Stress fractures, or painful hairline fractures of the bone caused by fatigue, can happen to anyone. While small, they can be serious if not taken care of. Treatment generally involves rest, but prevention is always preferential. To prevent stress fractures, start with upping your calcium and vitamin D intake. Both calcium and vitamin D help promote healthy bones, which can prevent fractures. A good pair of sneakers can help prevent stress fractures in addition to a number of other foot injuries. At least one study shows that improper running stride can increase the likelihood of injury. Those who are very skinny are more likely to suffer from fractures, so maintaining a healthy body weight and diet is essential. Last but not least, when exercising be sure to gradually increase intensity over time; do not do this immediately. Fatigue from overuse is a common cause for stress fractures, so knowing your limit is an important part of preventing injury. If you think you have suffered a stress fracture in the foot, see a podiatrist immediately for a proper diagnosis.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

When it comes to choosing children’s footwear, children often favor style over comfort. This can cause a number of foot issues; children’s feet are still developing, and poorly fitted footwear can stymie growth. It is recommended to wear fitted shoes that not only offer some flexibility, but provide support and cushioning as well. The toes should have enough space to move around, and the foot shouldn’t be cramped. Too much space, however, is also bad and can lead to injury. Parents should keep an eye on their children’s feet; if they complain about foot pain, it may be wise to take them to a podiatrist. Fashion and style have their place in choosing footwear, but it shouldn’t be at the cost of healthy feet.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

A major problem among those who suffer from diabetes is poor blood circulation and nerve damage. This can lead to diabetics developing foot ulcers that don’t heal properly or quickly. In more severe cases in which the wound has become infected, this can lead to amputation. The first step is to keep the diabetes in check by observing blood glucose levels and staying healthy. Inspecting the foot daily is important because nerve damage can prevent a diabetic from realizing they have an ulcer. Foot inspections can help diabetics discover a wound early so they can alert a podiatrist. If there is a wound, diabetics should wash the wound with saline or clean water. Applying an antibiotic ointment and covering with a bandage is also important. However these solutions are only temporary, and you should see a podiatrist if you have a foot ulcer.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

It is very possible that the cause of your hip, back, or knee pain could be your feet. You should try to take care of your feet and make sure that they are strong and healthy so that you can avoid having pain in other areas of your body. One of the simplest exercises you can do to strengthen your feet are toe presses. In order to do this, you should bend your knees, grip the ground with your toes, hold the position for a few seconds, and then release. Another exercise is to walk on your tiptoes for twenty seconds. Doing this can help strengthen the muscles in your toes as well as the ligaments that surround the ball of the foot.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

While flip-flops may be convenient to wear around the pool and locker rooms, they should not be worn for long periods of time. The only benefit that these shoes provide is that they can help protect you from infection, but they tend to do more harm than good for your feet. Typically, flip-flops fail to provide your feet with arch support, which may cause your natural foot arch to collapse. As a result, other parts of your body, such as your hip and back, may be disrupted. Nevertheless, the key to wearing flip-flops is moderation. It is crucial that you only wear these shoes for short periods of time in order to prevent long-term damage to your feet.

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 care needs.

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of the skin that appear in areas of high friction and pressure, such as the feet. Corns differ from calluses in that they tend to be smaller with a central core of keratin. Soft corns may form between the toes where skin is usually moist from sweat or inadequate drying. This type of corn appears to be soft and rubbery and is also the result of excessive friction. Some causes of corns include uneven weight distribution, bunions, claw toes, poorly fitting shoes, and arthritis in the feet.

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.

Many runners often complain about feeling pain in their heel, and the pain is usually caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. A 2012 study revealed that 1 in 10 people will develop plantar fasciitis in his or her lifetime, and many of these people will belong to the athletic community. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is important that you understand why it is happening so that you know how to treat it. One of the most common causes for heel pain is wearing old, worn-out running shoes. You should always make sure to replace your sneakers after every 500 miles of running. Another cause may be failing to stretch before you work out. It is crucial that you stretch your feet if you want to prevent and relieve any sort of heel pain.

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

Cardinals outfielder Dexter Fowler was recently placed on the disabled list with a heel spur. Fowler suffered the injury in a game against the Pirates. Prior to experiencing the heel spur, Fowler was dealing with a quadriceps injury that kept him out for a few games. This season, the outfielder is hitting .245/.336/.481 with 13 homeruns and 35 RBI in 277 plate appearances. Unfortunately, Fowler’s injury has come at the wrong time for a struggling Cardinals team. In order to fill his spot on the roster, the team has called up outfielder Randal Grichuk from Triple-A Memphis.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Surprisingly, there are girls who are as young as six-years-old who are starting to wear heels. Researchers have found that celebrities such as Taylor Swift and girl-group ‘Little Mix’ are part of the reason why young girls are wanting to wear heels. According to a study, one in ten girls begins to wear small heeled shoes at age six, which may cause the calf muscles to shorten while also putting pressure on the ball of the foot. Another study was able to find that children are in danger of suffering long term damage to their feet due to the unsuitable shoes they are wearing. It is crucial that parents have their child’s feet measured from ages one to three, because this is the stage where foot growth occurs most rapidly.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.