Items filtered by date: January 2019

If you have fallen or dropped a heavy object on your foot, the result may be a broken foot. There are typically noticeable symptoms that are associated with this condition, and these may include severe pain and discomfort that is felt while attempting to walk, and possible swelling and bruising. If the fracture is severe, and appears to be dislocated, it may be a result of bones that are out of alignment. Patients who have medical conditions which may include diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, may not notice if their foot is fractured, and this may be a result of a loss of sensation. Once a proper diagnosis is performed, which typically consists of having an X-ray taken, the correct treatment can begin. This may include resting and elevating the foot as often as possible, and wearing a cast or protective boot while the healing process takes place. For more severe fractures, an MRI might be a necessary test to aid in determining the severity of the fracture. If you feel you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the proper treatment can begin.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

There are many people who enjoy the sport or hobby of running and jogging, and may experience trauma to the foot or ankle as a result of this. A common running injury may often include Achilles tendonitis, and this will affect the Achilles tendon which is located behind the heel. It typically becomes injured if the calf muscles are not properly stretched before engaging in a running activity, and the inflammation may produce pain and discomfort. Additionally, many people injure their ankles by suddenly stepping off a curb which may cause the ankle to roll inward. This may cause the tendons, ligaments, and muscles to tear, and the pain that accompanies this may cause instability in the ankle. If you have endured any ankle or foot injury, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat the condition.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

The medical term that is referred to as hallux valgus is commonly known as a bunion. This foot condition occurs when the big toe leans toward the toe next to it, and the result may be a bony protrusion that extends on the side of the big toe. There are additional symptoms that may be associated with this ailment, which may include swelling in the affected joint, the skin becoming callused and red, which may be a result of the two toes overlapping, or possibly changes in the foot structure. Many patients notice pain may derive from wearing shoes that no longer fit comfortably. There may be several causes of bunions, and these may include an inherited trait, wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, or possibly a medical condition such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. If you feel you have developed a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

When proper care of the feet and ankles are maintained, the overall health of the body may be positively affected. The alignment of the body is affected by how we walk and stand, and research has shown that practicing yoga may be an option in ensuring the body remains strong. If the feet are not properly cared for, specific foot conditions may develop as a result of this, possibly including heel spurs, bunions, or plantar fasciitis. There are several parts of the feet that may be strengthened as a benefit of a yoga practice, and these may include the inner and outer heel, in addition to the pinky and big toe mound areas. An important portion of performing yoga includes standing with the feet flat on the floor and making sure the weight of the body is evenly distributed on the four corners of the foot. When this is accomplished, lift the arches. This may strengthen the muscles of the ankles and feet. If you would like additional information about the benefits of stretching the feet, speak to a podiatrist.  

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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

If your child complains of an irritation on the side of her big toe, they may have what is known as an ingrown toenail. The typical reasons why this condition may occur can be from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly and provide inadequate room for the toes to move freely in, and toenails that are trimmed improperly. Additionally, some children may pick at their toenails, and this type of action may lead to developing ingrown toenails. Some of the uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with this condition may be tenderness around the edge of the toenail, swelling and redness. If this ailment is not treated promptly, a painful infection may occur when bacteria enters the body through small cuts in the skin. It’s important to obtain a prompt and proper diagnosis, and this can be accomplished by consulting a podiatrist who can also assist in beginning correct treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. 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 Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.