Plantar fasciitis, a common ailment among basketball players, arises from the intense physical demands of the sport. The continuous running, abrupt stops, and sudden directional changes put immense pressure on the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Repeated stress can lead to inflammation and micro-tears, causing excruciating heel pain. Players often find themselves grappling with the debilitating effects of this condition, hindering their on-court performance. Ignoring the initial signs can exacerbate the problem, making it imperative for basketball enthusiasts to prioritize preventative measures. Adequate warm-up routines, wearing proper footwear, and incorporating stretching exercises into the daily regimen can aid in reducing the risk of plantar fasciitis. If you have developed heel pain from playing basketball, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

A sprained ankle, a common injury among people of all ages, occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear due to sudden twisting, rolling, or impact. The severity of a sprained ankle depends on various factors, including the extent of ligament damage and the force of the injury. Symptoms of a sprained ankle typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. The severity of the injury is often classified into three grades. Grade I involves mild stretching or microscopic tearing of ligaments, resulting in mild pain and swelling. Grade II indicates partial tearing of ligaments with moderate pain, swelling, and instability. Grade III represents complete tearing of ligaments, causing severe pain, swelling, and significant instability in the ankle joint. Proper diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing sprained ankles effectively. Treatment may include things like rest, compression, and elevation. Additionally, immobilization with a brace or splint may be recommended, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

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 and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Choosing the right running shoes tailored to different terrains is vital for optimal performance and injury prevention. For road running, prioritize lightweight shoes with ample cushioning to absorb impact on hard surfaces. Look for durable outsoles with good traction for stability and grip on pavement. Trail running demands shoes with rugged outsoles and aggressive tread patterns to navigate uneven terrain and provide traction on dirt, mud, and rocks. Opt for shoes with protective features, such as rock plates or toe guards to shield your feet from sharp objects. In wet or slippery conditions, consider waterproof or water-resistant shoes with quick-drying materials to keep your feet dry and comfortable. When running on tracks, lightweight and responsive shoes with minimal cushioning are ideal for speed and agility. Finally, for cross-country running, choose versatile shoes that offer a balance of cushioning, support, and traction to handle various surfaces. By selecting the appropriate footwear for each terrain, you can enhance your running experience and minimize the risk of injuries. If you are seeking additional information about what type of shoes to choose for your preferred running style, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Understanding the intricate relationship between diet and gout is important for those grappling with this painful joint condition. Gout, a form of arthritis, results from an excess of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of crystals in the joints, causing inflammation and intense pain. Dietary choices play a vital role in managing gout, as certain foods can either exacerbate or alleviate symptoms. Foods rich in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and seafood, can elevate uric acid levels, thus triggering gout attacks. On the contrary, incorporating a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been linked to a lower risk of gout. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying hydrated are essential lifestyle factors that can positively impact gout management. By adopting a balanced and mindful approach to dietary habits, individuals can effectively contribute to the prevention and control of gout flare-ups. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to further manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Ingrown toenails can become chronic if left untreated. Causes can include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, obesity, trauma, excessive sweating, fungal infections, and hormonal changes. Symptoms encompass pain, swelling, redness, and pus formation. Classification into three stages guides treatment decisions, with conservative measures recommended for mild cases. Conservative approaches include proper nail trimming, wearing roomy shoes, and using gauze or specialized materials to separate the nail from the flesh. Surgical intervention becomes necessary for stages two and three, involving either partial or total nail removal and destruction of the lateral matrix to prevent regrowth. Regular podiatry care and adherence to post-treatment protocols are necessary for successful management of ingrown toenails. If you have repeated experience with ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation of the stage you are experiencing, in addition to obtaining proper treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.