Items filtered by date: February 2025

The ankle joint is a hinge joint connecting the lower leg to the foot, allowing movement for walking, running, and stability. It is supported by ligaments, tendons, and muscles that help maintain balance and absorb impact. Ankle sprains are the most common injury, occurring when ligaments stretch or tear. There are three types of ankle sprains which are lateral, medial, and high ankle sprains. Lateral sprains happen when the foot rolls outward, stretching the outer ligaments. Medial sprains are less frequent and occur when the foot rolls inward, straining the inner ligaments. High ankle sprains involve injury to ligaments above the ankle, often from twisting motions. Relief includes rest, compression, elevation, bracing, and targeted exercises. Severe cases may require immobilization or surgery. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose the severity and recommend appropriate care for proper healing and prevention.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve becomes thickened, causing irritation and pressure on the nerve. This condition often results from repeated irritation or injury to the foot. The main causes of Morton's neuroma include wearing tight, high-heeled shoes that squeeze the toes together, engaging in high-impact activities, and having certain foot abnormalities like flat feet or high arches. Symptoms of Morton's neuroma include sharp, burning pain, numbness, or a feeling of something being trapped in the ball of the foot. The pain typically worsens when standing, walking, or wearing tight shoes. In some cases, a tingling sensation or swelling may also occur. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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 bunion is a bony enlargement that develops at the base of the big toe, often caused when the top of the toe angles toward the others. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty walking. Other symptoms include irritated skin over the bump or stiffness in the joint. Bunions can develop due to genetics, foot structure, or wearing shoes like high heels that squeeze the toes or shift weight toward the forefoot. Bunions are diagnosed through physical examination, questions about symptoms and footwear, and sometimes X-rays to assess the joint’s alignment. Treatment focuses on reducing discomfort and improving foot function. A podiatrist can recommend footwear that minimizes pressure, as well as prescribe orthotic devices like splints or pads to improve alignment and provide cushioning. In more severe cases, this foot doctor may discuss surgery to restore joint alignment. If you have a problematic bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and osteoarthritis, OA, both affect the joints of the feet, toes, and ankles, but are distinct in their causes and progression. RA is a disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness that can affect both feet symmetrically. Over time, this can result in joint deformities and decreased mobility. OA is a degenerative condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to bones rubbing against each other. This wear and tear often results in extreme pain, swelling, and the development of bony growths, which may affect one foot more than the other. Risk factors for RA include family history and being female, while OA is more common with age, obesity, or previous joint injuries. A podiatrist can manage arthritis in the feet, by determining the type of arthritis, recommending appropriate footwear, and suggesting options to reduce pain and preserve joint function. If you have foot problems resulting from arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.