Items filtered by date: May 2022

If you enjoy running, keeping your feet healthy will ensure that you can keep running and do so pain-free. Maintaining the strength of all the muscles in the foot is important in preventing pain while running. Do some simple exercises regularly to help build strong feet, which in turn will keep the foot and ankle in better alignment and reduce the risk of injury leading to foot pain. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and that have proper support. Running shoes should be replaced regularly. Rotate running shoes so that the same areas of the feet, ankles, and legs are not repeatedly stressed. Do not try to do too much, too fast. Listen to your body and slowly build up speed and distance. Have rest days. Practicing good foot health will not guarantee freedom from running injuries but may help prevent them and make healing easier. If you feel pain while running, it is important to visit a podiatrist and get an expert’s diagnosis of the discomfort and advice on how to properly treat the problem.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Keeping your feet in shape, through exercise and stretching, can help them to serve you better and longer. Before embarking on any exercise program, it’s a good idea to warm up a bit. Marching in place for a few minutes can be a great way to get ready for a few simple strengthening and range of motion exercises. To limber up your feet, sit in a straight chair, extend your leg, and make clockwise circles in the air 15-20 times. Reverse direction and repeat. Then change legs and repeat. To stretch your feet, stand with your feet together (You may wish to hold on to the back of the chair for balance). Lift the heel and gently curl your toes under so that the top of the toes touch the floor. Hold for about 20 seconds. This should stretch the top of the foot and ankle muscles. Repeat on the other foot. To help strengthen your ankles, sit with feet flat on the floor. Lift the left foot and slip a towel or exercise band under the ball of the foot. Extend the lift and use a towel, or band, for resistance as you mimic the motion of pressing on the accelerator of a car.  Hold for a few seconds and repeat 10-15 times. Switch feet. For these and other beneficial foot and ankle exercises, please consult a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

The medical term for an ingrown toenail is onychocryptosis. It is a painful foot condition that occurs when the toenail grows into the skin on the side of the nail. It can happen as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, it may happen from cutting the toenails incorrectly. The proper way to trim toenails is to cut them straight across, and not rounded. Ingrown toenails typically affect the big toe, and research has shown it is a more common condition among men rather than women. Incurring a foot injury may lead to developing an ingrown toenail. This can happen if the foot is jammed against a piece of furniture, or has become damaged from a heavy object dropping on it. Common symptoms of an ingrown toenail include redness, tenderness, and pain. It may feel better when the affected toe is soaked in warm water, which can make it easier to gently pull the skin away from the nail. It is suggested that if you have an ingrown toenail you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you proper treatment methods.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

The most obvious reason a patient can get cracked heels is by having dry skin. Additional reasons that this uncomfortable foot condition can develop include standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time during the day, being overweight, and having foot problems that may increase heel pressure. It can happen to people who wear flip-flops or open backed shoes, which can cause the fat pads in the heel to expand sideways. Existing medical conditions may cause cracked heels. These can include psoriasis, eczema, or diabetes. Cracked heels can cause pain and discomfort, and may become infected if bacteria enters the body through the cracks. Effective prevention methods include wearing shoes that have a closed back and fit correctly, and frequently applying a good moisturizer throughout the day. Many people choose to wear padded socks which may help to prevent injuries to the affected foot. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment that is correct for you.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

A tiny crack in the bone is known as a stress fracture. It generally develops as a result of repetitive pressure that can come from participating in running and jumping activities. If you see your child limping or choosing not to take part in these types of activities, this may indicate a stress fracture. Some of the symptoms typically associated with this condition include swelling, pain, and tenderness when touched. Some children may endure this type of fracture from nutritional deficiencies or fragile bones. It is suggested that the activity that caused the stress fracture be temporarily stopped, which gives the foot a chance to heal. Additionally, many children wear a boot or cast, which can be helpful in providing stability as the healing process occurs. If you think your child has developed a stress fracture, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to discuss correct treatment options with you.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

When your feet are sore, swollen, painful, or aching, it can put your life on hold. You may end up limping or getting tired easily after walking only a short distance. If you have fallen or dropped something heavy on your foot, if you have a large open wound, or if you cannot put weight on your foot, please seek the immediate care of a podiatrist for emergency treatment. Most other foot pain is usually caused by a minor injury, a chronic condition or foot malformation, or simply aging. In the first few days, it is suggested that you embark on the RICE method of healing: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. In some cases, you may need to use a walking aid until the pain subsides. Another helpful hint to ease pain is leading with the good foot when going up stairs, and leading with the problem foot when going down. And, while it seems obvious, do not forget to use a handrail. It is also suggested that if your foot problem continues or worsens, you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination, diagnosis and suggested treatment options.  

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Flip flops are considered to be the official shoe of summer. They are made from a flat rubber sole with a Y-shaped strap that that fits between the big and second toe. They are known to offer minimal, if no support, and, when frequently worn can cause foot conditions to develop. Among them are chronic heel pain and cracked heels. In addition, the walking style, or gait, may be negatively affected, and the toes may become fatigued from constantly gripping the top of the shoe to keep the foot in the shoe and in place. Some patients develop an Achilles tendon injury as a result of added pressure put on the calf muscles. It is suggested that people who enjoy wearing flip flops choose a pair with a thicker heel, which may alleviate some of the pressure on the overall foot. If you need to know more about how flip flops can affect the feet, it is advised that you confer with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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