Heel stretch exercises can offer an effective solution for relieving foot pain and tightness. One beneficial heel stretch is the gastrocnemius heel stretch, performed by standing facing a wall with the leg to be stretched behind and toes pointing forward. Start by keeping the back heel down and the knee straight while lunging forward onto the front leg. This helps to reduce tension and friction on foot structures, ultimately alleviating foot and ankle pain. Another helpful technique is the foot pull stretch. Sit with one leg crossed over the other, and gently pull all toes back toward the shin to provide relief for plantar fascia tightness. The ball rolling exercise is accomplished by sitting with the foot resting on a golf or tennis ball and rolling it backward and forward. This has been effective in stretching the soft tissues underneath the heel and ball of the foot, which may ease pain from plantar fasciitis. Incorporating these stretches into a daily routine can significantly contribute to diminishing foot pain and enhancing overall foot health, promoting a more comfortable and pain free lifestyle. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and treatment options.

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 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 one, 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 and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to 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.

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, unfolds as a consequence of the crystallization of uric acid in the joints. Uric acid, a byproduct of purine metabolism, accumulates in the bloodstream when the body either produces too much or eliminates too little of it. This surplus uric acid transforms into sharp crystals, typically depositing in joints, most commonly the big toe. The inflammatory response triggered by these crystals leads to the excruciating pain, swelling, and redness characteristic of gout attacks. Contributing factors to elevated uric acid levels include a diet rich in purine-containing foods, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions affecting uric acid regulation. Gout often manifests in intermittent attacks, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the condition. If you have severe pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat gout.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. 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 Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, can manifest with a range of symptoms. Roughly half of individuals with PAD experience typical symptoms. Others may have atypical or no symptoms at all. Regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms, individuals with PAD face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Left untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications, such as ulcers and infections. Common signs of PAD are intermittent pain, aching, heaviness, or cramping in the legs during activities such as walking or climbing stairs. This discomfort typically subsides with rest and is often felt in the calf but can also occur in the buttocks, thigh, or foot. Additionally, PAD may lead to changes in toenails and leg hair growth, with one foot possibly feeling colder than the other. The affected leg or foot may appear pale, discolored, or even blue. Some individuals may experience leg weakness or numbness, making walking more challenging, and report sensations like pins and needles. In severe cases, blockage of blood flow can result in pain even at rest. Advanced PAD can cause sores or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs, which may heal slowly or not at all and are prone to infections. These symptoms emphasize the importance of scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist for early detection and prompt treatment to manage PAD effectively and reduce the risk of complications.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Heel pain, a pervasive discomfort impacting daily activities, can be attributed to a myriad of factors. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause, arises from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Excessive strain on this ligament, often from overuse or wearing improper footwear, can lead to stabbing pain. Achilles tendonitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, contributes to discomfort, particularly in activities that stress the calf muscles. Additionally, heel spurs, bony protrusions at the bottom of the heel, may result from prolonged plantar fasciitis, causing intermittent or chronic pain. Other potential causes may include stress fractures, nerve impingement, or bursitis. Foot anatomy, gait abnormalities, and excessive weight can further exacerbate heel pain. Identifying the specific factors that contribute to heel pain is essential for tailored interventions. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment methods. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

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 Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.