing poorly-fitting shoes. High heels and rigid footwear can contribute to the development of this condition, as they create constant pressure on the back of the heel. Additionally, biomechanical factors such as a high-arched foot or tight Achilles tendon can increase the risk of developing Haglund's Deformity. Common symptoms of Haglund's Defo...

  What are shin splints? In layman’s terms it’s the name athletes used to refer to pain along the shin bone. Medial tibial stress syndrome or medial tibial traction periostitis is an accurate medical description of what we like to call shin splints. Medial tibial stress syndrome is the most common type of shin pain. It is an injury that generally occurs when one increases training too quickly or pushes themselves too hard too soon. Shin splints can also be brought on when the training environment changes. Switching to hard surfaces or running up hills can bring on shin splints. Too much running, sprinting, or jumping are obvious contributors and can increase pain in the shin as well. Shin splints can be treated at home with a few basic applications. Rest when you can. Ice the shin area with cold therapy and a compression wrap. Do this for 10 minutes every hour. As symptoms improve decrease treatment to 3 or 4 times a day. Other possible treatments include getting pro...

With 2018 in full swing, we can expect to see many advertisements from gyms, nutrition supplement stores and department stores head lining “a new year, a new you!” Many people focus their New Year’s resolution on weight loss and improving health. However, foot problems are often overlooked and can be a reason people drop out of their exercise regime. The reality is that exercise and healthy eating can benefit your feet immensely, so being able to continue with your exercise program is important.  Weight loss significantly reduces the stress on the feet reducing chances of bony, tendinous, and ligamentous injuries. Similarly, exercise, as simple as a daily walking routine, can also improve blood flow to the legs and feet. Furthermore, avoiding foods that can cause inflammation, such as sugar and fried foods, can help with reducing general achiness of joints, including those outside of the feet. Let me suggest five New Year’s resolutions to follow, regarding your foot h...