Items filtered by date: December 2023

Stress fractures are a common concern in tennis players, largely due to the repetitive nature of their movements and the frequent impact of their feet on hard surfaces. These fractures typically affect the back and the feet, with the metatarsal bones in the foot being a common location. Stress fractures are essentially tiny cracks in the bones, often arising from repeated actions and excessive strain on the foot. Rapidly increasing the intensity of training or altering the training regimen can also contribute to these fractures. Symptoms of foot stress fractures typically include localized pain, which may radiate to other parts of the foot, along with swelling and tenderness around the affected bone. Beyond resting the affected foot, it is suggested that if you have sustained a stress fracture from playing tennis, an appointment is scheduled with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, is a disease that causes pain and problems in joints and other areas of the body. One common area it affects is the feet. When someone has RA, their feet can hurt, and they may have trouble moving them. RA can cause the joints to swell, and they may become damaged over time. In the beginning, the signs of RA can mimic a host of other joint problems. Getting RA diagnosed quickly is important, as treating it early can help prevent joint damage and make the disease easier to control. If you have pain in your foot or ankle joints, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist to have an evaluation, a proper diagnosis, and correct treatment started.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM of Detroit, MI. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.

Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, is a vascular condition characterized by narrowed arteries in the legs, limiting blood flow to the feet. Several risk factors contribute to the development and progression of PAD. Smoking is a primary risk factor, as it damages blood vessels and promotes plaque buildup. Diabetes is another significant factor, as high blood sugar levels can damage arteries. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, places constant stress on arteries and can lead to their narrowing over time. Age is also a non-modifiable risk factor, as PAD becomes more common with advancing age. Genetics can play a role, with a family history of vascular diseases increasing one's susceptibility. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle contribute by promoting the accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries. Additionally, high cholesterol levels can lead to plaque formation in blood vessels. Lastly, individuals with a history of heart disease are at higher risk for PAD. If you have risk factors for PAD or suffer from its effects on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and necessary treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Ingrown toenails, though seemingly minor, can cause significant discomfort and warrant careful attention to both symptoms and causes. One of the primary symptoms is pain, often concentrated along the edges of the toenail, where it begins to grow into the surrounding skin. Swelling and redness may accompany the pain, indicative of inflammation and potential infection. The ingrown nail may also cause tenderness to the touch, making wearing shoes or even walking a painful experience. Causes of ingrown toenails are diverse, often stemming from improper nail trimming, wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear, or inherited structural issues such as unusually curved nails. Trauma or injury to the toe, fungal infections, and poor foot hygiene can also contribute to the development of ingrown toenails. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide treatment options and effective preventive measures.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM of Detroit, MI. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.