Heel spurs, bony outgrowths at the bottom of the heel bone, can be a source of persistent foot discomfort. Formed due to calcium deposits, heel spurs often accompany conditions like plantar fasciitis. The pain associated with heel spurs typically arises during weight-bearing activities, especially after rest periods. While rest and proper footwear are important components of managing heel spurs, specific exercises can provide relief. Stretching exercises, such as calf stretches and towel curls, may help to alleviate tension in the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot can reduce inflammation. Strengthening exercises, like toe-tapping and marble pickups, enhance foot and ankle muscles, promoting better support. A podiatrist treats heel spurs. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you visit this type of doctor who can help you with appropriate treatment and guide you toward additional stretches. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Hastings, MI . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or JRA, can significantly impact a child's feet, leading to symptoms like swollen, stiff, painful joints, and warmth in the affected area. These symptoms can cause difficulty in walking, often observed as limping, particularly in the morning when stiffness is at its worst. The condition varies in how it presents itself. Symptoms can be intermittent, ranging from mild to intense, and they may persist for years. In JRA, several types affect the feet differently. Pauciarticular JRA, the most common form, typically affects up to four joints, often including those in the ankles or toes. JRA affects five or more joints and often involves the small joints in the toes. Systemic JRA and spondyloarthritis, while less common, can also impact foot health, with systemic JRA potentially causing long-term joint damage. If your child suffers from JRA and has foot discomfort, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment that will help restore easier movement.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Ankle pain is a common complaint that can impact people of all ages and activity levels. There are numerous factors that can contribute to ankle discomfort. One common cause is injury, such as sprains or strains, which can result from a fall, twist, or overexertion during physical activities. Arthritis is another prevalent reason for ankle pain, particularly in older individuals. Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint inflammation and discomfort. Overuse and repetitive stress on the ankle joint, often seen in athletes, can result in pain or conditions like Achilles tendonitis. Other potential causes can include underlying medical conditions, such as gout, nerve compression, or circulatory issues. Footwear choices and improper gait can also contribute to the development of ankle pain. Proper diagnosis and management of ankle pain are vital, as the appropriate treatment plan will depend on identifying the specific cause. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be 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
• 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.

Ollier’s disease is a condition where a person develops non-cancerous cartilage growths, called enchondromas, inside their bones. It often affects the bones in the hands and feet, which can cause the bones to become deformed. This can make the hands and feet look abnormal and may lead to problems like shorter limbs, fingers, or toes. Even though these growths start as non-cancerous, there is a small risk they can become cancerous later. People with Ollier’s disease usually have a normal life span, and it does not affect their intelligence. The disease is often noticed in children around the age of 5 and the growths typically stop once they reach early adulthood. If you notice something amiss with your child’s feet, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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