Haglund's deformity, commonly known as pump bump, is a bony enlargement that forms where the Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel bone. This painful condition often results from repetitive friction caused by wearing stiff or poorly fitting shoes, such as high heels or rigid-backed footwear. The constant rubbing leads to inflammation, redness, swelling, and the formation of calluses around the affected area. Those with abnormal foot mechanics, such as foot supination or high arches, are at higher risk of Haglund’s deformity. Symptoms include a visible bony bump, pain at the back of the heel, and swelling, particularly when wearing tight shoes. Conservative treatment includes reducing pressure and friction through wearing better-fitting footwear, heel pads, and certain exercises to alleviate pain and inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the bony protrusion and restore normal function. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain or suspect you have Haglund's deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, a diagnosis and suggestions for treatment.

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.

Children's foot health is imperative as they grow, with different stages requiring specific care and attention. Babies have soft and pliable feet that gradually develop bone structure and muscle strength. During the toddler years, as children begin to walk, their feet undergo significant changes, necessitating support and wearing well-fitted shoes to aid proper development. Choosing the right shoes is vital. They should be flexible, have a wide toe box, and provide adequate arch support without being too tight. Common foot problems in children include flat feet, in-toeing, out-toeing, and excessive pronation, which can affect gait and posture. Early detection and intervention are key to preventing long-term issues. Regular foot inspections, proper hygiene, and encouraging barefoot play when safe can promote healthy foot development. If any abnormalities or persistent issues arise, visit a podiatrist for a thorough assessment and appropriate guidance on maintaining optimal foot health as children grow.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Genetics can play a significant role in the development of congenital foot problems, particularly in pediatric patients. Common deformities such as clubfoot, flat feet, and metatarsus adductus often manifest at birth or during early childhood. Clubfoot is characterized by a twisted foot that points downward and inward, whereas flat feet involve a lack of arch in the foot when standing. Metatarsus adductus presents with the front half of the foot turned inward. These conditions are believed to occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although the precise causes are still not fully understood. Symptoms typically include abnormal foot shape, difficulty in walking, and discomfort. Treatment options vary from custom orthotics to surgical intervention, depending on severity. Prognosis is generally good with early treatment. If you are a parent and notice signs of foot deformities in your children, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate management.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Swollen ankles can arise from various factors, ranging from genetics to underlying health conditions. It is important to delve deeper into the potential causes of swollen ankles, because they can signal serious underlying health issues. For instance, obesity, diabetes, infections, and venous insufficiency can lead to fluid retention in the ankles, which makes them become swollen. Other serious conditions that can result in swelling in the ankles include congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, and liver or kidney problems. Pregnancy, medications, insect bites, and sprains can also cause the ankle to swell. Prolonged standing or consuming excess salt are other other factors. Depending on the underlying cause, interventions may include lifestyle modifications, medications, or targeted therapies. If you have noticed that your ankles are swelling abnormally, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, has several distinct symptoms that can affect the appearance and health of your toenails. The infection usually starts with a white or yellow spot under the tip of the toenail. As it progresses, the fungus can cause the nail to discolor, thicken, and develop crumbling edges. This may make the nail difficult to trim. The affected nails may also become brittle, ragged, and take on a dull, lackluster appearance. In some cases, the nail can separate from the nail bed. This may be a painful experience and can lead to further complications. Advanced cases of toenail fungus can result in a foul odor. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, can recommend effective treatments. These often include antifungal medications, topical treatments, and, in severe instances, professional removal of the nail. If you suspect toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss treatment options. 

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.