March 2020

Many pregnant women are aware of the changes that happen to their feet and ankles. This is generally a result of increased blood volume, and additional weight that is caused by the growing baby. The feet and ankles may become swollen, which is why it may be beneficial for women to purchase larger shoes. Mild relief may be found when the legs are elevated, and it may help to limit the amount of time walking and standing throughout the day. Additionally, it may be beneficial to drink plenty of water daily, and to place a cold compress on your ankles. If you are afflicted with swollen ankles and feet during your pregnancy, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can address any foot concerns you may have.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

When the feet are properly stretched, it may positively affect the well-being of the overall body. The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, which is why it’s important to practice effective ways to stretch different areas of the feet. When your foot is rolled on a tennis ball, you may feel the muscles quickly relax. This can be helpful after standing or walking for the majority of the day. Some patients find it beneficial to stand on their tip toes for several seconds, as this may help to relax the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. People who have flat feet may find it useful to stretch the arch, which can be accomplished by standing on the floor and gently lifting the toes. If you would like additional methods for stretching your feet, please consult with 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 one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical condition that is known as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity in the middle joint of the second toe. It may gradually bend to resemble a hammer, and can overlap onto the third toe. There are a variety of reasons why this condition may occur. These can include wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, genetic factors that may involve a muscle imbalance, or from a toe injury. Common symptoms that are often associated with hammertoe can consist of redness and swelling on the affected joint, pain while wearing shoes, and it can be difficult to move the affected toe. It may be helpful to wear shoes that are a larger size, in addition using insoles which may relieve a portion of the discomfort. If you are afflicted with hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment options. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who enjoy running and jogging typically know what it is like to develop a blister on the foot. Blisters are often painful and uncomfortable, and can inhibit daily activities. A blister may form as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from beginning a new sport. It is caused by excessive friction, and is defined as a small sac that is filled with fluid which protects the damaged skin. After several days, it generally drains naturally after the new skin has formed. There are methods that can be implemented which may help to prevent blisters from developing. These can include wearing shoes and socks that fit properly, as well as lubricating your feet before running. If you have a blister that becomes infected, or would like additional information about how to prevent blisters, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Stress fractures are defined as a small break in one or more bones in the feet. They can occur as a result of frequently running for extended periods of time, or from participating in jumping activities. Additionally, they may happen if there is a change in the style of jogging you’re used to, or a change in the running surface. A common symptom that is associated with stress fractures can include pain during physical activity. This pain may also return after resting. Typically, effective treatment generally means the activity must be ceased that caused the fracture, and a boot or cast may be recommended for the healing process. If you have pain in your foot and think you may have a stress fracture, it is strongly advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.