Minimally invasive foot surgery is an advanced podiatric technique that corrects structural foot problems through very small incisions. Unlike traditional open procedures, this approach uses specialized instruments and imaging guidance to treat conditions with precision while limiting disruption to surrounding tissues. It is commonly used in modern podiatry for patients seeking effective correction with a more efficient recovery process. This method reflects a shift toward patient-centered care that prioritizes both outcomes and comfort.

Patients who undergo minimally invasive foot surgery often report less post operative pain, reduced swelling, and minimal scarring. Because the incisions are small, the body experiences less trauma, which can support quicker healing and earlier return to daily activities. Many individuals are able to walk sooner compared to traditional surgery, depending on the condition being treated. These benefits make it an appealing option for those with busy lifestyles or those who want to avoid extended downtime.

Common foot conditions treated with this technique include bunions, hammertoes, and certain cases of plantar fasciitis. Symptoms that may indicate the need for surgical correction include persistent pain, joint stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. Risk factors such as wearing improper footwear, repetitive stress, and biomechanical imbalance can contribute to these issues. A podiatrist evaluates each case carefully to determine whether a minimally invasive approach is appropriate.

Choosing the right treatment begins with a proper diagnosis and a clear understanding of available options. Minimally invasive foot surgery offers a modern solution that blends precision with patient comfort, making it an important advancement in foot care. If you have consistent foot pain from a specific condition,  it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss minimally invasive options and receive appropriate care tailored to your needs.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Sarah Urton, DPM of Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Plantar fasciitis develops when the strong band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot and connects the heel to the toes becomes irritated. This irritation can cause a dull ache in the heel or a sharp pain along the arch that makes every step uncomfortable. Many people notice the pain, termed plantar fasciitis,  when taking their first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time. The discomfort can become worse after spending hours on your feet or walking on hard surfaces. Although heel pain has several possible causes, plantar fasciitis is one of the leading reasons adults seek treatment from a podiatrist. 

Repeated strain on the plantar fascia is the main cause of this condition. Running, long periods of standing, and frequent walking can place extra stress on the feet. Risk factors include being between 40 and 60 years old, carrying excess body weight, and having flat feet or very high arches. Tight calf muscles can also increase strain on the bottom of the foot. Shoes that lack proper support or do not fit correctly can make symptoms worse. A podiatrist begins with a physical examination and asks about your symptoms, daily activities, and medical history. Watching you walk also helps identify movement patterns that place added stress on the foot. Imaging tests may be recommended when another condition is suspected.

Treatment focuses on reducing strain on the plantar fascia. A podiatrist can recommend custom orthotics, supportive braces, or other medical devices that help relieve pressure on the heel. A podiatrist can also recommend stretching and strengthening exercises that improve flexibility, reduce strain on the plantar fascia, and support recovery. In some cases, carefully placed injections help reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery is reserved for severe cases that do not improve with other treatments. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Sarah Urton, DPM from Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Falls become a greater concern as people grow older, and the feet play a much larger role than many realize. Foot pain, poor balance, and changes in foot shape can make it harder to stay steady while walking. Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis can affect the way a person walks and increase the chance of losing balance. Reduced feeling in the feet, which can develop with aging or certain medical conditions, also makes it more difficult to sense the ground. Shoes that lack proper support create another risk because they reduce stability. Paying attention to foot health is an important part of lowering the risk of falls and protecting overall mobility.

A podiatrist can identify foot problems that affect balance before they lead to a serious injury. A foot examination checks for pain, loss of feeling, and circulation concerns that could interfere with safe movement. Treatment includes reducing painful pressure, improving foot function, and recommending custom orthotics when they are appropriate. A podiatrist can also address conditions like ingrown toenails, thick toenails, or painful calluses that may change the way people walk. Early care helps improve comfort and supports a more stable walking pattern. Better foot function can also make daily activities feel safer and more comfortable.

Falls can cause broken bones, ankle injuries, and serious foot damage that limits independence. Research has shown that foot pain is linked to slower walking and poorer balance. This makes it an important risk factor that should not be overlooked. Addressing foot problems before they become severe supports safer movement and greater confidence while walking. Taking care of your feet could improve your chances of staying on them. Regular visits with a podiatrist help detect changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, or feel you may be at risk, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment and prevention tips. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Sarah Urton, DPM from Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that create a pointed extension of bone on the heel. These growths are typically found either under the sole where the plantar fascia attaches, or at the back of the heel near the Achilles tendon. They are considered a common source of heel pain and are often linked to long term stress on the connective tissues of the foot. Although heel spurs can exist without symptoms, they are frequently associated with discomfort that affects daily mobility.

Symptoms often begin as mild irritation but can progress into more noticeable pain. Individuals may feel a sharp or stabbing sensation under the heel when taking initial steps after rest. The discomfort can shift into a dull ache after prolonged standing or walking. In some cases, swelling and localized tenderness develop. When the spur forms at the back of the heel, it may cause stiffness and pain when wearing shoes or during physical activity.

Risk factors for heel spurs include repetitive strain from high-impact activities, wearing improper footwear that lacks arch support, and occupations that require long periods of time standing. Age also plays a role, as the plantar fascia loses elasticity over time. Tight calf muscles and limited ankle flexibility can increase tension on the heel, further contributing to spur formation. Conditions such as obesity and poor foot mechanics also elevate the risk.

Heel spurs develop as the body responds to chronic pulling of the plantar fascia on the heel bone. Addressing the underlying cause is essential for long-term relief. Stretching exercises, wearing supportive shoes, and early evaluation can reduce strain and improve function. If heel pain continues, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and effectively treat heel spurs.

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 Sarah Urton, DPM from Kitsilano Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor 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 our office located in Vancouver, BC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.