Items filtered by date: July 2023

Heel pain is a common foot condition and can be caused by various reasons. Plantar fasciitis is the most common reason patients may have heel pain, followed by Achilles tendonitis and arthritis. When heel pain occurs in physically active children and young adults, it may indicate that Sever’s disease has developed. Heel pain often comes from overuse, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions that can lead to experiencing heel pain, such as flat feet or obesity. A stress fracture of the heel bone will often lead to heel pain, or it can come from osteomyelitis, which is a heel bone infection. Heel pain may be prevented by gently stretching the heel before engaging in running and jumping activities. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. 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.

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 our office located in Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection termed tinea pedis, often causes an eruption of blisters between the toes or on the bottom of the foot. The blisters are filled with a clear liquid, which in and of itself is not problematic. Other symptoms can include scaling skin, redness, and itchiness. It is important to know that the fungus that causes athlete’s foot is extremely contagious and can easily spread to other body parts. Be sure to wash your hands after touching the infected area. Men, people who are diabetic, and anyone with eczema may be more likely to become infected with athlete’s foot. The best way to prevent coming into contact with the fungus that causes athlete’s foot is to wear foot coverings in warm and moist public areas. This includes shower rooms and locker areas at gyms and swimming pools. If an athlete's foot infection does not react to common treatments, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine the affected foot, and test the infected area to provide appropriate treatment measures. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best 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 and ankle needs.

We may have all stubbed our toes into a piece of furniture or dropped something heavy on our toes and experienced intense pain. A fractured toe, particularly a pinky toe, is a common occurrence, especially because they involve small bones on the edge of the foot and are more prone to injury. When one breaks a toe, it is painful, and the toe will look bruised and swollen. If the ends of the broken bone get displaced, the toe may look crooked. It may be painful to walk with a broken toe, particularly if one breaks their big toe because this toe takes more weight when walking. Most broken toes can be treated at home. The buddy taping method is frequently used, which involves taping the broken toe to the toe next to it for stability. Wearing comfortable, enclosed, and sturdy shoes that do not press against the broken toe should also help. The only way to be certain a toe is broken versus being sprained or strained, is to have an X-ray taken. If a broken toe is associated with another injury or problem, if the big toe is the affected toe, if the skin is broken, or the toe is displaced it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Diabetes is a condition that results in erratic blood sugar levels in the body. It is not an easy disease to navigate. It can have widespread effects on the body, including feeling and blood flow to the feet. Beyond managing blood sugar levels, it is important to examine your feet regularly looking for any cuts, sores, calluses, or changes to your skin or nails. A diabetic can develop neuropathy, making it hard to detect sensations in their extremities, such as pain. If this is difficult to do, a handheld mirror can help, as can asking a family member or care provider for assistance. Participating in regular physical activity and eating healthy can help keep blood sugar within a normal range. Problems brewing on the feet of a diabetic can turn into serious issues with life-threatening consequences. Those with diabetes can develop peripheral artery disease or poor blood flow to the feet, which puts them at risk for foot ulcers, gangrene, and tissue death. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist regularly to have your feet examined as well as obtain prompt treatment for any problems that arise.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.