Items filtered by date: June 2021

There are several bones each foot is composed of. The shape of the cuboid bone is square and it is one of seven tarsal bones in the foot. It is found on the outside of each foot, and it links the metatarsals to the heel bone. When the ligaments that surrounds this bone are injured, it may lead to cuboid syndrome. This is a condition that can cause pain and discomfort, and it is often difficult to walk. It can be common among patients who participate in running and jumping sporting activities. Additionally, ballet dancers may be prone to this ailment, and this can be a result of the continual pressure the cuboid bone endures. Relief may be found when the affected foot is taped, and this can help to provide the stability that is needed to help accelerate the healing process. If you have pain on the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause of pain is, and recommend the right treatment options for you.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

As summer is in full swing, many of us pull out a pair of flip flops. However, flip flops were not made for everyday use, and they can cause many problems. To start, flip flops do not provide enough support for the feet, and wearing them over a prolonged period of time can lead to the arch ligaments straining. This lack of support can cause the feet and toes to work harder and eventually lead to hammertoes, and the ankle can roll over on its side and lead to an ankle sprain. When wearing flip flops, make sure to choose a pair with a supportive lightweight sole and a cradle around the heel to reduce the chance of an ankle sprain. If you have questions or concerns about wearing your flip flops, consult with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

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.

Orthotics that a podiatrist prescribes are custom-made appliances fit to your foot that slip into your shoes to help provide optimal body alignment and movement based on your individual foot structure and needs. They can be used to help correct structural problems or gait issues—either from birth, illness, or trauma—that may cause pain or reduce mobility. They can also be used in a preventative manner to help prevent the chance of injuries, reduce pressure on joints, and improve stability and stamina when walking or running. Custom, or prescription, orthotics can help a podiatrist treat patients with over-pronation (when the feet and ankles collapse inwardly), Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, diabetic foot ulcers, fallen arches, and more. Make an appointment with a podiatrist to see if custom orthotics may help you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

When walking or standing for long periods of time, certain areas of the skin on the feet thicken to help withstand pressure. These areas of thickness are either corns or calluses that work as a protective measure when the skin rubs on the bone, shoe or the ground. Calluses are larger, more irregularly shaped areas of hardened skin on the foot that usually indicate an issue such as a bone deformity, poor walking style, or poor footwear. Corns are much smaller and have a central core. There are five main types of corns that can develop on the feet. Hard corns are concentrated to the size of a pea, and soft corns develop similarly and usually appear when the skin is moist from sweat or in between the toes. A seed corn is very tiny and can occur by itself or as a cluster. Vascular corns contain nerve fibers and blood vessels and are very painful. Fibrous corns attach to deeper tissues and tend to last a long time on the foot. If you have a corn or callus that is irritating your foot, consulting with a podiatrist is suggested.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. 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 Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sesamoid bones are unique in that they are not connected to other bones (which is normally the case with bones). Sesamoids are either embedded in muscles or connected to tendons. The kneecap (patella bone) is the largest sesamoid bone in the body. There are two little sesamoids in the foot which help the big toe move, enable the foot to push off, and serve as shock absorbers for the ball of the foot. When these sesamoids become fractured, irritated or inflamed due to repetitive pressure, overuse, or other contributing factors, it is known as sesamoiditis. Sesamoiditis can be quite painful, making it very difficult to walk. If sesamoiditis is not treated properly and promptly, other areas of the foot may become inflamed or even injured. If you are experiencing pain under the big toe and are having difficulty bending and straightening it, consult a podiatrist to see if you have sesamoiditis and receive proper care if you do.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.