Items filtered by date: May 2025

Foot pain can come from a number of problems, and not all of them start in the foot. In some cases, pressure on nerves in the lower back can cause pain that travels down into the feet. More often, foot pain is caused by stress, overuse, or pressure in the wrong areas. Pain in the heel may occur when the thick band of tissue that supports the arch becomes irritated. Tendons, which connect muscles to bones, can also become sore from repeated movement. Sprains and strains are common in people who are active or play sports and can affect the muscles, joints, or ligaments in the foot or ankle. Conditions like arthritis may cause pain and swelling in the joints. Tight or unsupportive shoes may also lead to pain by putting pressure on the toes or heels. A podiatrist can examine your foot, order tests if needed, and suggest medical treatment or surgery, if needed. If you experience foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated or inflamed. This ligament supports the arch and absorbs pressure during walking. Repeated strain from activities like running, long periods of standing, or wearing shoes that lack proper support can lead to small tears where the fascia connects to the heel bone. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis often include sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The pain may recede with movement but often returns later in the day. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis by examining the foot and reviewing activity history. Treatment options include prescribed orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, night splints, or, in some cases, corticosteroid injections. Surgery may be considered if other options fail. If you have pain on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for 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 the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Midfoot arthritis affects the joints in the arch of the foot, where several small bones meet. It can cause pain, stiffness and swelling, especially during walking or standing. This condition often develops from wear and tear over time, past injuries or inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The pain may feel worse in the morning or after activity, and shoes may start to feel uncomfortable. Treatment focuses on reducing stress on the joints. Wearing supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications may help manage symptoms. In some cases, targeted exercises or steroid injections provide relief. When pain does not improve, surgery may be considered to fuse the affected joints and restore stability. If you feel pain or stiffness in the middle of your foot that affects daily movement, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

A broken pinky toe can cause significant discomfort despite the small size of the bone. Symptoms include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot. In some cases, the pinky toe may appear crooked or out of alignment, and touching or moving the toe can increase the pain. Causes of a broken pinky toe typically involve direct trauma, such as stubbing the toe against a hard object, dropping something heavy on the foot, or twisting the foot awkwardly during a fall or misstep. Stress fractures from repetitive impact activities can also affect the pinky toe. If you believe you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can  accurately diagnose this condition and offer appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.