Flat feet are exactly what its name implies. The bottom of the foot lies flat on the ground, due to having little or no arch. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arch typically develops during the teenage years. Adults with flat feet may have endured a foot injury or been born with an abnormal foot structure. Additionally, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or rheumatoid arthritis may cause flat feet, as well as genetic reasons. Some patients who have flat feet and experience pain in various parts of the foot and ankle may choose to wear orthotics for mild relief. Severely flat feet may affect balance, and the feet may become stiff. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you relief options that are suitable for you. 

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.

There are simple stretches that can be done which can improve the strength and flexibility of the feet. This is also true for reducing existing foot pain when practiced several times per week. Toe raises are effective in keeping the toes strong and are begun by sitting in a chair with the feet on the floor. This is followed by raising the heels and keeping the toes steady on the floor while slowly curling the toes inward. Practicing toe splays can help to improve control over the toe muscles. This can easily be done by sitting in a chair and spreading the toes as far apart as possible without straining. It is helpful to repeat this stretch several times. The big toe can be stretched by placing one foot over the opposite thigh while gently pulling the big toe up and down. It can also be rotated from side to side. The soles of the feet can become stronger by picking up marbles one at a time with the toes and placing them in a small bowl. This can be repeated several times on each foot. If you would like to have more information about effective foot and toe stretches, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with useful tips.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

Routine foot care is important for everyone and it's especially important for diabetic patients. If an individual has diabetes, there can be accompanying nerve damage and circulation problems that can cause difficulty in feeling pain and inhibit healing. For these people who have foot problems that are left untreated, an infection may develop. It is critical for people who have diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels daily, in addition to exercising regularly and eating healthy foods. Following a good diabetic foot care regimen is also suggested. This includes inspecting the feet for sores, redness, cuts, and blisters. It is beneficial that the feet are washed, dried, and moisturized each day, and toenails are properly trimmed weekly. Those with diabetes should not walk barefoot and it is suggested that protective and enclosed footwear are worn. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist among your healthcare professionals who can examine your feet and help you to manage this condition. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Some people have jobs that require standing and lifting most of the day. The feet can be affected and it is generally stressed by employers and safety leaders in the workplace that appropriate shoes are worn. This may help to prevent severe foot conditions from developing, in addition to hurting other areas of the body. Standing on anti-fatigue mats, also known as stress mats, is known to help absorb the shock from standing on hard surfaces. Despite this, employees tend to trip on these mats if they are not flat on the ground which may lead to additional injuries. It is helpful to wear work shoes that have traction on the soles to help prevent injuries from existing later. In most union jobs, taking breaks is mandatory to allow ample time to rest the body and feet. If you would like more information about how wearing the right shoes while working can protect the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Many people begin to develop rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, when they reach their 30s or 40s. This disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system actually attacks the body's own tissues. This can cause pain in the joints, including those of the ankles, feet, and toes. Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include fatigue, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. Pain is generally worse when you first get up in the morning. Swelling in the lining of the joints causes pain and redness, and in most cases, affects both feet. Going up and down stairs becomes more difficult, and RA can interfere with carrying out daily activities. As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, nodules or hardened bumps may form in the joints. Eventually, the nearby bones and cartilage are affected, causing more visible deformities. In some cases, RA can harden the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart-related problems. For help with issues of rheumatoid arthritis in the feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Manisha Mehta, DPM from Detroit, MI. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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.