Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that form when the foot experiences repeated pressure or friction. This is the body’s way of protecting the skin, but the buildup can become painful. Corns are usually smaller and often develop on or between the toes, while calluses tend to be broader and commonly appear on the bottom of the foot. Wearing poorly fitting shoes, foot deformities, walking mechanics, and repeated stress from daily activity can all contribute. Although these areas may seem minor, ongoing pressure can lead to discomfort, skin breakdown, and difficulty walking, especially in people with diabetes or circulation concerns. Treatment focuses on reducing the source of pressure, improving foot support, and safely managing thickened skin. Simply trimming the skin at home does not address the underlying cause. If painful thickened skin continues to return, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns 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 can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor 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 care needs.

Dancing places repeated stress on the feet and ankles, which can lead to several common injuries. An ankle sprain occurs when ligaments are stretched or torn, often from landing awkwardly or twisting during movement. Trigger toe happens when the tendons controlling toe motion become irritated, leading to pain or stiffness during push off. Achilles tendonitis develops from overuse of the tendon that connects the calf to the heel, causing soreness and tightness at the back of the ankle. Additionally, a dancer fracture is a small break in the foot bones, usually caused by repetitive impact or sudden force during jumps. These conditions may appear as pain, swelling, reduced flexibility, or difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can diagnose each injury, assess severity, and guide recovery to restore strength and movement. If you have incurred a foot or ankle injury from dancing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the big toe, causing sudden and intense pain. It may appear with redness, swelling, warmth, and extreme tenderness, sometimes making it difficult to walk or even touch the area. This condition develops when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals within the joint. The big toe is commonly affected because it is under frequent stress and has lower temperatures that allow crystals to form more easily. Risk factors include diet, genetics, weight, and certain medical conditions. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through examination and testing, then guide treatment to reduce inflammation and protect joint function. Early care can help prevent repeated attacks and joint damage. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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 sprains are one of the most common injuries in volleyball. The main causes are repeated jumping, sudden direction changes, and awkward landings near the net. The sprain often occurs when the foot rolls inward and stretches or tears the ligaments that support the ankle. Symptoms are immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or placing weight on the foot. The ankle can feel weak, unstable, or stiff, especially during side-to-side movement. In some cases, a popping sensation is felt at the moment of injury. Volleyball players are at higher risk when playing on uneven surfaces, landing on another player’s foot, or returning to sports too quickly after a previous sprain. A podiatrist can examine the ankle, evaluate ligament damage, and determine whether imaging studies are needed to rule out fractures or more serious injuries. Treatment may include bracing, activity modification, or therapies designed to restore stability and reduce pain. If you have sprained your ankle from playing volleyball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.