Items filtered by date: February 2024

Understanding the intricate relationship between diet and gout is important for those grappling with this painful joint condition. Gout, a form of arthritis, results from an excess of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of crystals in the joints, causing inflammation and intense pain. Dietary choices play a vital role in managing gout, as certain foods can either exacerbate or alleviate symptoms. Foods rich in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and seafood, can elevate uric acid levels, thus triggering gout attacks. On the contrary, incorporating a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been linked to a lower risk of gout. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying hydrated are essential lifestyle factors that can positively impact gout management. By adopting a balanced and mindful approach to dietary habits, individuals can effectively contribute to the prevention and control of gout flare-ups. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to further manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Ingrown toenails can become chronic if left untreated. Causes can include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, obesity, trauma, excessive sweating, fungal infections, and hormonal changes. Symptoms encompass pain, swelling, redness, and pus formation. Classification into three stages guides treatment decisions, with conservative measures recommended for mild cases. Conservative approaches include proper nail trimming, wearing roomy shoes, and using gauze or specialized materials to separate the nail from the flesh. Surgical intervention becomes necessary for stages two and three, involving either partial or total nail removal and destruction of the lateral matrix to prevent regrowth. Regular podiatry care and adherence to post-treatment protocols are necessary for successful management of ingrown toenails. If you have repeated experience with ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation of the stage you are experiencing, in addition to obtaining proper treatment.

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.

Ankle pain while running can be a frustrating setback for any athlete. Several factors contribute to this discomfort, ranging from overuse injuries to biomechanical issues. Often, runners experience ankle pain due to excessive strain on the ligaments and tendons surrounding the ankle joint. This strain can result from repetitive movements, improper footwear, or inadequate warm-up routines. Additionally, running on uneven surfaces or sudden changes in terrain can exacerbate ankle pain by causing instability and stress on the joints. Poor running form, such as overpronation or supination, may also lead to ankle pain over time. Ignoring early signs of discomfort can worsen the condition and potentially lead to more severe injuries. To prevent ankle pain, runners should prioritize proper footwear, gradual training progressions, and regular stretching exercises to maintain flexibility and strengthen the ankle muscles. If you have developed ankle pain, and feel it may be due to running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options, in addition to effective preventive techniques.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Sports activities are a way people express their love for moving, playing, and competing. Many kids and teens take part in sports, but because sports involve a lot of physical activity injuries can happen. Approximately 30 to 40 percent of all injuries in kids and teenagers occur during sports. However, younger kids are generally less likely to get injured than older teenagers. The kind of foot injuries kids can get depend on the sport being played. The risk also depends on how hard the child plays. Some sports, like swimming, have a lower risk of foot injury. Others, such as ball sports, have a medium risk. And some, like riding or ice skating, have a high risk. Each sport has its typical types of injuries. The lower part of the body is more likely to get injured in sports like soccer, skiing, and running. If your child has incurred a foot injury from sports or from anything else, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.