Supination and pronation are natural movements of the feet that occur during walking and running. Pronation refers to the inward rolling of the foot as it strikes the ground, helping absorb shock and distribute weight. Supination, also known as under-pronation, is the outward rolling of the foot, which places more pressure on the outer edge. Both motions are essential for balance and efficient movement. However, when either becomes excessive, it can lead to poor biomechanics and increased strain on the feet, ankles, and lower limbs.

Symptoms of excessive pronation often include flat foot posture, inward ankle rolling, and pain along the arch or inner ankle. Individuals may also experience knee or hip discomfort due to misalignment. Excessive supination typically presents with high arches, limited shock absorption, and pain along the outer edge of the foot or ankle. Repeated stress can lead to conditions such as ankle instability, stress fractures, or tendon irritation. These symptoms can worsen over time without proper support or correction.

Several risk factors contribute to abnormal foot mechanics. Genetics play a significant role, as inherited foot structure can influence arch height and alignment. Wearing incorrect footwear that lacks support or cushioning can worsen both pronation and supination. Bodily misalignment, including uneven leg length or poor posture, can also affect how weight is distributed through the feet. High impact activities and prolonged standing may increase stress on already imbalanced foot structures, leading to discomfort and injury.

Managing excessive supination or pronation involves improving support and correcting alignment. Wearing properly fitted, supportive footwear is essential for maintaining stability and reducing strain. Custom orthotics can help guide the foot into a more neutral position and improve overall biomechanics. Strengthening and stretching exercises may also support better movement patterns. If excessive supination or pronation of the feet is affecting your comfort or mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects the nerves in the forefoot, leading to pain and discomfort during daily activities. It develops when the tissue around a nerve becomes thickened due to repeated irritation or pressure. This commonly occurs in the area between the toes, where the nerve is more vulnerable to compression. Although the condition is not dangerous, it can significantly impact walking and overall foot function.

Common symptoms include pain in the ball of the foot that may feel sharp or burning in nature. Some individuals report a sensation of standing on a small object, often described as a pebble in the shoe. Numbness or tingling in the toes may also be present, along with stiffness in the morning that gradually improves throughout the day. These symptoms are often aggravated by activity or by wearing shoes that do not provide enough space or support.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. Repetitive stress from high-impact activities can irritate the nerve, while tight or narrow shoes can compress the forefoot. High-heeled footwear shifts body weight forward, adding pressure to the affected area. Structural foot issues, such as bunions or abnormal arches, can also contribute to uneven pressure distribution and increase the likelihood of nerve irritation.

Understanding the causes and symptoms of Morton’s neuroma is essential for early intervention and effective care. Taking steps to reduce pressure on the forefoot can improve comfort and prevent worsening symptoms. Seeking a podiatrist's evaluation can help determine the best course of treatment. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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 problems from wearing high heels develop due to abnormal pressure distribution and altered foot mechanics. High heels shift body weight forward onto the forefoot, increasing stress on the toes and ball of the foot. This repeated pressure can lead to structural changes and painful conditions such as bunions, corns, hammertoe, and pump bump, known as Haglund’s deformity. These issues often worsen with prolonged wear and poorly fitted shoes. Bunions are bony prominences that form at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and pain during walking. Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop from friction and pressure, often causing tenderness. Hammertoe occurs when the toe bends abnormally at the joint, leading to stiffness and discomfort. Pump bump, also known as a prominence at the back of the heel, results from repeated rubbing against the shoe and may cause irritation and swelling.

Common symptoms across these conditions include pain, bruising, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Some individuals experience weakness in the foot or instability while walking. Risk factors include frequent high heel use, narrow toe boxes, and extended periods of standing or walking. Genetics and foot structure may also increase susceptibility to these deformities.

Preventive strategies focus on reducing pressure and supporting proper alignment. Choosing shoes with a wider toe box, lower heel height, and proper cushioning can help minimize strain. Alternating footwear and limiting high heel use allow the feet to recover. Stretching and strengthening exercises improve flexibility and stability. Early care can prevent progression and reduce discomfort. If you have foot pain caused by wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It develops when the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, becomes irritated from repeated stress. Many people notice sharp pain near the bottom of the heel, especially with their first steps after getting out of bed or following a long period of sitting. The discomfort often improves after moving for a short time but may return after standing or walking for long periods. Plantar fasciitis can affect anyone, although it is more common in runners, people who spend many hours on their feet, and those with certain foot structures. Early diagnosis is important because ongoing irritation can make the condition more difficult to treat.

A podiatrist can determine whether plantar fasciitis is causing your heel pain or if another foot condition is responsible. During an examination, the podiatrist checks the location of the pain, evaluates foot movement, and looks for factors that place extra stress on the plantar fascia. Treatment is based on the cause and severity of the condition. Professional care may include custom orthotics, supportive footwear recommendations, or other medical treatments to reduce strain on the affected tissue. A podiatrist also monitors your progress and adjusts treatment as your symptoms improve. Early care may help reduce pain and improve your ability to stay active.

Professional plantar fasciitis treatment can help improve comfort, restore mobility, and protect your long-term foot health. Addressing symptoms early may also reduce the risk of long-lasting heel pain and ongoing inflammation. A podiatrist creates a personalized treatment plan that focuses on relieving pain while improving foot function. Whether heel pain develops gradually or begins after increased activity, prompt podiatry care can support a safer recovery. If you have heel pain or pain in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.