Falling can cause significant injuries to the feet, including sprains, fractures, and bruising. Impact from a fall may weaken the muscles and joints, leading to instability and discomfort. Strengthening the feet can help prevent falls by improving balance and stability. Using a resistance band to perform foot exercises enhances flexibility and strengthens the muscles that support the arches. Picking up marbles with the toes helps improve dexterity and grip strength, making the feet more responsive to changes in terrain. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises increase foot control, reducing the risk of missteps. Wearing supportive footwear and maintaining strong, flexible feet contribute to better stability. If you have fallen and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Toe joint pain often results from gout, hammertoe, or arthritis. Gout is a form of arthritis that typically affects the big toe joint, causing sudden, intense pain, redness, and swelling. Hammertoe usually occurs in one or more of the smaller toes, as it bends unnaturally, creating discomfort, stiffness, and potential pain in the joint. Other causes of toe joint pain include overuse, trauma, or misalignment. Symptoms often include swelling, redness, or warmth in the affected area, along with difficulty walking or putting pressure on the toe. The pain can be sharp or throbbing, and may worsen at night or after certain activities. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the underlying cause of the toe pain and recommending medication, targeted exercises, custom orthotics, or even surgery, in severe cases. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Dancers place significant stress on their feet, toes, and ankles, making proper foot care essential for preventing injuries and maintaining mobility. Keeping toenails short and cutting them straight across helps reduce the risk of ingrown toenails, which can be painful and interfere with movement. Calluses act as a protective barrier against friction, but should be carefully maintained to prevent thickening that can cause discomfort. Corns, which often develop between the toes due to pressure from wearing tight-fitting shoes, may require adjustments in footwear or evaluation by a podiatrist. Pointe dancers are especially prone to bruised toenails, which may turn black and eventually fall off, leading to temporary discomfort and limitations in performance. Persistent pain, swelling, or structural concerns like bunions or stress fractures should not be ignored. A podiatrist can assess foot health, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatment, including orthotics or surgery, if necessary. If you have foot, toe, or ankle pain caused by dancing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Skin fissures on the heels are caused by dry, cracked skin. These painful cracks can develop deep enough to bleed and are often accompanied by rough, flaky skin. Symptoms include a feeling of tightness, discomfort while walking, and visible cracks, especially in the winter months when the air is drier. The main causes of heel fissures are prolonged dryness, standing for long periods, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or not moisturizing enough. People with conditions like diabetes or obesity are also more prone to heel fissures due to added pressure on the feet. If you experience heel fissures, a podiatrist can help by assessing the severity of the cracks and offering treatment options. Included are prescription creams, padding to relieve pressure, or debridement, which is the removal of dead skin. This type of doctor may also provide advice on proper footwear and foot care routines to prevent further damage. If you have severely cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

A metatarsal fracture is a break in one of the five long bones in the middle of the foot. These fractures are among the most common foot injuries, often caused by trauma, overuse, or sudden twisting motions. Athletes, dancers, and people with weakened bones from osteoporosis are at higher risk. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. Some may feel a sharp pain at the time of injury, while others notice increasing discomfort over time. A podiatrist will diagnose the fracture through a physical exam and X-rays. Treatment depends on the severity. Minor fractures may heal with rest and a walking boot, while more severe breaks may require casting or surgery. If you suspect a foot fracture, it is suggested that you seek treatment from a podiatrist to ensure proper healing and avoid long-term foot issues.

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 care needs.