Items filtered by date: December 2022

Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00

Heel Pain Can Indicate Plantar Fasciitis

The foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis is considered to be the most common cause of heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, which is the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. It is located on the bottom of the foot and can become weak and swollen when torn or irritated. This condition can happen for various reasons, including standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. People who frequently run may be prone to developing plantar fasciitis, as a result of the consistent pressure the plantar fascia endures. Additionally, existing medical conditions may gradually lead to getting this ailment, consisting of obesity, having tight calves, or a shortened Achilles tendon. Some patients find relief in performing the heel raise stretch, which is done by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle pull is felt. Rolling the foot on a tennis ball may help to stretch the bottom of the foot while strengthening it at the same time. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can help you to find relief.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00

Heel Pain Can Indicate Plantar Fasciitis

The foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis is considered to be the most common cause of heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, which is the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. It is located on the bottom of the foot and can become weak and swollen when torn or irritated. This condition can happen for various reasons, including standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. People who frequently run may be prone to developing plantar fasciitis, as a result of the consistent pressure the plantar fascia endures. Additionally, existing medical conditions may gradually lead to getting this ailment, consisting of obesity, having tight calves, or a shortened Achilles tendon. Some patients find relief in performing the heel raise stretch, which is done by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle pull is felt. Rolling the foot on a tennis ball may help to stretch the bottom of the foot while strengthening it at the same time. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can help you to find relief.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00

Simple Methods That Can Maintain Healthy Feet

The feet carry the weight of the body and undergo extreme pressure during any given day. When everyday foot care is practiced, the feet can look and feel healthy, and there are simple methods that can accomplish this. It begins with washing and drying the feet daily, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. It is a good practice to trim the nails weekly, and this is properly done by cutting them straight across instead of curved. Soaking the feet in warm water at the end of the day is not only relaxing for the overall body, but beneficial for the skin, which can become softer. It may make it easier to remove dead skin by using a pumice stone. It is suggested that shoes are the right size, and fit comfortably, as this may help to prevent unwanted corns, bunions, or hammertoes from developing. If you would like additional information about various foot care techniques to implement for better feeling feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

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 Sandusky, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care
Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00

Simple Methods That Can Maintain Healthy Feet

The feet carry the weight of the body and undergo extreme pressure during any given day. When everyday foot care is practiced, the feet can look and feel healthy, and there are simple methods that can accomplish this. It begins with washing and drying the feet daily, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. It is a good practice to trim the nails weekly, and this is properly done by cutting them straight across instead of curved. Soaking the feet in warm water at the end of the day is not only relaxing for the overall body, but beneficial for the skin, which can become softer. It may make it easier to remove dead skin by using a pumice stone. It is suggested that shoes are the right size, and fit comfortably, as this may help to prevent unwanted corns, bunions, or hammertoes from developing. If you would like additional information about various foot care techniques to implement for better feeling feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

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 Sandusky, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Every Day Foot Care
Tuesday, 13 December 2022 00:00

Clothing and Poor Circulation

Poor circulation to the feet can occur in an individual when blood flow to the feet is lacking. There are admittedly many different important causes of poor circulation in the feet that everyone ought to be aware of if they are serious about protecting the health of their feet. One often overlooked cause of poor circulation is wearing pants that are too tight. Sometimes, for example, when an individual wears a small pair of skinny jeans, the tight clothing can cut off blood flow to the lower legs and feet. A feeling of numbness might be felt in the thigh that runs down to the feet. As a result, when an individual puts weight on their feet, it can feel as though the feet are not there. In other words, the feet can be particularly numb as a result of wearing skinny jeans. If you want to learn more about how clothing or footwear influences poor circulation in the feet, contact a podiatrist today.


 

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Steven Sheridan of Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet
Tuesday, 13 December 2022 00:00

Clothing and Poor Circulation

Poor circulation to the feet can occur in an individual when blood flow to the feet is lacking. There are admittedly many different important causes of poor circulation in the feet that everyone ought to be aware of if they are serious about protecting the health of their feet. One often overlooked cause of poor circulation is wearing pants that are too tight. Sometimes, for example, when an individual wears a small pair of skinny jeans, the tight clothing can cut off blood flow to the lower legs and feet. A feeling of numbness might be felt in the thigh that runs down to the feet. As a result, when an individual puts weight on their feet, it can feel as though the feet are not there. In other words, the feet can be particularly numb as a result of wearing skinny jeans. If you want to learn more about how clothing or footwear influences poor circulation in the feet, contact a podiatrist today.


 

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Steven Sheridan of Ankle & Foot Specialty Clinics. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet
Wednesday, 07 December 2022 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Wednesday, 07 December 2022 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 06 December 2022 00:00

Signs of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Some of the symptoms that are associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome can include pain in the overall foot, and the toes may feel weak and numb. The tarsal tunnel, located in the abkle, houses nerves, arteries, and tendons. It a crucial part in moving the foot, in addition to providing a maximum range of motion. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is repeated pressure on the nerve that connects the ankle to the foot due to a blockage of the tunnel. This can happen as a result of enduring a foot or ankle injury, or from having an abnormal foot structure. Additionally, medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid disorders may lead to developing this ailment, and the affected foot can become uncomfortable and swollen. A proper diagnosis is often performed which consists of having an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI taken, in addition to undergoing a physical examination of the foot. If you have any of the above symptoms, please confer with a podiatrist who can help you with treatment options that are correct for you.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.

Read more about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

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