Items filtered by date: June 2025

Running a marathon places immense pressure on the feet, often leading to pain that can interfere with performance and recovery. Foot pain from long-distance runs may be caused by plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, Morton’s neuroma, or metatarsalgia. Conditions like fat pad syndrome or Achilles tendonitis can also develop when repetitive impact overwhelms the foot’s ability to absorb shock. Marathon runners may experience stiffness in the big toe joint, known as hallux rigidus, or develop ankle pain from sprains. Each condition affects different parts of the foot or ankle and may produce sharp, aching, or burning sensations. A podiatrist can identify the exact cause through an exam and imaging when necessary. Depending on the diagnosis, a podiatrist may recommend footwear modifications, orthotics, immobilization, or, in some cases, surgery. Prompt care can reduce the risk of long-term complications and help runners return to activity safely. If you have foot pain caused by running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the foot specialists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause 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.

Foot problems become increasingly common with age due to wear and tear, medical conditions, and footwear habits. Seniors often face bunions, which are painful bumps that form when the big toe shifts out of place, sometimes causing inflammation and discomfort. Corns and calluses develop from pressure and friction, especially when shoes do not fit properly. Thick, brittle, discolored, or ingrown toenails can also become problematic and may lead to pain or infection. Other issues from improper footwear in seniors include arthritis-related stiffness, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs causing arch or heel pain, and flat feet or high arches that alter foot alignment. Nerve-related conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome and Morton’s neuroma may also cause burning, tingling, or cramping sensations. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options.

If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists of Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.

Wearing proper safety footwear in the construction field is essential for protecting workers from common job site hazards. Puncture resistant soles help guard against sharp objects on the ground, while slip resistant materials reduce the risk of falls on wet or uneven surfaces. For long hours on the job, breathable materials and ergonomic design support comfort and reduce fatigue. Poor footwear can lead to muscle strain, joint pain, and spinal stress. A podiatrist can assist by addressing foot issues caused by wearing improper shoes, relieving pain, and offering advice on supportive footwear choices. If you have developed foot conditions from wearing the wrong shoes, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot issues, and guide you on the proper shoes to wear for your workday.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

A broken ankle refers to a fracture in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. It can result from trauma such as a fall, sports injury, or an accident that forces the joint beyond its normal range of motion. Symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, and visible deformity. Risk factors include high-impact activities, weak bones, improper footwear, and poor balance. A podiatrist can assess the injury through physical examination and imaging, then recommend appropriate treatment, such as immobilization, orthotics, or referral for surgical care. With expert guidance, a podiatrist helps ensure proper healing, pain management, and rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility in the affected ankle. If you have symptoms of a broken ankle, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.