Plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain, caused by small tears and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. It is often triggered by overuse, flat feet, tight calf muscles, or footwear with inadequate support. While it is commonly known for morning heel pain, a lesser-known symptom is arch tightness or burning sensations after long periods of standing. It typically feels like a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest. Visibly, there may be no swelling, but the pain can significantly affect daily activities. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms and activity level. Treatment includes stretching, orthotics, supportive shoes, targeted exercises, and occasionally injections. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact David Mansky, DPM  from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Hammertoe surgery is a procedure to correct a deformity in the second, third, or fourth toe when the middle joint bends and the toe looks like a hammer. This outpatient procedure is designed to lessen pain and improve flexibility when the toe muscles cannot stretch and straighten on their own. A podiatrist may recommend hammertoe surgery after conservative options have failed. Options include fusion, tendon transfer, or joint resection to straighten the toe. Fusion cuts the bone ends and uses pins, rods, or screws to keep the toe straight. Tendon transfer reroutes a tendon to help the toe lie flat. Joint resection removes part of the bone and uses pins to hold alignment. Recovery from hammertoe surgery involves wearing a surgical shoe or boot, keeping weight off the foot, and follow-up visits for pin or stitch removal. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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 may be a summer favorite, but they can negatively affect foot health. Most styles offer no arch support, cushioning, or heel stability. The lack of straps forces toes to grip the sandal with each step, leading to muscle fatigue and strain. Over time, this can contribute to plantar fasciitis, tendonitis or joint pain. Wearing flip flops for extended periods of time can also alter your gait and increase the risk of injury. A podiatrist can assess any pain caused by improper footwear and recommend supportive alternatives or custom orthotics. If you experience foot discomfort after wearing flip flops, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to protect your foot health and prevent long-term damage.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. 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

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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 when walking can result from injuries, overuse, or underlying conditions that affect the foot and ankle structure. Common causes include sprains, which involve stretched or torn ligaments, and fractures, where one or more ankle bones break and may shift out of place. Overuse injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis, and plantar fasciitis often develop gradually and worsen with continued walking. Conditions like arthritis, gout, or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can also cause ankle pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. A podiatrist can perform a thorough physical exam, review your medical history, and use diagnostic tools such as X-rays or MRI scans to identify the source of ankle pain. Treatment options include supportive bracing, shoe modifications, and injections. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair damaged tendons, realign bones, or even replace the ankle joint. If you are experiencing pain while walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or friction, often from wearing ill-fitting shoes or abnormal walking patterns. They typically form on the tops and sides of toes or on the soles of the feet. Common causes include wearing tight footwear, high heels, or walking without proper support. There are different types of corns, including hard corns, soft corns found between the toes, and seed corns which appear on the bottom of the foot. While small corns may not cause pain, larger ones can become uncomfortable or lead to further irritation. A podiatrist can identify the cause, safely remove corns, and recommend footwear or custom orthotics to relieve pressure and prevent recurrence. If you have developed a corn, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.