May 2024

Plantar heel pain is a foot complaint that can arise from various causes, ranging from everyday activities to less common medical conditions. Typically, this pain is due to plantar fasciitis, causing the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot to become inflamed. Other common causes include heel spurs, arthritis, and excessive walking or running. Less frequently, it can be caused by conditions including nerve entrapment or cysts in the heel. Symptoms generally include a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel that is most intense with the first steps after waking up or after long periods of rest. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, patient history, and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays to rule out bone problems. Treatment options range from rest to more involved methods such as custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in severe cases, surgery. If you have persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a targeted treatment for relief.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

In the bustling atmosphere of a restaurant, safe footwear emerges as a top priority for workers, with slip and fall accidents posing significant risks that can lead to injuries. Diverse roles within the restaurant necessitate distinct footwear choices to optimize comfort and safety. For instance, chefs benefit from shoes with elevated insoles for prolonged kitchen hours. However, managers may prefer non-slip formal shoes, and waitstaff requires flat, non-slip options with adequate foot protection. Essential safety features like protective toe caps can defend against kitchen hazards, while lightweight materials offer protection and comfort. Waterproof, slip-resistant shoes are indispensable in moisture-prone areas, enhancing stability and confidence. Material selection, including rubber and canvas, underscores durability and ease of maintenance. Safety elements like aluminum or plastic toe caps ensure protection, particularly in canvas footwear. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while working in a restaurant, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Bunions, medically known as hallux valgus, are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. They develop when the bones in the front part of the foot move out of place, while the tip of the big toe pulls toward the smaller toes. This forces the joint at the base of the big toe to stick out.  Over time, the movement of the big toe toward the others creates a noticeable bump, which can become painful due to inflammation or arthritis within the joint. It may require treatment ranging from padded shoes and orthotics to surgery. Certain people are genetically predisposed to develop bunions, whereas other cases of bunions may develop due to ill-fitting footwear. High heels or shoes with a narrow toe box can exacerbate this condition. Additionally, conditions like arthritis can also contribute to bunion development by weakening and damaging the cartilage in the joint. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for treatment options and to prevent it from worsening. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed due to plaque buildup. Diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing this condition. High blood sugar levels contribute to the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which can harden and reduce blood flow. This process, known as atherosclerosis, is more common in diabetes patients due to the chronic high glucose levels that damage the blood vessel walls. Symptoms of PAD include pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs and feet during activities like walking. Complications like ulcers, which often appear on the feet, can lead to serious infections. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist, or foot doctor, are important to prevent any issues and manage foot and lower leg health. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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