Items filtered by date: February 2019

One of the symptoms that is associated with heel spurs is pain in the heel and surrounding areas. The reason this can develop may be inflammation that originates from the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition may include heel pain in the morning, or while walking or standing for extended periods of time. There are treatment options available, including resting the foot whenever possible, and performing specific stretches that may loosen the tissues around the heel bone. Some patients find massaging the area is beneficial in finding relief, in addition to wearing shoe inserts. If you have a heel spur, it is recommended that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment techniques.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan from Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Sandusky, MI . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

If you notice skin growing on the side your big toe, you may have what is referred to as an ingrown toenail. There may be several noticeable symptoms that are associated with this condition, and these may include extreme tenderness, swelling, and possible drainage from the affected area. If the toenails are not properly trimmed, the result may be an ingrown toenail. Additional reasons why this condition can develop may come from an injury that may have happened to the nail, or if shoes and socks that are worn do not fit correctly. Mild relief may be obtained by soaking the foot in a salt solution. If medical conditions including diabetes or poor circulation exist, it is strongly recommended to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer correct treatment and preventive techniques.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan of Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Research has indicated that foot pain women may experience may come from from wearing high heels. The balance in the body may be altered as a result of the ankles bending forward, and this is a feeling that is similar to standing on tiptoes. Additionally, the calf muscles may be shortened which may affect the Achilles tendon, and this may lead to painful injuries. It may be helpful to limit wearing high heels, or to choose a lower and wider heel. Stretching and resting the feet frequently throughout the day may be beneficial in preventing unwanted foot conditions that may be associated with wearing this type of shoe. If you would like additional information about the possible hazards associated with wearing high heels, it is suggested to consult with a podiatrist who can properly assist you.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan from Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. 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 Sandusky, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Children’s feet may just look like a smaller version of adult feet, despite the fact that there are many differences between them. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch will typically develop as the walking process begins. Additionally, at the time of birth, fat pads exist on the bottom of the feet, and these will gradually be replaced by strong bones. Children’s feet will benefit while walking barefoot indoors which may promote adequate muscle tone. Since a child’s foot rapidly grows, it is suggested to frequently measure the feet to determine the correct shoe size. When this occurs, shoes that are purchased should provide ample cushioning, flexibility, and stability. Research has indicated the average life of a pair of shoes is approximately four months, and this may decrease if the child participates in sporting activity. If you would like additional information about how to determine the size of your child’s foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly guide you.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Steven Sheridan of Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. 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 Sandusky, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.