Items filtered by date: December 2024

Flat feet, also called fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot is lower than normal or completely flattened, causing the sole to touch the ground. While this condition is common in children as their arches develop, some people retain flat feet into adulthood. Others develop flat feet later in life due to aging, obesity, diabetes, or arthritis. Flat feet symptoms include pain in the arch, heel, or ankle, swelling, stiffness, and uneven wear on shoes. In some cases, the altered alignment of the feet can affect stability, increasing the risk of tripping or causing discomfort during activity. A podiatrist can diagnose flat feet by examining foot structure and movement. This foot doctor may recommend orthotics, which are custom shoe inserts designed to support the arch, improve foot alignment, and reduce pressure on the feet and ankles. Wearing supportive footwear can also help minimize discomfort. If you are experiencing pain caused by having flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Tophi are firm, often painless lumps that can develop around the joints, especially in the feet, toes, and ankles, in people with advanced gout. These nodules form when uric acid crystallizes and accumulates over time, creating hardened deposits beneath the skin. While initially they may not cause discomfort, larger tophi can lead to joint instability, limited movement, and significant pain. The skin over a tophus may become stretched and thin, and in some cases, it can ulcerate, exposing a chalky substance inside. Without treatment, tophi can erode bone and cartilage, resulting in chronic inflammation and joint deformity. A podiatrist can diagnose and manage tophi by evaluating joint damage, guiding treatment to reduce uric acid levels, and performing surgical removal if needed. Addressing tophi early can help prevent further complications and restore mobility. If you frequently have painful gout flare-ups, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Balance exercises can play a vital role in maintaining stability and preventing falls, especially as people age. Poor balance often stems from weakened muscles in the feet, ankles, and toes, which are key areas for maintaining a steady gait. Declining strength can make daily activities like walking or standing more challenging, which increases the risk of falls. Regular balance exercises that target these areas, like heel raises or toe taps, can enhance muscle coordination and foot control. These exercises not only strengthen the lower body but also improve proprioception, or the body’s awareness of its position in space. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet and ankles for issues that may contribute to balance problems, such as deformities, joint instability, or conditions like arthritis. This foot doctor also can recommend specific strategies to improve foot and ankle strength and reduce your risk of falls. If you are exhibiting balance problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam that may help to avoid falling.

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.

Seed corns, medically known as heloma miliare, are small, well-defined areas of thickened skin that typically form on the soles of the feet. These hard, circular spots are often caused by friction, pressure, or dry skin, and they may appear in clusters. Seed corns are distinct from calluses and plantar warts. Calluses are larger and irregularly shaped, while plantar warts disrupt the skin's natural lines and may include tiny dark dots. Though seed corns are typically painless, they can cause some discomfort, especially in weight-bearing areas of the foot. A podiatrist can diagnose seed corns through a foot examination and distinguish them from other conditions. Treatment includes safely trimming the thickened skin to reduce discomfort, as well as addressing underlying factors like wearing ill-fitting shoes or excessive pressure. Podiatrists also provide guidance on preventive measures, such as selecting proper footwear and using orthotic devices to minimize friction. If you have a problematic corn on your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for guidance.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM of Detroit, MI. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Podiatrists play a vital role in maintaining and improving foot health through comprehensive assessments and tailored care. During an exam, these doctors evaluate the structure, alignment, and function of the feet, looking for issues like abnormal gait, skin changes, or signs of underlying conditions. They assess footwear choices and advise on proper shoe fit to prevent problems like bunions or calluses. For those with specific conditions like diabetes, podiatrists focus on preventing complications by examining the skin and checking circulation and nerve function. If issues like nail infections, corns, or chronic pain are present, podiatrists provide targeted treatments, which may include orthotics, wound care, or recommendations for daily foot care routines. If you would like to make sure you are tending to proper foot care or if you have specific concerns about your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist who can monitor changes over time, address any emerging concerns, and promote long-term foot health.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. 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 Detroit, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.