Plantar warts are usually caused by walking around with bare feet in the warmer months. It is very common for warts to appear on the bottom of the foot, however it is possible for them to grow anywhere on the body. They can appear in different shapes, and may even appear in a clustered form. While there are a variety of ways that one can treat warts, the most traditional method is to undergo surgery. Warts can be very painful considering they often appear on the feet which bare most of the body’s weight. If a plantar wart goes untreated, it can become difficult to exercise and perform daily activities.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Having your child play on the playground barefooted may be a good idea, according to some podiatrists and parenting experts. Its proposed benefits include proper foot function, foot development, better balance, and proprioception, which is how the body senses movement. Parents are recommended to try it themselves. Proponents point to studies that show how it strengthens the feet and legs, determining that people are less likely to suffer from conditions like bunions or corns. Going barefoot is still a debated topic and has its own pros and cons. If you or your child going barefoot interests you, be sure to check with a podiatrist to see if it's right for both of you.

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running

• Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
• Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running

• When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced; this can reduce stress injuries.
• It strengthens muscles in the feet, ankles and lower legs.
• Balance of the body is improved, and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running

• No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
• Blisters may form.
• Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
• Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So, what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of 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.

As we get older, our senses and balance begin to wane and the chance of us experiencing a serious fall increases significantly. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the number one cause of fatal injury among older adults and the leading cause for trauma-related hospital admissions. Even more disturbing, every 19 minutes an elderly person dies from a fall. Following the subsequent tips can help prevent falls among the elderly. To start, remove excess clutter and any debris on the floor. Wearing shoes and socks that provide more grip and having skid-proof rugs are a great way to prevent falls. Exercise classes for the elderly can help increase strength and balance; living a sedentary lifestyle and not getting any physical activity actually makes falls more likely. Proper lighting is another key feature that can also help, and automatic night lights can be very useful for illuminating late night trips to the bathroom. Having your eyes and ears checked by a doctor and making sure that your medications do not cause balance loss is vital. Finally, using a cane or walker and installing railings in bathrooms and on both sides of the stairs can provide further support and help prevent falls.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.

Common among runners and other athletes, black or blue toenails are often a sign of damage to the nail. While typically not the most serious of injuries, they should be observed and treated to prevent them from worsening or not healing properly. Discoloration of the nail occurs from blood forming in the toe from trauma. When the nail has sustained enough damage, it may also fall off. While a new nail will develop, it is important to continue observing the toe because fungus or bacteria could grow. Seeing a podiatrist who can determine what is wrong with the toe so they can provide treatment options is recommended. Be sure to check your shoe size as well; making sure your shoes properly fit and provide support and space for your toes can help prevent damage to them in the first place.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When it comes to shoe shopping, many people may feel overwhelmed by the amount of options available and what they should look for in a shoe. Here are some tips to find the right pair of shoes for you. First, don’t skimp out and buy a cheap pair of shoes; they tend to be of poor comfort and quality. While this doesn’t mean you necessarily need to spend more money, be warier of cheaper shoes. Remember that if you are wearing these shoes all day, buying a more expensive pair that provides top comfort and quality will ultimately be worth it. When you go to try on a new pair, go in the afternoon because feet swell during the day and are at their largest in the afternoon. A pair that fits well in the morning may not in the afternoon, so be on the lookout. Shoes should be snug, not too tight but not too loose. They should also provide wiggle room for the toes. Above all, shoes should be comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time; this is one of the most important tips you can follow.

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.