Women's feet face many changing demands throughout life, and certain shoe styles add pressure that contributes to pain. Narrow-fitting shoes squeeze the toes, while high heels shift body weight toward the ball of the foot. This pressure increases irritation around joints and nerves in the toes, feet, and ankles. High heels also affect balance and place added strain on the ankles. Pregnancy brings additional changes as increased body weight and looser ligaments affect foot support. Some women notice flatter arches or a change in shoe size while pregnant. Persistent foot pain should not be accepted as part of daily life.

A podiatrist evaluates these changes and identifies problems that interfere with comfortable movement. Burning pain in the ball of the foot sometimes signals Morton's neuroma. This is a thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes. It usually affects the space between the third and fourth toes. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, or the feeling of a tiny pebble inside the shoe. Wearing tight shoes and repeated pressure from sports also contribute to nerve irritation. A podiatrist examines the painful area and checks for other possible causes. In some cases, ultrasound scans help clarify the diagnosis. Treatment includes carefully placed padding or custom orthotics to reduce pressure. For persistent symptoms, a podiatrist discusses additional treatments, which may include surgery.

Heel pain also affects many women, particularly when shoes lack proper support or daily activities repeatedly strain the feet. Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the strong band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Pain frequently appears with the first steps after rest. However, heel pain also results from stress fractures or tendon problems, making an accurate diagnosis essential. A podiatrist assesses foot structure and walking patterns, then orders imaging tests when appropriate. Treatment addresses the cause through options like custom orthotics or prescribed supportive devices. If you are experiencing any of these foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.

Pain across the top of the foot can make walking, exercising, and even wearing shoes uncomfortable. One common cause is extensor tendonitis. This occurs when the tendons running along the top of the foot become irritated or inflamed. These tendons help lift the toes and foot during movement. Repeated stress can cause inflammation and tenderness. While this condition may develop gradually, pain sometimes occurs after a sudden increase in activity or a change in exercise.

Symptoms of extensor tendonitis include aching, tenderness, or warmth across the top of the foot. Pain may become worse when walking, running, or moving the toes. Wearing tight shoes can increase pressure over the irritated tendons and make symptoms more noticeable. Friction from footwear also contributes to irritation. Some people notice discomfort when pressing on the affected area. Rest may provide temporary relief, but ongoing pain should not be ignored.

Several factors increase the risk of pain across the top of the foot. Increasing exercise too quickly can place extra stress on the extensor tendons. Activities that involve repeated running or jumping may also contribute. Wearing shoes that are too tight across the instep creates friction and pressure. Abnormal foot arches may change how weight is distributed during movement, which places additional strain on the tendons. Previous foot injuries also increase the likelihood of developing tendon irritation.

A podiatrist will examine your foot and assess your walking pattern, footwear, and areas of tenderness. Imaging tests may be recommended when a fracture or another condition needs to be ruled out. Treatment options include activity changes, supportive footwear, or other measures to reduce pressure on the affected area. Your podiatrist may also recommend a gradual return to activity as symptoms improve. If you have foot pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat extensor tendonitis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. 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 office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot or ankle injuries can make each step painful and unsteady. A cane, crutches, or a walker can reduce pressure on the injured area while supporting safer movement. These devices are used after fractures, severe sprains, and tendon injuries. The right choice depends on the injury and how much weight the patient can safely place on the affected foot. Poor fit or technique can place extra stress on the injury and increase the risk of falling.

Proper fit helps protect the foot or ankle while it heals. Cane and walker handles usually reach the wrist crease when a patient stands upright, with the elbows slightly bent. Crutches should sit below the armpits, and body weight should rest on the hands. A cane is held on the side opposite the injured foot or ankle. When using a walker, patients should place it a short distance ahead before stepping into its center. Rubber tips should be checked for wear because damaged parts can slip. Patients should follow instructions about whether they can place full, partial, or no weight on the injured side.

A podiatrist can examine the injured foot or ankle and assess balance. This evaluation helps determine which device provides the right level of support. The podiatrist can adjust its height, explain safe movement, and check whether shoes fit securely. Guidance can cover rising from a chair, managing stairs, and moving across uneven ground. New pain, swelling, or numbness can mean too much pressure is reaching the injury. Skin irritation can also develop where a device rubs against the body. A podiatrist can identify these problems and make adjustments that protect the injured area. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing and decide whether the walking aid should still be used. If you need a cane, crutches, or a walker, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance on proper use and adjustments.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Properly fitting shoes can make a major difference in everyday foot comfort. Shoes that are too tight may squeeze the toes and create pressure points, while shoes that are too loose can allow excessive movement inside the shoe. Wearing the wrong size regularly may contribute to blisters, corns, and painful foot problems. A good shoe should feel comfortable from the beginning and provide enough room for the toes to move naturally. The heel should stay secure without rubbing. The arch area should feel supported without creating uncomfortable pressure. Choosing the right shoe size is especially important if you already experience foot pain or have a condition that changes your foot shape.

Start by tracing your foot on a piece of paper while standing. Measure the length and width of the outline to help determine your shoe size. Measure both feet because one foot may be larger than the other. Shop for shoes in the afternoon rather than at night, because feet often become larger during the day. Wear the type of socks you normally use with the shoes. Try on both shoes and walk around the store before buying them.  Do not assume shoes will stretch enough to become comfortable later.

Wearing improperly sized shoes can contribute to several foot conditions. Wearing tight shoes may increase pressure that contributes to bunion, hammertoe, and ingrown toenail pain. A podiatrist can examine your feet and identify problems related to footwear. Treatment may include addressing pressure areas, recommending supportive shoes, and treating irritation or inflammation. If pain is persistent, the podiatrist may use imaging tests to evaluate underlying bone or joint concerns.

The right shoes should support your feet without restricting natural movement. Pay attention to new discomfort rather than waiting for a small problem to become severe. If you have foot conditions from wearing the wrong size shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions and guidance on how to choose the right shoes. 

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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 care needs.