Items filtered by date: January 2023

Foot pain may be reduced when specific stretches and exercises are frequently performed. Plantar fasciitis is a common form of foot pain, and is felt on the sole of the foot. The affected foot may feel better when the foot is placed on the opposite knee while sitting in a chair. As the heel is held with one hand and the toes are grasped with the other, a gentle stretch can be felt along the bottom of the foot. This can be followed by kneeling on a pillow, and placing the hands on the floor, while slowly sitting back on the ankles. This is another plantar fascia stretch that can help this foot condition. Additionally, some people enjoy rolling the bottom of their foot on a can or water bottle, which can be effective in strengthening the foot. If you would like to learn about additional foot stretches to help plantar fasciitis, please consult with a podiatrist who can give you expert advice about this condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs are pesky little bony growths that can develop on the bottom of the heel bone in the feet. Heel spurs are shaped like hooks. Since orthotics are devices that can help mitigate pain and treat foot conditions, many patients with heel spurs are curious about whether or not orthotics may be used to treat heel spurs. Interestingly, heel spur inserts can help with just that. Orthotic devices used for heel spurs typically come with significantly deep heel cups. Additionally, they will have major cushioning that is meant to increase the extent to which the device absorbs shock during weight-bearing activities. Typically, these orthotic devices can be made of a range of different materials, including foam and gel. If you are someone that struggles with heel spurs, consider contacting a podiatrist today to learn if you would benefit from the use of orthotics. Schedule an appointment today.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, a form of arthritis, is a painful foot condition caused by excess uric acid in the blood, and it may happen from having a genetic disposition to it. It may also occur from eating foods, such as shellfish and red meat, that have large amounts of purines. Also, diabetic patients and people who have a kidney disorder may be prone to developing gout, and it is beneficial for these people to pay extra attention to the type of foods that are eaten. The pain commonly occurs in the joints of the big toe as a result of crystals that become lodged there from excess purines. The symptoms associated with gout can include debilitating pain, swelling, and the affected joints can become inflamed. Many people have difficulty in walking, and prompt medical attention is often sought. If you suffer from gout, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people need walking aids, such as canes and walkers, as a result of an injury, medical procedure, or the aging process. Proper use of a cane or walker can be essential for maintaining your balance, enhancing the healing process, and preventing re-injury. Most walking devices are adjustable, and being fitted for the height of the device is important. According to experts, the handle of the cane or walker should hit the crease in the wrist with your arms at your side. Also, the wrists should not feel twisted when using the device. If you have to put your entire weight onto the walker to take a step, it may be necessary to add extra foam cushioning on the handles. When taking a step with these devices, the cane and the weaker foot should hit the ground at the same time. Holding the cane in the opposite hand works best to achieve this balance. For more information on the proper walking aid for you, please consult a podiatrist. 

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 the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are two main categories of sports related injuries consisting of an acute foot, ankle, or toe injury that happens suddenly, while a chronic injury develops over time. Examples of acute sports injuries include twisting an ankle, taking a blow to the toe, foot or ankle, and breaking a bone. Most chronic injuries are caused by overuse of a joint or a particular area of the body, such as stress fractures or plantar fasciitis. Among the most common risk factors for incurring a sports related injury are using the wrong type of equipment, overtraining, and wearing shoes that do not give the proper protection for your feet. Other risk factors include having endured a previous injury, and running or jumping on hard surfaces. Additionally, failing to properly warm up and cool down after running or playing may lead to incurring an injury. Treatment for an acute injury generally requires immediate medical attention, and depending on the severity of the injury, a longer healing time may be necessary. For chronic injuries, the first recommendation is to cease the activity that caused the condition. In either case, if you have sustained an injury to the toes, feet, or ankles, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist for a complete examination and treatment options.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact the foot specialists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.