Items filtered by date: August 2021

Plantar fasciitis, which is one of the most common causes of heel pain, occurs when there is inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. While plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury, there are a variety of other factors that contribute to it, including wearing unsupportive footwear, being overweight, or having overpronated feet or tight calf muscles. Patients who are suffering from pain in the heel that develops over time, is worse in the morning, and causes tenderness in the arch of the foot, should consult with a podiatrist to confirm the source of the pain. If the heel pain is a result of plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist will have a variety of treatment methods to help you that may include cold therapy, taping the arch of the foot, orthotics, splints or medications. 

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.

A common fungal infection that affects many people worldwide is athlete’s foot. It can cause the skin between the toes and on the bottom of the foot to become red, inflamed, and uncomfortable. Additional symptoms can include cracked and flakey skin, and in severe cases, blisters may develop. It is considered to be contagious, and lives in areas that may include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. An effective prevention technique can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in these types of environments. Research has indicated it is beneficial to refrain from sharing towels, socks, and shoes in order to help to limit the spread of athlete’s foot. It is helpful to wash clothes that have been worn, bath mats, and sheets, as this is instrumental in preventing the spread of athlete’s foot. If you believe you are afflicted with this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you properly manage your athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

One common cause of heel pain is a foot condition known as plantar fasciitis. Research has indicated it comprises approximately eighty percent of all cases of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis can produce severe pain and discomfort, and can even cause difficulty in walking. This ailment may develop as a result of standing for extended periods of time during the day and from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, it can be caused by a sudden injury or from an abnormal foot structure. The heel can be affected by an Achilles tendon injury, which can gradually occur due to overuse. This can affect the ability to point and flex the foot, and can make it difficult to complete daily activities. There are several causes of  heel pain and it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat any 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 contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many runners know the benefits of stretching the calves. This can have a positive impact on the Achilles tendon, and may gradually lengthen the calf muscles. This can improve walking style, or gait, which is needed to maintain standing alignment. Research has indicated that stretching the calves may improve specific foot conditions that can include plantar fasciitis and bunions. An effective stretch for the calves can be done by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time, until a gentle stretch is felt. Additionally, when leaning into the palms that are against a wall, and keeping one leg bent and the other leg straight behind, this is known as a calf stretch that many runners practice. If you would like to know the benefits of stretching the calves, it is suggested that you 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 Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. 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 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 our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Orthotics are inserts that you wear inside your shoes. They can be used to treat or manage a variety of foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis and acquired flat foot. Orthotics are typically not used to prevent overuse injuries like stress fractures or tendonitis. There are two types of orthotics: over the counter and custom. Over the counter orthotics can be bought in most major drug, department, and shoe stores. Custom orthotics are made especially for your foot. The type of orthotic you should get depends on the specific foot problems that you are dealing with. Over the counter orthotics that are appropriately selected can be beneficial for treating a variety of common foot problems, while custom orthotics are especially useful for those who have foot deformities. To find out if orthotics are right for you, please consult with a podiatrist.

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