Most people will deal with foot related issues throughout their lives, and these conditions can be both painful and embarrassing. Bunions, which are a joint misalignment that occur as bony bumps at the base of the big toe, can be extremely painful. Gout, which is a build up of uric acid, causes pain in the joints, most commonly in the big toe joint. Corns and calluses usually occur as a result of friction or pressure on the skin of the feet, and they can also be painful when pressure is applied to them. Another ailment that can be painful is hammertoe, which is when the middle joint of a toe bends downwards due to improper footwear or abnormal foot function. Other causes of foot pain can include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or stress fractures. If you are afflicted with pain in your feet, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.  

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Prior to choosing the right running shoe for you, there are several important factors to consider. One of these is the pronation of your foot. Pronation refers to the rolling of the foot from the heel to the toe when your foot strikes the ground while you walk. Ideally, your foot should strike the ground with the outside of the heel and move up to the ball of your foot evenly. People who have overpronation roll the foot too much towards the inside while they walk. People who have underpronation roll the foot too much to the outside while walking. Your gait pattern can help determine what the best running shoe for you looks like. For example, if you have overpronation, you may want to opt for a shoe that offers motion control and stability. For more information on how to pick the best running shoes for you, consult with a podiatrist today.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Heel pain may be increased in overweight patients. This can be a result of the added weight that the heels must endure, and chronic foot conditions may develop. The additional weight may cause obese patients to lose interest in exercising, yet exercise is an essential key to losing unwanted pounds. Some patients notice that their foot size has increased, or that their feet have become wider. Additionally, specific forms of arthritis may develop, which can include gout or osteoarthritis. Swelling, pain, and overall foot discomfort may be felt from the strain of the extra weight, in addition to plantar fasciitis and arthritis in the back of the foot. If you are overweight and are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is strongly recommended that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and effectively treat this type of pain.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

High heels have become notorious for creating issues with the feet. One common struggle many women face when choosing to wear high heels is that they often develop blisters on their toes or on the back of their heels. If the high heels you are wearing are slightly too big, it will cause friction with the skin of your feet, causing blisters to form. Blisters can be incredibly uncomfortable, and often painful, making it difficult to walk. Some women apply bandages to their heels or toes to limit the amount of friction between the shoes and skin. For more advice on how to prevent blisters while wearing high heels, please speak with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Gary Cesar of Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 our offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are many people worldwide who suffer from general foot pain. This may be partially or fully alleviated when frequent foot stretches are performed. A common and painful foot condition known as plantar fasciitis typically targets the heel and arch area. It may be beneficial to roll the bottom of the foot on a tennis ball, as this can help to stretch the plantar fascia. Swelling and redness are often symptoms that accompany a bunion, and it may feel better to stretch the toes. People who have jobs that require standing for the majority of the day and experience sore feet may benefit from elevating the feet as often as possible, in addition to massaging areas of the foot that are painful. If you would like more information about the benefits of stretching the feet, please consult with a podiatrist

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Gary Cesar from Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. 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 offices located in Lansing and Mt. Pleasant, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.