A recent review of studies on ankle injuries found that ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, affecting approximately 2 million people in the United States each year. Ankle sprains are especially common amongst athletes. However, about half of all acute ankle sprains treated in emergency departments across the country did not occur during a sporting activity. This review also found that many people with acute ankle sprains reported that they had a history of ankle sprains in the past, suggesting that spraining your ankle once makes you more likely to sprain it again in the future. Because of this, injury prevention is very important. Strengthening the muscles and improving biomechanics of the lower limbs may help prevent ankle sprains. If you have sprained your ankle, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running is a great exercise for your overall health, but to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefits, make sure that you are wearing the right shoes! Wearing ill-fitting or unsupportive running shoes can increase your risk of injury, so it is important to choose high-quality shoes that fit correctly. Running shoes should be slightly larger in size than your average, everyday footwear. This is because when you run, your feet repeatedly hit the ground and your toes move forward in the shoes. If your toes lack the room to move, you may find yourself with an injury. Your shoe size can change over the course of your lifetime, so it is important to make no assumptions regarding your current running shoe size. Measure your foot or have a proper shoe fitting performed at a shoe store in order to help you find the right size. For more tips on finding the correct running shoes for you, consult with a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.

Retaining fluid and swelling in your feet is extremely common during pregnancy. The swelling may be especially noticeable at the end of the day, during hot weather, or after standing for long periods of time. There are several things that you can do at home that may bring you mild relief. Resting and elevating your feet for at least 20 minutes at the end of the day may help reduce swelling. Eating a balanced diet with less salt and drinking plenty of water is suggested to reduce excessive fluid retention. Gentle, regular exercise and wearing wide, supportive shoes can make you more comfortable as well. For more information on how to deal with fluid retention and swelling in your feet during pregnancy, consult with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

Poor circulation, or inadequate blood flow to the lower extremities, is common in people with underlying health conditions, such as peripheral artery disease, and for the elderly. Common causes of poor circulation to the lower limbs include obesity, varicose veins, and blood clots. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to improve circulation to your legs and feet. Walking is a low impact exercise that you can do daily to increase blood flow to the legs. If you are a smoker, quitting can reduce damage to your blood vessels, thereby improving circulation. Finally, eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated can improve overall health, including the health of your circulatory system. If you have poor circulation to your legs and feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist, who can help you treat, manage and prevent complications associated with poor circulation.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.