Items filtered by date: July 2022

There are several different types of foot surgery that have to be performed for permanent relief. A bone spur is a growth on the back of the heel that can develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The Achilles tendon is often affected by a bone spur, and may have to be repaired following removal of the bone spur. A cast is generally worn for several weeks, and this is helpful as the healing process occurs. The removal of a toe spur can be a reason to have foot surgery. This is a bony growth that develops on the toe, and the surgery is done by making a small cut in the skin surrounding the toe spur. A tool that is referred to as a power rasp is inserted into the small incision, and used to file the spur in addition to smoothing the skin. The majority of patients wear a surgical shoe for several weeks following the surgery. This is helpful in providing stability and protecting the affected toe. If you have developed spurs on your foot, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively perform the foot surgery that is needed.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM of Detroit, MI. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Swelling in the ankles, feet, and lower legs often affects people as they enter their senior years. Termed edema, this swelling can put you at a higher risk of falling and affect your normal daily activities. Caused by retention of fluids, edema also can be a sign of other conditions. Among these are heart problems, kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Swelling also may be the result of a sedentary lifestyle. Some ways to lessen the swelling are wearing compression socks, keeping the feet elevated, drinking more fluids, and limiting foods with high salt content. An increase of foods that are rich in magnesium is encouraged. There are also a number of exercises that can help, but it is not a good idea to start any exercises before knowing the cause of the edema. If you notice swelling in the lower extremities, it is important to see a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan, which may include a safe program of exercises. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM of Detroit, MI. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

As people age, they are at an increasing risk of suffering a dangerous fall. However, there are several ways in which seniors can prevent trips and tumbles by focusing on their feet. Specifically, seniors can practice simple, isolated foot exercises to strengthen their muscles and improve stability. First, a senior can practice heel-toe walking by slowly placing one foot directly in front of the other in succession, making sure that each time the heel is placed up against the other foot’s toes. It might be helpful to extend the arms horizontally at one’s sides or lightly touch a wall for extra balance. Additionally, a senior may perform foot taps, where one stands at the bottom of a staircase with their feet hip-width apart and slowly raises each foot to gently tap the top of the bottom stair. One can alternate feet each time to help build stability and balance. Each of these exercises can be performed three to five times per week. A senior might even consider performing these exercises with the help of a friend or loved one. A podiatrist can give you more tips about improving balance to prevent falls.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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